Cheese Lifespan: How Long Does It Last In The Fridge?

Cheese is a kitchen staple thanks to its rich flavour and versatility, but how long does it last in the fridge? The shelf life of cheese depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, how it's stored, and the environment it's kept in.

Soft cheeses last 1-2 weeks in the fridge

Soft cheeses, such as ricotta, feta, and mozzarella, have a high moisture content, which makes them more perishable than harder cheeses. In general, soft cheeses will last for about one week in the fridge, but their quality and taste will be best before that time is up.

Since soft cheeses have a short shelf life, proper storage is key to making the most of the product. For cheese sold in brine, like feta or fresh mozzarella, keep it in the liquid and ensure the container is securely lidded. Soft-ripened or "semi-soft" cheeses like Brie have a delicate rind, so they need more care than other soft cheeses. It's best to wrap them in cheese paper, or you can use parchment paper and keep them in an airtight container.

Soft cheeses will usually become unpalatable before they become dangerous, so there's no need to worry too much about food poisoning. If you have a healthy immune system, you will likely be fine if you accidentally eat a small mouldy bit, but you should monitor yourself for symptoms like vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhoea.

Hard cheeses last 3-4 weeks

Hard cheeses, such as aged cheddar, aged gouda, and parmesan, can last for about 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator once opened. This is because hard cheeses are low in moisture, which makes it difficult for bacteria to flourish and spoil the cheese.

To make hard cheeses last for 3-4 weeks in the fridge, you should follow these steps:

• Remove the cheese from its original plastic packaging.
• Wrap it loosely in a breathable material, such as wax paper or cheese paper.
• Put the wrapped cheese in a container with an airtight lid.

It is important to note that hard cheeses can last much longer if they are unopened. Unopened packages of hard cheese can last about six months in the refrigerator.

Additionally, if you notice any mold on hard cheeses, you can simply cut off at least one inch (2.5 cm) around and below the moldy spots and safely consume the rest of the cheese.

Freezing cheese is not recommended

Cheese is a versatile kitchen staple that adds a rich flavour to various dishes. While freezing cheese can be an effective way to increase its shelf life, it is not always recommended. Here are several reasons why freezing cheese may not be the best option:

Impact on Texture and Quality

Freezing cheese can alter its texture and quality. When cheese is frozen, small ice crystals form inside, disrupting its internal structure. Upon thawing, the cheese releases moisture, leading to a drier, crumbly, and mealy texture. This textural change is more pronounced in softer cheeses with higher water content, such as cottage cheese, ricotta, and cream cheese. These varieties are more adversely affected by freezing and may even become a pool of liquid upon thawing.

Altered Sensory Experience

The textural changes due to freezing can also impact the sensory experience of eating cheese. The cheese may become harder to slice and may not deliver the desired "pull" in dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches. Additionally, the flavour of the cheese may be slightly reduced, and the overall sensory quality may decrease.

Inactivation of Beneficial Microbes

Freezing temperatures inactivate microbes in cheese, such as bacteria, yeasts, and mould. While this can extend the shelf life by preventing spoilage, it can also halt the ripening process for certain cheeses. For example, freezing can damage the live mould and bacteria populations deliberately added to ripened cheeses like blue cheese, Camembert, and Brie. As a result, these cheeses may not develop their distinctive textures and flavours properly when thawed.

Loss of Optimal Freshness

Cheese is best enjoyed fresh to maximise its flavour and texture. Freezing can alter these sensory attributes, making the cheese less enjoyable when consumed. While freezing is a viable option to extend the shelf life, it may compromise the overall quality of the cheese.

Recommended Alternatives to Freezing

Instead of freezing, there are alternative storage methods to prolong the life of cheese. Proper refrigeration is essential, with a safe fridge temperature being below 40°F (4°C). Additionally, wrapping cheese in porous materials like wax, parchment, or cheese paper helps maintain moisture and prevents it from drying out. For soft cheeses sold in brine, such as feta or fresh mozzarella, keep them submerged in the liquid and ensure the container is securely lidded. For blue cheese, wrapping it in foil is recommended.

Cheese is simply the less perishable form of milk

Cheese is a kitchen staple due to its rich flavour and versatility. It is simply the less perishable form of milk. Most of the moisture is removed from cheese, and the fat and protein are preserved by way of fermentation, salt, and acidity. The more water left in the cheese, the more perishable it will be.

Soft cheeses like ricotta, feta, and mozzarella have a high moisture content, making them more perishable than harder cheeses. They will last around one to two weeks in the fridge. Soft cheeses should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge to extend their shelf life.

Semi-soft or soft-ripened cheeses like Brie have a delicate rind and need more care than other soft cheeses. They will last one to two weeks in the fridge. Wrap them in cheese paper or parchment paper and keep them in an airtight container.

Semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyère, Comté, aged Manchego, and Monterey Jack, contain less moisture than soft cheese. They will last two to three weeks in the fridge. Wrap them in wax paper or cheese paper and put them in an airtight container.

Hard cheeses like aged cheddar, aged Gouda, and Parmigiano Reggiano are low in moisture, making it difficult for bacteria to flourish. They will last about four weeks in the refrigerator. Unopened packages will last about six months. Store them in the same way as semi-hard cheeses.

You can freeze cheese, but it is not usually recommended, especially for soft cheeses. A block of cheese intended for cooking will be fine in the freezer for a few months.

Cheese will usually become unpalatable far before it becomes dangerous, so there's no need to stress. With many harder cheeses, you can even scrape off any blue, grey, or green mould that is growing. However, if you see red or black mould, throw the cheese away.

Proper storage can dramatically extend its refrigerator life

Proper storage can dramatically extend the refrigerator life of cheese. The shelf life of cheese depends on its moisture content, with softer cheeses having a shorter life than harder cheeses.

Soft cheeses, such as ricotta, feta, and mozzarella, have a high moisture content, making them more perishable. They will generally last for about a week in the fridge, but proper storage is key to extending their life. For cheese sold in brine, like feta or mozzarella, keep it in the liquid and make sure the container's lid is secure. For blue cheese, wrap it in foil. Soft-ripened cheese, like Brie, has a delicate rind, so it needs more care. Wrapping it in cheese paper is best, but you can also use parchment paper and keep it in an airtight container.

Semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyère, and Monterey Jack, have less moisture than soft cheese and will last for about two to three weeks in the fridge. To store them, remove the cheese from its plastic packaging, wrap it loosely in a breathable material, such as wax paper or cheese paper, and then put it in an airtight container.

Hard cheeses, such as aged cheddar, aged Gouda, and Parmigiano Reggiano, have low moisture levels, making it difficult for bacteria to flourish. They can last for about four weeks in the refrigerator once opened and about six months if they are unopened. To store hard cheese, follow the same steps as for semi-hard cheese: remove the plastic packaging, wrap it loosely in cheese paper or wax paper, and place it in an airtight container.

In addition to using the appropriate storage methods for different types of cheese, there are some general guidelines to follow for proper cheese storage. Avoid using tight, non-porous materials like plastic wrap, as this can dry out the cheese. Instead, use porous materials like cheese or wax paper to help maintain the cheese's moisture. Keep your fridge at a safe temperature, below 40°F (4°C), to slow down bacterial growth. Also, avoid touching the cheese with your hands, as this can promote mould growth.

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