Patrick Oconnell
Cheese is a beloved staple in many kitchens, but it can be tricky to know how long it lasts in the fridge once opened. The shelf life of cheese depends on various factors, such as the type of cheese, how it is stored, and the environment it is exposed to. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of cheese preservation, exploring the optimal conditions for prolonging the edibility and flavour of your favourite cheesy delights. Whether you're a soft cheese aficionado or a hard cheese enthusiast, get ready to unlock the secrets to maximising the longevity of your cheesy indulgences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How long does a block of cheese last after opening? | 3 to 6 weeks if stored properly. |
| How to store cheese? | Wrap it in wax, parchment, or cheese paper and then loosely in foil. Avoid plastic wrap, which traps moisture and can encourage mold. |
| What to do if mold appears on the surface of hard cheese? | According to the FDA, it is safe to cut away the mold (at least 1 inch around and below) and continue enjoying the rest. |
| How long does soft cheese last after opening? | 1 to 2 weeks. |
| How to store soft cheese? | Store soft cheese in its original container or in airtight glassware in the fridge. |
| How long does hard cheese last unopenened? | 6 months in the fridge. |
| How long does soft cheese last unopenened? | 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge. |
| How long does hard cheese last after opening? | 3 to 4 weeks. |
| How to store hard cheese? | Store them in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in the coldest part of the fridge. |
| How to store grated cheese? | Store them separately to maintain freshness. |
| How long does grated cheese last after opening? | Up to 10 days. |
| How to store cheeses without brine? | Tightly cover and eat promptly. |
| How long does fresh cheese like ricotta and cottage cheese last after opening? | Best consumed within a week or two of opening. |
| How long can cheese be left out of the fridge? | For the best taste and quality, cheese should not be left out for longer than two hours at room temperature. |
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What You'll Learn
- Soft cheeses last 1-2 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the fridge
- Hard cheeses can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 weeks
- Fresh cheeses like ricotta and cottage cheese are highly perishable and should be consumed within a week or two
- Semi-hard cheeses like Swiss cheese can be stored for several months in the fridge
- Grated cheese should be stored submerged in liquid in an airtight container
Soft cheeses last 1-2 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the fridge
Soft cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, and fresh mozzarella, are highly perishable and typically last for about 1 to 2 weeks once opened. To maximise their shelf life, soft cheeses should always be stored in their original container or in airtight glassware in the fridge. This is because soft cheeses have a high moisture content, which makes them more prone to spoilage from bacterial growth.
To prevent soft cheeses from drying out, they should be wrapped in wax paper, parchment, or cheese paper, and then placed in a plastic bag or airtight container. It is important to avoid using plastic wrap, as this can trap moisture and encourage mould. Instead, breathable wraps should be used to allow the cheese to maintain its moisture while still being able to breathe.
Fresh cheeses like ricotta, cottage cheese, and cream cheese are also highly perishable and typically last for a similar amount of time as soft cheeses when stored in the fridge. These cheeses are best stored in their natural liquid in a plastic container in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator, where the temperature is both cold and stable, with consistent humidity.
It is worth noting that, according to the U.S. Department of Health, soft cheeses should not be left out of the fridge for more than two hours at room temperature. This is because they are more delicate and prone to bacterial growth, which can quickly render them unsafe for consumption.
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Hard cheeses can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 weeks
Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan, can be stored in the refrigerator for three to four weeks after opening. Unopened hard cheeses can be stored in the fridge for about six months.
Hard cheeses have a lower moisture content, which makes it difficult for bacteria to flourish. This means that once opened, hard cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for a long time. However, if you want to prolong their freshness even further, you can freeze them for up to six months.
When storing hard cheese in the refrigerator, it is important to use the right type of wrapping and to place it in the warmest part of the fridge, such as the produce drawer. Avoid wrapping hard cheese in tight, non-porous material like plastic wrap, as this can dry it out and harden it. Instead, wrap hard cheese in porous material like cheese or wax paper to prevent it from drying out.
Additionally, it is crucial to maintain a safe fridge temperature of below 40°F (4°C) to prevent bacteria growth and spoilage. Hard cheeses can sit out for longer than soft cheeses without becoming unsafe, but quality and taste may differ. It is not recommended to leave hard cheese unrefrigerated for longer than four hours.
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Fresh cheeses like ricotta and cottage cheese are highly perishable and should be consumed within a week or two
Fresh cheeses are more perishable than hard cheeses. This is because they have a higher moisture content and lower salt content, which makes them more susceptible to bacterial growth. Examples of fresh cheeses include ricotta and cottage cheese.
Ricotta is a soft, spreadable cheese with a smooth, creamy texture and a delicate, milky, sweet flavour. It is a "recooked" whey cheese made by reheating the leftover whey produced during the manufacturing of other cheeses like mozzarella or provolone. Due to its high moisture and low salt content, ricotta has a short shelf life and should be consumed within a few days to a week of opening. If you wish to keep it longer, you can freeze ricotta, but its texture may change upon thawing.
Cottage cheese is another type of soft, fresh cheese. It is important to store it properly to maintain its quality and freshness. Opened cottage cheese should be kept in an airtight container in the coldest part of the fridge, typically below 4°C. With proper storage, cottage cheese can last for about 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator after opening.
In general, soft cheeses like ricotta and cottage cheese are highly perishable and should be consumed within a week or two of opening. To maximise their shelf life, it is important to follow proper storage practices, such as using airtight containers and maintaining a stable, cold temperature in the refrigerator. Additionally, always use clean utensils when handling these fresh cheeses to avoid introducing bacteria that can shorten their shelf life.
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Semi-hard cheeses like Swiss cheese can be stored for several months in the fridge
The shelf life of cheese depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, how it is stored, and the temperature of the fridge. Soft cheeses with high moisture content tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses, which can last 3-4 times longer.
To maintain the quality and freshness of Swiss cheese, it is recommended to store it in the coldest part of the fridge, such as the top or middle shelf, or in a drawer. Additionally, it is best to keep it above raw meats, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination. While Swiss cheese can be frozen, it is important to note that freezing may affect its texture and taste.
When serving Swiss cheese, it is recommended to allow it to come to room temperature to fully enjoy its distinct and delicate flavor. By following these storage and serving tips, you can maximize the flavor and prolong the freshness of Swiss cheese, ensuring that you get to enjoy every bite.
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Grated cheese should be stored submerged in liquid in an airtight container
Once opened, blocks of cheese typically stay good for 3 to 6 weeks if stored properly. Soft cheeses tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses, with a shelf life of about 1 to 2 weeks. Hard cheeses, on the other hand, can last 3 to 4 weeks or even a few months when stored correctly.
Now, when it comes to grated cheese, it's best to grate only what you need and store the block separately to maintain freshness. This is because grated cheese has a larger surface area, making it more susceptible to bacterial growth and moisture absorption, which can shorten its shelf life.
If you do have leftover grated cheese, it is recommended to store it in an airtight container to prevent moisture absorption and bacterial growth. Additionally, storing grated cheese in an airtight container helps to reduce the likelihood of clumping and maintains its flavor.
To further extend the shelf life of grated cheese, it is suggested to store it submerged in liquid within the airtight container. This method is particularly useful for cheeses like mozzarella, which are best eaten quickly. By submerging grated cheese in a liquid such as brine, you can increase its shelf life by a few days. However, it is important to use clean utensils when handling fresh cheeses to avoid introducing bacteria that could shorten their shelf life.
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Frequently asked questions
Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Gouda and Parmesan can last for a few weeks to a couple of months in the refrigerator if stored properly.
Semi-hard cheeses like Swiss cheese and Blue cheese like Stilton can last for several weeks in the refrigerator.
Soft cheeses like Brie, goat's cheese, mozzarella and feta are more perishable and typically last for about a week to a few weeks in the refrigerator.
