Sharp Cheese: How Long Does It Last?

Sharp cheese is a hard cheese, and hard cheeses can last in the fridge for a long time—about four weeks once opened, according to some experts. Unopened, hard cheeses will last about six months, according to the USDA. However, this duration can vary depending on the type of cheese, how it's stored, and the climate conditions in your fridge.

Sharp cheese storage methods

Sharp cheese, like other hard cheeses, can be stored in the fridge for a long time—about four weeks once opened, and about six months if unopened. However, proper storage is essential to ensure the cheese stays fresh and safe to eat.

Storage Materials

Sharp cheese should be removed from its plastic packaging and wrapped loosely in a pliable, breathable material such as wax paper or cheese paper. Then, place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Avoid using tight, non-porous materials like plastic wrap, as these can dry out the cheese. Instead, opt for materials that allow the cheese to breathe while protecting it from low humidity in the fridge. Cheese paper, wax paper, or parchment paper are ideal.

Storage Location

When storing sharp cheese in the refrigerator, choose the top or middle shelf, or a drawer. Keep the cheese away from raw meats, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination.

Freezing

Freezing is an option for extending the shelf life of sharp cheese. Hard cheeses can be frozen for up to eight months if the package is intact. However, it's important to note that freezing may affect the texture of the cheese.

Signs of Spoilage

Even with proper storage, sharp cheese can spoil over time. Signs of spoilage include visible mold, dryness, a yeasty or ammonia smell, drastic changes in texture, and discolouration. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to discard the cheese.

How to tell if sharp cheese has gone bad

Sharp cheese, like other types of cheese, can go bad. Here are some ways to tell if sharp cheese has gone bad:

Appearance

The appearance of sharp cheese can change if it has gone bad. One of the most obvious signs of spoilage is visible, unintentional mould growth. While some moulds on cheese are harmless, others can be toxic and dangerous if consumed in large amounts. Different types of mould can cause different colours and patterns on the cheese, such as blue, red, or white spots. If the entire piece of cheese is covered in thick mould, it may not be worth saving.

In addition to mould, discolouration can also indicate that sharp cheese has gone bad. This can be due to oxidation, which causes the cheese to lose its yellow colour and appear whiter. Browning during ageing, resulting from a complex reaction between reducing sugars and amino acids from the breakdown of protein in the cheese, can also be a sign of spoilage. Any significant change in colour is an indication that the cheese has spoiled and should not be consumed, even if it may still be safe to eat.

Texture

The texture of sharp cheese can also change if it has gone bad. Hard cheeses like sharp cheddar can start to crack due to changes in moisture content and the growth of unwanted bacteria. As hard cheeses age, they lose moisture, becoming brittle and prone to cracking. Soft white mould cheeses, on the other hand, can become slimy when spoilage occurs due to the growth of unwanted bacteria. This can result in an off-putting odour.

Grittiness on the rind can also indicate spoilage, especially in soft washed rind cheeses. The bacteria on the surface of these cheeses cause deacidification, leading to the formation of crystals that give the rind a gritty texture. If the rind is excessively gritty and slimy, it is best to discard the cheese.

Smell

The smell of sharp cheese can provide a strong indication of whether it has gone bad. Spoiled cheese can develop a range of unpleasant odours due to the growth of bacteria or the breakdown of proteins and fats in the cheese. Ammonia, produced by bacteria breaking down protein, has a strong, pungent smell similar to cleaning products or urine. Butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid produced by bacteria breaking down fat, has a pungent, rancid smell. Geosmin, produced by bacteria and fungi commonly found in soil, gives off a musty, earthy aroma.

Taste

Tasting the cheese is another way to tell if it has gone bad, although it may be the least desirable method. Spoiled cheese can taste bitter, acidic, or unpleasantly sour. A mild cheese that has developed a strong character may also indicate spoilage.

It is important to note that even if the cheese does not show obvious signs of spoilage, it can still go bad before the "best-by" date. Proper storage is crucial to maintaining the quality and safety of sharp cheese.

Sharp cheese shelf life

Sharp cheese is a variety of cheddar cheese, which falls under the category of hard cheese. Hard cheeses have a lower moisture content, which helps extend their shelf life.

Hard cheeses that haven't been opened can last for several months and even up to a year when stored in the fridge. Once opened, hard cheese can last for about three to four weeks in the refrigerator. Unopened packages of hard cheese will last about six months, according to the USDA.

To ensure your sharp cheddar cheese lasts as long as possible, follow these steps for proper storage:

• Remove the cheese from its plastic packaging.
• Wrap it loosely in a pliable yet breathable material, such as wax paper or cheese paper.
• Put the cheese in a container with an airtight lid.
• Keep it in the coldest part of the fridge.

Additionally, it is safe to cut off any mould that forms on hard cheese and consume the rest. However, soft cheeses are riskier if they are past their prime as mould can spread much faster.

Therefore, sharp cheddar cheese will typically last for about three to four weeks in the refrigerator after being opened, if stored properly.

Sharp cheese spoilage signs

Sharp cheddar cheese is a versatile dairy product with a long shelf life. However, it's important to know the signs of spoilage to ensure you're consuming safe and enjoyable cheese. Here are some detailed signs of spoilage to look out for:

Visual Inspection

A visual inspection is often the first step in determining the condition of sharp cheddar cheese. Look for any significant color changes, such as the presence of dark spots, streaks, or patches. Fresh cheddar cheese typically has a pale yellow to deep orange color. Any discoloration is a sign that the cheese has spoiled and may harbour harmful bacteria.

Mold Growth

Mold is a telltale sign of cheese spoilage. Look for fuzzy or discolored patches on the surface of the cheese. Common mold colors include white, green, blue, or black. Even a small amount of mold indicates that the entire block of cheese is contaminated and should be discarded.

Texture Alterations

Fresh sharp cheddar cheese should have a firm and slightly crumbly texture. If it becomes slimy, sticky, or excessively soft, it's likely a sign of spoilage. This texture change is caused by the growth of unwanted bacteria and mold, which produce slimy substances.

Odor

Odor plays a crucial role in identifying spoiled sharp cheddar cheese. Fresh cheddar has a mild, pleasant, and slightly tangy aroma. An off-odor, such as a strong, unpleasant, sour, or ammonia-like smell, is a clear indication that the cheese is no longer good.

Taste

Taste can also be a reliable indicator of spoilage. While sharp cheddar cheese is known for its tangy flavor, a pungent or bitter taste indicates that it has gone bad. If the cheese tastes off in any way, it's best to discard it.

Crystallization

Crystallization may occur in aged sharp cheddar cheese, but this is not a reliable indicator of spoilage. Instead, focus on any significant changes from the cheese's original state. If it feels different from when it was fresh, it's likely past its prime and should be discarded.

Sharp cheese freezing

Sharp cheese can be frozen, but it's important to note that freezing will affect the texture and quality. Here are some tips and guidelines for freezing sharp cheese:

Best Cheeses for Freezing

Hard and semi-hard cheeses with lower moisture content and higher fat content, such as cheddar, Swiss, brick cheese, and blue cheese, are generally the best options for freezing. These cheeses will become crumbly and mealy, and more difficult to slice after freezing. However, they will still melt well, making them suitable for cooked dishes like casseroles, sauces, grilled cheese sandwiches, and pizza.

Worst Cheeses for Freezing

Soft cheeses with higher moisture content, such as Camembert, Brie, cottage cheese, and ricotta, are not ideal for freezing. They may not retain their texture and quality after thawing. Fresh curd cheeses like ricotta and cottage cheese, as well as soft, ripened cheeses, are best enjoyed fresh.

Preparing Cheese for Freezing

When preparing sharp cheese for freezing, it is recommended to portion it into quantities that you are likely to use at one time. For large blocks of cheese, such as cheddar, it is best not to freeze more than one pound (500 grams) per portion. You can also grate or slice the cheese before freezing.

Storing Cheese in the Freezer

The cheese can be stored in its original packaging or wrapped in foil or cheese paper. If using foil or cheese paper, place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or ziplock bag to prevent dry air from causing freezer burn. For sliced cheese, separate the slices with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

Freezing and Thawing

Freeze the cheese as quickly as possible to at least -9 °F (-23 °C) to prevent the formation of large ice crystals, which can damage the structure of the cheese. Use the quick freeze function on your freezer if available. Cheese can be stored in the freezer indefinitely, but for the best quality, it is recommended to use it within 6 to 9 months.

To thaw frozen cheese, place it in the refrigerator at 32–34 °F (0–1 °C) for 7–8 hours per pound (500 grams). You can also use shredded cheese straight from the freezer for pizza toppings or cooking. It is not recommended to refreeze cheese after it has been thawed.

Changes in Texture and Taste

Freezing and thawing cheese will affect its texture and consistency, making it drier, crumbly, and mealy. The flavor may also be slightly reduced, although harder cheeses will retain their flavor better than softer cheeses. Frozen cheese is therefore best suited for cooked dishes where changes in texture are less noticeable.

Frequently asked questions