Ricotta Cheese: How Long Does It Last Once Opened?

Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It is a soft, spreadable cheese with a creamy texture and a delicate, milky, sweet flavour. Once opened, ricotta cheese is highly perishable and should be consumed within a week or two. To extend its shelf life, it is recommended to store it in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze it. Properly stored, frozen ricotta cheese will maintain its best quality for about three months but will remain safe beyond that time.

Ricotta cheese lasts 1-2 weeks after opening

Ricotta cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese with a creamy texture and a delicate, milky, sweet flavour. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. However, ricotta cheese has a relatively short shelf life compared to other cheeses due to its high moisture content, which creates a breeding ground for bacteria. Therefore, it is important to consume ricotta cheese within 1-2 weeks after opening to ensure food safety and maintain its optimal taste and quality.

Proper storage is crucial to maximise the shelf life of ricotta cheese. Once opened, it should be kept refrigerated at all times and tightly covered, either in its original packaging or an airtight container. Ricotta cheese should be discarded if left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. To further extend its shelf life, it can be frozen in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. However, frozen ricotta may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour, making it more suitable for cooked dishes.

It is important to be vigilant for any signs of spoilage in ricotta cheese. The first clue is usually a change in appearance, such as discolouration, excess liquid, or the presence of mould. Some types of soft cheeses may have an edible layer of mould, but any mould on ricotta cheese indicates spoilage. Additionally, if the cheese develops an off odour or sour smell, it should be discarded. Trust your senses and, when in doubt, perform a "sniff test" to ensure the cheese is still safe to consume.

To summarise, ricotta cheese lasts for 1-2 weeks after opening when stored properly in the refrigerator. To maximise its shelf life, keep it tightly covered and refrigerated, and be sure to consume it within this timeframe to enjoy it at its best.

It should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge

Ricotta cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese with a high moisture content. This means that it spoils more quickly than hard cheeses and should be used promptly. To maximise its shelf life, it should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge at all times.

The precise shelf life of opened ricotta cheese depends on storage conditions. If stored correctly, an opened package of ricotta cheese will generally last for about one to two weeks after opening. However, it is important to inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage. The first clue that ricotta cheese has gone bad is often a change in appearance. If there are any black spots, excess liquid, or discolouration, the cheese should be discarded.

Another way to tell if ricotta cheese has gone bad is by its smell. Unlike many other cheeses, ricotta has almost no odour when fresh. If you notice a sour or fermented odour, this is a sign that the cheese has spoiled and should be thrown away.

To further extend the shelf life of opened ricotta cheese, it can be frozen. Place the cheese inside covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and store for up to three months. Frozen ricotta cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour, so it is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.

Bacteria grows rapidly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F

Ricotta cheese is a fresh cheese with high moisture content and low salt, which means it goes off quickly. To maximise its shelf life, it should be stored in the fridge at all times, in an airtight container. Even then, it will only last for about one to two weeks after opening. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it, and it will maintain its best quality for about three months.

It is important to keep ricotta cheese out of what is known as the "temperature danger zone", which is the range between 40°F and 140°F. In this zone, bacteria in perishable foods can reach unsafe levels, causing foodborne illnesses. Bacteria grows especially quickly between 70°F and 125°F. Food should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours, or for more than one hour if the room or outdoor temperature is above 90°F.

If ricotta cheese is left out at room temperature for too long, it will need to be discarded. Bacteria can develop to unsafe levels without any visible signs of spoilage, so it is important to be cautious. The best way to tell if ricotta cheese has gone bad is to smell it and look at it. If it has turned yellow or has developed an off odour or flavour, it should be thrown away. If there is mould, the entire package should be discarded.

It can be frozen to extend its shelf life

Ricotta cheese is a fresh, un-aged cheese with a high moisture content. This means that it doesn't last as long as other types of cheese and is susceptible to bacterial contamination. An opened package of ricotta cheese will generally last for about one to two weeks after opening, assuming it has been continuously refrigerated. However, if you want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze it.

Freezing ricotta cheese is a great way to prevent waste and ensure that you always have some on hand for future use. To freeze ricotta cheese, start by stirring the ricotta with a spoon to ensure that it freezes evenly. Then, remove it from its original container and drain it by pressing it down with a layer of paper towels. Wrap the cheese in plastic wrap, either as a whole or in individual portions using an ice cube tray. Transfer the wrapped cheese to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container, making sure to press out as much air as possible. Mark the container with the date, and place it in the freezer for up to two months or three months for optimal flavour and texture.

When you're ready to use the frozen ricotta cheese, simply leave it in the fridge for several hours to defrost. It's important to note that the texture of the cheese will be affected by the freezing process. The cheese may become crumbly, drier, and less creamy. Therefore, it is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, casseroles, lasagna, and baked goods.

By following these steps, you can effectively extend the shelf life of ricotta cheese and make the most of this delicious and versatile ingredient.

It may be safe to eat after the 'consume within' date

Ricotta cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese with a high moisture content. This means that it is highly perishable and has a shorter shelf life than harder cheeses. An unopened package of ricotta cheese will typically last for two to four weeks, and may be good for one to two weeks after the "use-by" date. However, once the package is opened, the clock starts ticking, and the cheese will only last for about one to two weeks, assuming it is continuously refrigerated.

That being said, it may be safe to eat ricotta cheese even after the "consume within" date. The "consume within" date is typically very conservative, and ricotta cheese may last for 3-5 days to 2 weeks once opened. However, it is important to use your judgement and trust your senses. If the ricotta cheese smells sour or fermented, or has developed an off odor or flavour, it should be discarded. Additionally, if there are any signs of spoilage, such as black spots, discoloration, excess liquid, or texture issues (graininess or lumpiness), it is best to throw it out.

To extend the shelf life of opened ricotta cheese, it can be frozen. However, frozen ricotta cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour. It is best suited for cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups, and casseroles. When thawing frozen ricotta cheese, it is important to do so slowly and gradually to maintain its texture and flavour as much as possible.

In summary, while ricotta cheese typically has a short shelf life, it may be safe to consume after the "consume within" date if it passes the smell and appearance tests. However, it is always better to be cautious when it comes to dairy products, and if in doubt, it is best to discard the cheese.

Frequently asked questions