Cheese Storage: How Long Can Block Cheese Last?

The shelf life of block cheese depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, moisture content, and storage method. Soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert have a shorter shelf life, lasting only a few weeks to a couple of months in the refrigerator. In contrast, hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda have lower moisture content, extending their shelf life to several months, or even up to a year when stored in the fridge. Proper storage is crucial, and methods vary depending on the type of cheese. Soft cheeses should be consumed within a week, while hard cheeses can last three to four weeks in the fridge.

How long can block cheese stay unrefrigerated?

The shelf life of block cheese depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, moisture content, and storage method.

Soft Cheeses

Soft cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, feta, mozzarella, cottage cheese, and cream cheese have a high moisture content, making them more perishable. Unopened, they can last for a few weeks to a couple of months past their 'best-by' date when refrigerated. Once opened, soft cheeses should be consumed within about a week.

Semi-Hard Cheeses

Semi-hard cheeses, such as Swiss cheese, cheddar, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, have a slightly longer shelf life due to their lower moisture content. Unopened, they can last for several months past their 'best-by' date when refrigerated. When opened, they can last for about two to four weeks.

Hard Cheeses

Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, have a very long shelf life due to their low moisture content. Unopened hard cheeses can last for several months to even a year when stored in the fridge. Once opened, they can last for about three to four weeks.

Storage Tips

To extend the shelf life of block cheese, it is important to store it properly. Cheese should be wrapped in a breathable material, such as wax paper or cheese paper, and placed in an airtight container in the coldest part of the fridge. It is best to avoid tight, non-porous materials like plastic wrap, as they can dry out the cheese. Additionally, it is important to avoid touching cheese with bare hands and to use a clean knife when cutting to prevent bacterial contamination.

What is the ideal temperature for storing cheese?

The ideal temperature for storing cheese depends on the type of cheese. Soft and blue cheeses, for instance, need to be stored at low temperatures, preferably in a refrigerator set between 5 °C and 8 °C. Most hard cheeses, on the other hand, will be fine at temperatures between 8 °C and 15 °C.

If you are storing cheese in a refrigerator, it should be wrapped in parchment, wax, or cheese paper and placed in a plastic bag that is loosely closed, or a glass or food-safe plastic container with the lid ajar. You can also place it in the vegetable crisper drawer, which tends to be slightly warmer and has humidity control.

The ideal temperature for storing cheese in a refrigerator is between 4.4 °C and 6.7 °C. This is slightly warmer than the average refrigerator temperature of 4 °C. If your refrigerator is set to 4 °C, the cheese should be stored on a shelf closer to the door, as this will be slightly warmer.

It is important to note that cheese should not be stored in direct contact with the ambient air in the refrigerator, as this will cause it to dry out. It should also not be wrapped in tight, non-porous material such as plastic wrap, as this can also cause it to dry out. Instead, use porous material such as cheese or wax paper, or loose bags and containers that allow for some air movement.

At room temperature, hard cheeses can be stored in their original packaging for 1 to 10 days, as long as temperatures are not too hot.

Signs that cheese has gone bad

Cheese is a dairy product with a relatively long shelf life, but it's important to know the signs that your cheese has gone bad. Here are some indicators that your cheese has spoiled and is no longer safe to eat:

Smell

The smell of cheese is one of the most obvious indicators of spoilage. Depending on the type of cheese, spoiled cheese may smell like spoiled milk, ammonia, or even a refrigerator or freezer. Some types of cheese can have a pungent odour, so it's a good idea to smell your cheese when you first purchase it to establish a baseline. If the smell has changed significantly or becomes rancid, sour, or putrid, it's best to discard the cheese.

Appearance

Cheese naturally grows some surface mould, and it is generally safe to trim off the mouldy part and consume the rest of the cheese. However, if the entire piece is covered in thick mould, it's not worth saving. Other appearance indicators include discolouration, such as fading or darkening, sliminess, oil, or bloated packaging.

Texture

Changes in the texture of the cheese can also indicate spoilage. Hard cheeses like Cheddar may start to crack due to changes in moisture content and bacterial growth. Soft cheeses like Camembert can become slimy due to the growth of unwanted bacteria. Additionally, if the rind becomes gritty or grainy, it could be a sign of spoilage, especially if it's also slimy.

Taste

Finally, if all else fails, you may need to taste a small piece of the cheese to determine if it has gone bad. Spoiled cheese may taste bitter, acidic, or unpleasantly sour. However, it's important to note that consuming spoiled cheese can lead to foodborne illnesses, so it's always better to err on the side of caution and discard any cheese you suspect has gone bad.

Best practices for cheese storage

The best way to store cheese depends on its type, moisture content, and whether it has been opened. Proper storage can dramatically extend a cheese's refrigerator life, so it's important to know the best practices for storing this dairy product.

Soft cheeses

Soft cheeses, such as ricotta, feta, mozzarella, cottage cheese, and cream cheese, are highly perishable due to their high moisture content, which provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Unopened, they can last for a few weeks to a couple of months past their 'best by' date when refrigerated. Once opened, soft cheeses will typically last for about a week in the fridge. To extend their shelf life, soft cheeses sold in brine, like feta or fresh mozzarella, should be kept in the liquid in a secure container. Soft-ripened cheese or "semi-soft" cheese like Brie has a delicate rind, so it's best to wrap it in cheese paper or parchment paper and keep it in an airtight container.

Semi-hard cheeses

Semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss cheese, Gruyère, Comté, aged Manchego, and Monterey Jack, have less moisture than soft cheeses, giving them a slightly longer shelf life. Unopened, they can last for several months past their 'best by' date when refrigerated. Once opened, they will typically last for about two to three weeks in the fridge. To extend their shelf life, remove semi-hard cheeses from their plastic packaging and wrap them loosely in a breathable material, such as wax paper or cheese paper, before placing them in an airtight container.

Hard cheeses

Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, Gouda, and Parmigiano Reggiano, have a low moisture content, which makes it difficult for bacteria to flourish. Unopened, hard cheeses can last for several months to even a year when stored in the fridge. Once opened, they will typically last for about three to four weeks in the refrigerator. To extend their shelf life, hard cheeses should be removed from their plastic packaging and wrapped loosely in cheese paper or wax paper before being placed in an airtight container.

General tips

• It is important to note that 'best by' or 'sell by' dates on cheese are guidelines for quality, not safety. Cheese often remains safe to eat beyond these dates if stored correctly.
• When storing cheese in the refrigerator, it is best to keep it in the coldest part of the fridge, such as the middle or bottom shelf, and not in the door.
• Avoid wrapping cheese in tight, non-porous material like plastic wrap, as this can dry it out. Instead, use porous materials like cheese paper or wax paper to maintain moisture.
• Keep cheese away from raw meats, poultry, and fish in the refrigerator to avoid contamination.
• If you notice mould on hard or semi-hard cheese, simply cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the affected area. Soft cheeses with mould should be discarded.
• If you have a healthy immune system, consuming a small amount of mouldy cheese is unlikely to cause harm, but monitor yourself for symptoms of food poisoning, such as vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhoea.

Types of cheese that do not require refrigeration

Generally, hard cheeses do not require refrigeration and will last much longer if they are refrigerated. Hard cheeses are durable and don't spoil because they contain less moisture and are therefore less prone to spoilage from bacteria.

• Aged Gouda: The longer it is aged, the harder the texture and the more intense the flavor. It has a butterscotch sweetness with a hint of salt.
• Parmigiano-Reggiano: This cheese is aged for several years and is known for its rich flavor.
• Fiore Sardo and other types of Pecorino: This aged sheep's milk cheese from Sardinia has an intense flavor that becomes more pronounced when the cheese is out of refrigeration but doesn't become stinky.
• Montgomery's Cheddar: This cheese is made in England and aged for at least a year. It has a dense and creamy texture but doesn't ooze.
• Appenzeller: This semi-hard Swiss cheese has a texture with a little give and the rich flavor of an aged cheese.
• Asiago d'Allevo: This cheese comes in three graduations of hardness: mezzano (aged for 6 months), vecchio (over 10 months), and stravecchio (2 years). It has an almond and buttery flavor.
• Pecorino Romano: This hard Italian cheese is made entirely from sheep's milk and is known for its hard, crumbly texture and salty tang.

To keep these cheeses fresh, wrap them in wax paper, parchment paper, or aluminum foil and store them in a cool, dry, and dark place.

Frequently asked questions