Cheese Storage: Unopened, Mold-Free, And Long-Lasting

Cheese is a versatile and tasty dairy product with a relatively long shelf life. However, it's important to know how long unopened cheese lasts without getting mouldy to ensure it's safe for consumption. The shelf life of cheese depends on various factors, including the type of cheese and storage conditions. Unopened hard cheeses, for example, can last up to 6 months in the refrigerator, while soft cheeses have a shorter shelf life of 1-2 weeks after opening. Proper storage methods, such as wrapping cheese in porous materials and maintaining a refrigerator temperature below 40°F, can extend the shelf life and inhibit mould growth.

Hard cheeses can last 6 months in the fridge if unopened

Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, have a lower moisture content, which helps extend their shelf life. Generally, hard cheeses don't need to be refrigerated, but they will last much longer if they are.

Unopened blocks of hard cheese can last up to six months in the fridge, and even longer if frozen. The USDA recommends that unopened packages of hard cheese will last about six months. However, the exact answer depends on storage conditions and the type of cheese. For example, unopened waxed Cheddar cheese should be stored in the fridge to avoid the cheese swelling and cracking the wax. On the other hand, hard cheeses like Parmesan and Gouda are more likely to be safe to eat past their expiration date if they are stored properly and show no signs of spoilage.

To extend the shelf life of hard cheese, it is important to store it correctly. Remove the cheese from its plastic packaging and wrap it loosely in cheese paper or wax paper. Then, put the cheese in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. This will help the cheese to "breathe" and release moisture while protecting it from low humidity.

Even if stored correctly, hard cheese can still go bad. Signs of spoilage include a hard texture, discolouration, a strong smell, and mould. If mould is present, cut away at least one inch around and below the mouldy area and re-cover the cheese in fresh wrap. White specks or crystallized patches on certain aged hard cheeses are normal and safe to eat; they are likely calcium lactate crystals formed from the combination of lactic acid and calcium.

Soft cheeses last 1-2 weeks in the fridge after opening

Soft cheeses, such as Brie, goat's cheese, mozzarella, and feta, are more perishable than hard cheeses and typically last for 1-2 weeks in the fridge after opening. This is because they have a higher moisture content, making them more susceptible to bacterial growth.

To maximise the shelf life of soft cheeses, it is important to store them properly. They should be kept in the refrigerator, in their original packaging or wrapped in wax, parchment, or cheese paper. It is best to avoid tight, non-porous materials like plastic wrap, as these can cause the cheese to dry out and harden.

Additionally, soft cheeses should be stored on the top or middle shelf of the refrigerator or in a drawer, and they should be kept away from raw meats, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination. The ideal refrigerator temperature for storing cheese is below 40°F (4°C).

It is also important to inspect soft cheeses for mould before consuming them. If mould is present, the cheese should be discarded, as it can be dangerous to consume.

By following these storage guidelines and regularly checking for mould, you can ensure that your soft cheeses remain safe and tasty for as long as possible within their 1-2 week shelf life after opening.

Grated cheese is riskier and should be used as soon as possible

Grated cheese, especially when purchased pre-packaged, tends to contain preservatives like potato starch and natamycin, which are added to prevent the shreds from clumping together. These preservatives can cause the cheese to melt less smoothly when cooked, resulting in a clumpy texture. Additionally, the powdery substance of the added preservatives can negatively impact certain culinary uses, such as sauces, by altering their texture.

Pre-grated cheese also has a shorter shelf life compared to blocks of cheese. Soft cheeses, such as mozzarella, that have been shredded, typically last for about 5 days, while blocks of mozzarella can be refrigerated for 21 days. Grated Parmesan cheese can be stored in an airtight container for up to a month, but a solid wedge of Parmesan can be frozen for over a year.

Furthermore, grated cheese may be more susceptible to spoilage due to its increased surface area. This provides more opportunity for bacteria, mould, yeast, and fungus to grow. While mould on hard cheeses can often be cut away, soft cheeses that have been grated should be discarded if mould is present.

For these reasons, it is advisable to use grated cheese as soon as possible and opt for grating your own cheese whenever feasible.

Freezing cheese is an option, but soft cheeses like ricotta don't freeze well

Freezing is a great way to preserve cheese for longer, but it's important to note that not all cheeses freeze well. While harder cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and provolone can be frozen, softer cheeses like ricotta are more likely to become dry and crumbly, and may lose their flavour and texture.

Soft cheeses tend to have a higher moisture content, which means more ice crystals form when they're frozen. This can significantly damage the structure of the cheese, leaving you with a pool of less-than-ideal cheese when it's thawed.

Freezing also affects the microbes in cheese, such as bacteria, yeasts, and mould. While freezing doesn't kill these microbes, it does inactivate them, which can affect the ripening process of cheeses like brie and Camembert.

So, if you're looking to freeze cheese, it's best to stick to harder varieties that are designed to be used in cooked dishes rather than eaten fresh. When in doubt, buy small quantities of soft cheeses and enjoy them fresh to avoid wasting food!

Properly wrapped and stored cheese will last longer

When it comes to storing cheese, there are several factors that can impact its longevity. Firstly, the type of cheese is important. Soft cheeses tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses due to their higher moisture content. Unopened blocks of hard cheese can last up to 6 months in the fridge, while soft cheeses typically last only 1-2 weeks after opening.

To maximize the shelf life of cheese, it is crucial to use the appropriate wrapping and storage methods. Avoid using tight, non-porous materials like plastic wrap, as they can dry out the cheese and negatively affect its texture. Instead, opt for porous materials like wax paper, parchment paper, or specialty cheese paper, which allow the cheese to breathe and maintain the right amount of humidity.

Additionally, the storage location within the refrigerator matters. The ideal spot is a drawer or bin with higher humidity, typically found at the bottom of the fridge or in the vegetable crisper. This humid environment is beneficial for the cheese.

Furthermore, it is recommended to only slice or cut cheese as needed. Slicing increases the surface area of the cheese, exposing it to possible contamination, oxidation, and dehydration, which can shorten its shelf life.

By following these storage guidelines, you can extend the life of your cheese and enjoy its optimal taste and texture for longer.

• For blue cheeses, consider separating them from softer cheeses and wrapping them loosely in tin foil, followed by a ziplock bag to maintain humidity.
• Fresh cheeses like mozzarella or feta can be stored in their original packaging, but remember to change the water every couple of days, and they should last between 7 to 10 days in the fridge.
• Semi-hard cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and Gruyere should be wrapped in plastic wrap or specialty cheese paper and placed in the crisper drawer. Consume within 7 to 10 days for the best results.

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