The Longevity Of Stilton Blue Cheese: How Long Does It Last?

Blue cheese is a pungent, mouldy cheese that's not to everyone's taste. But how long does it last? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of blue cheese, how it's packaged, and how it's stored.

Unopened blue cheese can last between one month and six months, depending on its packaging. If it's sealed airtight, it will last much longer than cheese wrapped in cheese paper and inside a carton package.

Once opened, a wedge of blue cheese should be consumed within three to four weeks. To extend its shelf life, it should be wrapped tightly in wax or parchment paper, followed by a layer of plastic wrap or aluminium foil, and stored in the refrigerator.

Blue cheese can also be frozen. When properly stored, it will maintain its best quality for about six months but will remain safe to eat beyond that time.

Unopened vs opened Stilton cheese

The shelf life of Stilton cheese depends on whether it is opened or unopened, as well as its storage conditions.

Unopened Stilton cheese can last for up to six weeks in the refrigerator. However, if it is aged for a longer period, it can remain good for up to four months. To extend its shelf life, it should be wrapped tightly in wax or parchment paper and then covered with plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent air exposure and moisture loss.

Once opened, Stilton cheese should be consumed within three to four weeks. To maximise its shelf life, it is recommended to wrap the cheese in its original packaging tightly with an additional outer layer of plastic wrap or aluminium foil.

Proper storage is key to preserving the quality of Stilton cheese. It should be stored in the refrigerator at a constant temperature, ideally in the least cold part of the refrigerator, such as the cheese drawer.

Proper storage methods

Proper storage is key to preserving the quality of Stilton cheese. When stored under optimal conditions in a refrigerator, Stilton cheese can last up to six weeks. The longevity of Stilton cheese also depends on the state of the cheese when purchased; a freshly opened wedge of Stilton can keep for three to four weeks when refrigerated.

Short-Term Refrigeration

To maximise the shelf life of Stilton cheese, it should be wrapped tightly in wax or parchment paper, followed by a layer of plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent it from drying out and to keep moisture out. The wrapped cheese should then be placed in the least cold part of the refrigerator, typically the cheese drawer.

Long-Term Freezing

Freezing is not generally recommended for Stilton cheese due to potential changes in texture, but it can be done if one aims to preserve the cheese for an extended period. To freeze Stilton cheese, first pre-freeze the cheese in its original packaging if unopened, or wrap it in wax or parchment paper followed by a layer of plastic wrap or aluminium foil if already opened. Then, place the cheese in a freezer-safe, airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date to keep track of how long the cheese has been stored.

Stilton cheese can be stored in a freezer for up to three months for optimal taste, although some sources suggest it can be kept for longer. To defrost the cheese, it should be thawed slowly in the refrigerator to manage moisture content and help retain its creamy texture.

Identifying Spoilage

It is important to regularly check for signs of spoilage before consuming Stilton cheese. Indicators of spoilage include the presence of unusual colours or types of mould not typical of the cheese, a strong sour or off smell, a hard texture, and discolouration.

Signs of spoilage

It is important to monitor Stilton cheese for any signs of spoilage to ensure it is safe to eat. The shelf life of Stilton cheese depends on its storage conditions, and it should be noted that the cheese will last longer if it is unopened.

• Mold: While Stilton cheese naturally contains blue-green mold, the presence of unusual colors or types of mold indicates spoilage. If you see any pink, green, yellow, or black spots on the surface of the cheese, it is best to discard it.
• Smell: Stilton cheese has a strong, distinctive aroma. However, if it develops a sour or ammonia-like smell, it has likely gone bad.
• Color: The creamy part of the cheese should be white, beige, or ivory. If it turns pink, brown, green, or yellow, it is a sign of spoilage.
• Texture: Stilton cheese should have a creamy yet crumbly texture. If it becomes soggy, dry, or unusually hard, it is likely spoiled.
• Taste: If the cheese becomes too salty or develops an unpleasantly strong or bitter taste, it is best to discard it.
• Expiration Dates: Check the "best before" and "sell by" dates on the packaging. While Stilton cheese can be safe to consume beyond these dates, especially if stored properly, it is generally recommended to consume it within 3 to 4 weeks of opening.

Freezing and defrosting procedures

Freezing:

• Select a mature Stilton cheese that is fresh and not close to its expiration date.
• Portion the cheese into small portions, no larger than 1/2 pound each. This makes it easier to thaw only the required amount later.
• Wrap the portions tightly in cling film or plastic freezer wrap, ensuring no part of the cheese is exposed to air.
• Add a second layer of wrapping for added protection against freezer burn.
• Place the double-wrapped cheese in a freezer bag, squeeze out as much air as possible, and seal the bag.
• Clearly label each bag with the contents and freezing date.
• Arrange the wrapped portions in the freezer to allow for proper air circulation around each package.
• Store at the recommended freezer temperature of 0°F (-18°C).

Defrosting:

• To defrost frozen Stilton cheese, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator.
• Allow it to thaw slowly, preferably overnight, to help maintain its texture and flavour.
• Avoid rushing the thawing process at room temperature or with heat, as this can lead to moisture loss and negatively affect the cheese's consistency.
• Slow defrosting is essential to prevent the cheese from becoming too crumbly.
• Once defrosted, use the cheese within a week and do not refreeze.

How to incorporate Stilton into dishes

Stilton, Britain's best-known blue cheese, is prized for its rich, piquant flavour and moist, crumbly texture. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, adding depth of flavour and a gourmet touch. Here are some ideas on how to incorporate Stilton into your culinary creations:

• Cheese Boards: Stilton can be the centerpiece of a cheese board, providing a striking flavour contrast to other cheeses. Serve it with fresh fruits, nuts, honey, crackers, bread, and cured meats.
• Salads: Crumble Stilton over fresh arugula, sliced pears, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing and flavourful salad. You can also add it to other salad combinations, such as mesclun salad with figs, apples, and grapes, or beet salad with scallions, herbs, and red wine.
• Burgers: Elevate your burgers by stuffing the patties with crumbled Stilton. This adds a creamy, tangy flavour to the classic dish. Umami burgers with Port and Stilton are a perfect match, where the Port acts as the condiment.
• Pasta: Create a decadent and satisfying pasta dish by tossing cooked pasta with a creamy Stilton sauce, toasted walnuts, and fresh parsley.
• Soups: Add depth of flavour to your soups by sprinkling crumbled Stilton on top or stirring it into the soup. Try a Celery, blue cheese, and sage risotto, or a Broccoli and Stilton soup.
• Steaks: Incorporate Stilton into sauces or melt it on top of steaks to elevate the dish's flavour. Mary Berry's rib-eye steak with Stilton butter is a delicious example.
• Vegetables: Stilton can be melted into sauces for vegetables or used as a topping for baked potatoes. Try Stilton-stuffed mushrooms with cranberry relish, or Turmeric-roasted cauliflower with Stilton cream and deep-fried cauliflower leaves.
• Sandwiches: Spread some crumbled Stilton on your favourite sandwich for an extra punch of flavour.
• Quesadillas: Try chicken quesadillas with blue cheese and caramelised onions for a tangy twist on a classic dish.
• Flatbreads: Rosemary flatbread with blue cheese, grapes, and honey is a delicious combination. The blue cheese melts in your mouth, going from crumbly to creamy in the oven.

When cooking with Stilton, remember to allow it to reach room temperature before using it. This will ensure the flavours fully develop and the texture becomes creamier. Enjoy experimenting with this delicious English cheese!

Frequently asked questions