Randy Chandler
Soft cheeses like ricotta have a high moisture content, which means they spoil quickly. An unopened container of ricotta will last about two weeks in the fridge, while an opened container will last about one week. If you're unsure whether your ricotta has gone bad, you can look out for signs of spoilage such as an off-putting odour, a change in appearance, or a strange taste. You can also extend the shelf life of ricotta by storing it in the freezer, but this may affect its texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shelf life of unopened ricotta cheese | 2 weeks |
| Shelf life of opened ricotta cheese | 3 days to 1 week |
| Best way to store ricotta cheese | In an airtight container in the fridge at a constant temperature of 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit |
| How to identify spoilage | Look for mould, change in colour, odour, or change in taste |
| Can ricotta cheese be frozen? | Yes, it can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months but may have a dry, crumbly texture after freezing |
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What You'll Learn
Unopened ricotta lasts about two weeks in the fridge
Ricotta is a soft cheese with a high moisture content, which means it doesn't last as long as harder cheeses like Parmesan or Cheddar. Unopened ricotta will last about two weeks in the fridge. The best-by date on the package is a helpful indicator, but it's not an exact expiration date—it's more of a suggestion for peak quality.
Once you open the container, the clock starts ticking. Due to air exposure, opened ricotta will have a shorter shelf life. It's important to keep it sealed and stored at a constant temperature of 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (normal fridge temperature) to maximise its lifespan. Opened ricotta generally lasts for about one week in proper storage conditions, although some sources suggest it may last up to two weeks.
It's important to be cautious when it comes to consuming ricotta cheese past its best. Soft cheeses like ricotta are susceptible to mould growth, and unlike hard cheeses, it's not safe to cut off the mouldy parts and eat the rest. If your ricotta has mould, throw the entire thing out. Ricotta that has turned yellowish instead of its regular creamy white colour is another sign of spoilage.
You can also use your senses to check if ricotta cheese has gone bad. Fresh ricotta should have no odour or a regular milky smell. If it starts to develop a sour or fermented smell, throw it away. Similarly, if the taste seems off, it's best to stay on the safe side and discard it.
If you find yourself with ricotta cheese that's nearing its end, you can extend its lifespan by freezing it. However, the high water content will solidify into ice, resulting in a dry, crumbly, and grittier texture when defrosted. Therefore, it's best to use frozen ricotta in cooked dishes like lasagna or quiche, where its texture will be less noticeable.
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Opened ricotta lasts about one week in the fridge
Ricotta is a soft, spreadable cheese with a smooth, creamy texture and a delicate, milky, sweet flavour. It is a whey cheese made by reheating the leftover whey from producing other cheeses like mozzarella or provolone. Unfortunately, its versatility is not matched by its relatively short shelf life.
If you want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze ricotta, which will last about two months, if not longer. However, the water in the cheese will separate from the fat, making for a dry, crumbly, gritty texture when defrosted. It is best to use frozen ricotta in cooked dishes like lasagna or quiche, where its gritty texture will be less noticeable.
To check if ricotta has gone bad, look out for any sort of odour. Ricotta doesn't have much of a smell, so if it smells foul or sour in any way, then it's time to throw it out. If the ricotta has turned a yellowish colour instead of its regular creamy white, this is another sign of spoilage.
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Signs of spoilage: a sour smell, mould, or a yellowish colour
Ricotta cheese is a soft cheese with a high moisture content, which creates a breeding ground for bacteria. Therefore, it doesn't have a long shelf life like harder cheeses such as Parmesan or Cheddar. An unopened container of ricotta can stay fresh for about two weeks in the fridge. However, once opened, ricotta cheese will only last for about one week in proper storage conditions.
Ricotta cheese that has gone bad will exhibit certain signs of spoilage. Firstly, a sour smell indicates that the ricotta cheese is no longer good. Ricotta cheese that is safe to eat will have no odour or a mild milky smell. If the cheese starts to develop a sour or fermented odour, it should be discarded. Trust your nose—if it smells sour, it's bad.
Secondly, the presence of mould is another sign of spoilage in ricotta cheese. Unlike harder cheeses, where surface mould can be cut off, mould in soft cheeses like ricotta can infiltrate below the surface. Mould on ricotta can be green, blue, or soft pink. If you spot any mould on your ricotta cheese, it's best to throw it away to avoid potential health risks.
Lastly, a change in colour can also indicate that the ricotta cheese has spoiled. Fresh ricotta cheese is creamy white in colour. If the ricotta has turned yellowish or light brown, it is a sign that it has gone bad.
In addition to these signs, it is important to pay attention to the "'use-by' date on the ricotta cheese package. This date is a guideline for keeping the cheese, and an unopened container may stay fresh for a week or two past this date. However, if the date has long passed, it is best to discard the cheese.
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Freezing ricotta extends its shelf life but affects its texture
Ricotta cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese with a smooth, creamy texture and a delicate, milky, sweet flavour. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. However, due to its high moisture content, ricotta cheese has a shorter shelf life compared to harder cheeses like Parmesan or cheddar.
To extend the shelf life of ricotta cheese, freezing is an option. Freezing unopened, well-sealed ricotta cheese in its original packaging is recommended. Portioning the cheese before freezing is suggested if the entire block will not be used after thawing. It is important to note that freezing ricotta cheese may alter its texture. The high moisture content of ricotta means that the water in the cheese will become ice once frozen, causing a change in texture. As a result, the cheese may become dry and crumbly, and the curds and whey may separate.
To minimise texture changes, it is recommended to thaw frozen ricotta cheese in the refrigerator for five to six hours and avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial contamination. Stirring the cheese after thawing can help improve its consistency. However, even with these measures, the texture may still be affected, and the cheese may be more suitable for cooked dishes rather than spreading or using in cold recipes.
The ideal freezing duration for ricotta cheese is up to two months. After thawing, it should be used within two to three days and not refrozen, as this will further deteriorate the texture. While freezing can extend the shelf life of ricotta cheese, it is important to consider the potential impact on texture and plan to use the cheese in cooked dishes to minimise any negative effects.
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Store ricotta at a constant temperature of 35 to 40°F (1.7 to 4.4°C)
To ensure the freshness of ricotta cheese and prolong its shelf life, it is essential to store it at the appropriate temperature. The ideal temperature range for storing ricotta cheese is between 35°F and 40°F (1.7 to 4.4°C). Maintaining a constant temperature within this range is crucial to prevent spoilage and the growth of harmful bacteria.
At temperatures lower than 35°F (1.7°C), ricotta cheese can become hardened and develop an unpleasant texture. On the other hand, storing it at temperatures above 40°F (4.4°C) can accelerate spoilage and promote the growth of bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your storage unit is capable of maintaining a consistent temperature within the recommended range.
A dedicated refrigerator that allows you to set a specific temperature is ideal for storing ricotta cheese. These refrigerators provide a stable environment to preserve the cheese's quality and freshness. It is worth investing in one if you plan to store ricotta cheese regularly or in large quantities. Alternatively, you can use a wine cooler or a mini-fridge and adjust the temperature settings to ensure they maintain a constant temperature within the desired range.
Maintaining a constant temperature also involves avoiding drastic temperature fluctuations. Rapid changes in temperature can affect the texture and quality of the ricotta cheese. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the storage area is well-insulated and not subject to frequent opening and closing, which can cause temperature variations. By storing ricotta cheese at a constant temperature of 35°F to 40°F (1.7°C to 4.4°C), you can extend its shelf life, preserve its freshness, and maintain its optimal taste and texture.
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Frequently asked questions
Unopened ricotta cheese stays good for about two weeks in the fridge.
Opened ricotta cheese will last about one week in the fridge.
Opened ricotta cheese may have gone bad if it has a sour smell, a change in appearance (e.g. mold), or an unusual taste.
Yes, freezing ricotta cheese can extend its shelf life to about two months or longer. However, freezing may affect the texture of the cheese, making it dry, crumbly, and grittier.
Ricotta cheese should be stored at a constant temperature of 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (normal fridge temperatures). It should be kept in an airtight container to prevent the absorption of other food odors.
