The Lifespan Of Semi-Blue Cheese: How Long Does It Last?

Blue cheese is a pungent, mouldy cheese that is loved and hated in equal measure. But how long does it last? The answer depends on a number of factors, including the type of blue cheese, how it's packaged, and how it's stored. Generally, an unopened package of blue cheese will last for about a week to two weeks beyond the printed date. Once opened, blue cheese should be consumed within 3 to 4 weeks. To extend the shelf life of blue cheese, it can be frozen.

How long does unopened semi-blue cheese last?

The shelf life of unopened semi-blue cheese depends on its packaging. If it's wrapped in cheese paper and inside a carton package, it will have a shorter shelf life. If it's sealed airtight, it will stay good for much longer. Generally, unopened blue cheese has a shelf life of a month up to 6 months, and it usually retains quality for a couple of extra weeks.

To maximize the shelf life of unopened semi-blue cheese, keep it refrigerated at all times. The best temperature for blue cheese is between 46°F–55°F (or 8°C–13°C). The temperature in a typical refrigerator is usually a bit lower, so consider storing the cheese in the crisper drawer.

When it comes to storing blue cheese in the refrigerator, make sure it's wrapped well so that it doesn't dry out, but also give it some breathing room. After opening the cheese, it should be wrapped in wax or parchment paper, then covered with plastic wrap or foil before being returned to the refrigerator.

Properly stored, unopened semi-blue cheese will last for about 1 to 2 months in the refrigerator.

How long does opened semi-blue cheese last?

The shelf life of semi-blue cheese depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, how it is stored, and its packaging.

Once opened, semi-blue cheese will last for about 3 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator. However, it is important to note that the shelf life of semi-blue cheese can vary depending on the specific type of cheese and the storage conditions.

To maximize the shelf life of an opened package of semi-blue cheese, it is recommended to keep the cheese refrigerated at all times and properly wrapped. The cheese should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and for even better results, it can be wrapped first in wax or parchment paper before covering with plastic wrap and then refrigerated.

Properly stored, semi-blue cheese will typically last for about 1 to 2 months in the refrigerator. However, it is important to regularly inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage, as the shelf life may be shorter if the cheese is not stored properly or if it has passed its "best by" date.

Signs of Spoilage

There are several signs to look out for to determine if semi-blue cheese has gone bad:

• Smell: Fresh semi-blue cheese has a strong scent, but it can change as it starts to spoil. If the cheese has an ammonia-like smell, it is likely spoiled.
• Color: The creamy part of the cheese is typically white, beige, or yellow. If it starts to turn pink, brown, or green, it is likely spoiled.
• Texture: If the surface of the cheese appears slimy or fuzzy, it is likely spoiled.
• Taste: If the cheese has a very strong, sharp taste, it may have spoiled.

Freezing Semi-Blue Cheese

If you want to extend the shelf life of semi-blue cheese, you can freeze it. To do this, cut the cheese into portions no larger than 1/2 pound each and wrap them tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen semi-blue cheese will maintain its best quality for about 6 months but will remain safe to consume beyond that time.

However, it is important to note that frozen semi-blue cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavor. It is best suited for cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups, and casseroles, after being thawed.

How to store semi-blue cheese

Semi-blue cheese, like other blue cheeses, can have a shelf life of several months when unopened and if it's refrigerated properly. Once opened, soft and semi-soft blue cheeses will typically last for about a week to a few weeks in the refrigerator.

To store your semi-blue cheese properly, follow these steps:

• Store your semi-blue cheese in the fridge at all times. The ideal temperature for blue cheese is between 46°F–55°F (or 8°C–13°C). The colder the cheese, the longer it will stay fresh, so consider storing it in the drawers at the bottom of your fridge, where the temperature will remain more stable.
• Make sure your cheese can breathe so that you don't suffocate the blue mould in it. Wrap the cheese using wax paper, cheese wrap, or parchment paper. Then, place it in a plastic bag or airtight container. Don't squeeze out all the air from the bag before sealing it, as the mould in blue cheese requires air to thrive.
• If you're using the original packaging, make sure it has tiny holes to allow the cheese to breathe.
• If you're using foil, double-wrap the cheese. First, wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper, then place plastic wrap or foil over the paper to ensure that it won't dry out.
• If you're freezing the cheese, place the double-wrapped piece into a plastic freezer bag to protect it from freezer burn.
• If you're concerned about the cheese picking up the scent or flavours of other items in your refrigerator, place it in an airtight container after it's been wrapped for additional protection.
• Keep blue cheese away from other cheeses and food so that the mould spores from your blue cheese won't contaminate them.
• If you've bought the cheese pre-packed, you can continue using the wrap it came in after opening the package.
• If you're getting a fresh cut or need to repackage the cheese, wrap it with cheese paper, wax paper, or parchment paper, then place it in a freezer bag. Again, don't wrap it too tightly so it can breathe.
• If you don't have cheese paper or wax paper, a plastic bag or an airtight container will do the job.
• If you're storing crumbled blue cheese, keep it in the fridge. Once you've opened the package, make sure to seal it tightly before putting it back into storage.

Signs that semi-blue cheese has gone bad

Semi-blue cheese is a delicacy, but it can be tricky to know when it's gone bad. Here are some signs to look out for:

Mould

Semi-blue cheese is supposed to have blue or green mould in it. However, if you notice any other colour of mould, especially grey or black fuzzy mould, it's time to discard the cheese. If there's only a small amount of mould that hasn't spread, you can scrape it off and use the rest of the cheese. But when in doubt, it's best to be cautious and throw it out.

Colour Change

The creamy part of the semi-blue cheese should be white, beige, or yellow. If you notice any pink, brown, green, or yellow hues, it's a sign that the cheese has gone bad. Some blue cheeses naturally have a pink hue near the rind, so always check the label or the manufacturer's website for specific information.

Ammonia-like Smell

Semi-blue cheese has a distinct, strong smell, but when it goes bad, this odour can become much stronger or develop an ammonia-like scent. If the cheese smells stale or much stronger than when you first bought it, it's best to discard it.

Texture Changes

If your semi-blue cheese becomes dry, crumbly, or slimy, it's likely gone bad. Fresh semi-blue cheese should have a firm texture, so any significant changes in texture are a sign of spoilage.

Taste

If the semi-blue cheese tastes too strong or has an off or sour flavour, it's likely gone bad. Fresh semi-blue cheese has a sharp, pungent taste, so any deviation from this flavour profile could indicate spoilage.

It's important to note that these signs may vary depending on the specific type of semi-blue cheese and the storage conditions. Always trust your senses and, when in doubt, discard the cheese if you suspect it has gone bad.

How to tell if semi-blue cheese is safe to eat

Blue cheese is a pungent and salty cheese with a strong, sharp taste. It's normal for blue cheese to have a blue or green mould in it, but this mould is not fuzzy. However, if you spot any grey or black fuzzy mould, discard the cheese.

• Check the colour: The creamy part of the cheese should be white, beige, or yellow. If you notice any pink, brown, or green discolouration, the cheese has likely spoiled.
• Check the smell: Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but it changes as it starts to go bad. If the cheese has an ammonia-like smell, it is probably spoiled.
• Check the texture: If the surface of the cheese appears slimy or fuzzy, discard it.
• Check the taste: If the blue cheese is too strong to enjoy, it has likely gone bad. However, eating a small amount of spoiled blue cheese is usually not harmful.

Additionally, note the expiration date on the packaging. Unopened blue cheese typically lasts for about one to two weeks beyond the printed date. Once opened, it should be consumed within seven to ten days but can last longer if properly wrapped and not nearing its expiration date.

To maximise the shelf life of blue cheese, store it in the refrigerator at a temperature between 46°F–55°F (8°C–13°C). Ensure the cheese is wrapped well to prevent it from drying out, but also allow for some ventilation so the blue mould can thrive.

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