Cheese Lifespan: How Long Does It Last?

how long is cheese goid for sfter opening

How long does cheese last in the fridge once opened? Well, it depends on the type of cheese. Soft cheeses like mozzarella, feta, and ricotta have a shorter shelf life, lasting only about a week in the fridge. Harder cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and gouda, on the other hand, can last up to four weeks or even longer due to their lower moisture content, which makes it difficult for bacteria to flourish. Semi-hard or semi-soft cheeses like Gruyère, havarti, and Monterey Jack fall somewhere in the middle, with a shelf life of around two to four weeks. Proper storage is also key to extending the shelf life of cheese; it's best to wrap cheese in porous material like parchment or wax paper and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Characteristics Values
How long does cheese last in the fridge after opening? This depends on the type of cheese. Soft cheese lasts 1-2 weeks, semi-hard cheese lasts 2-3 weeks, and hard cheese lasts 3-4 weeks.
How to store cheese Wrap blocks of cheese in wax, parchment, or cheese paper. Place the cheese on the top or middle shelf, or in a drawer. Keep it above raw meats, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination.
Signs of spoilage Mold, dryness, a yeasty or ammonia smell, fermented fruit taste, unintentional bitter flavor, and a fizzy sensation on the tongue.

cycheese

Soft cheeses like mozzarella, feta, and ricotta last about a week in the fridge

Soft cheeses, such as mozzarella, feta, and ricotta, are highly perishable due to their high moisture content, which provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Therefore, proper storage is essential to prolong their shelf life.

For soft cheeses sold in brine, like feta or fresh mozzarella, ensure they remain submerged in the liquid and store them in a secure container. For blue cheese, wrapping it in foil can help extend its shelf life. Soft-ripened cheeses, such as Brie, have delicate rinds, so they require extra care. Wrapping them in cheese paper or parchment paper and storing them in an airtight container is recommended.

Soft cheeses will typically last for about a week in the fridge, but their quality and taste will start to deteriorate before then. Therefore, it is advisable to buy cheese for consumption within a week and store it properly to maximise its freshness.

To store soft cheeses, remove them from their original plastic packaging and wrap them loosely in a breathable material, such as wax paper or cheese paper. Then, place the cheese in an airtight container and store it in the fridge, preferably at a temperature below 40°F (4°C).

Remember, soft cheeses are highly perishable, so it is best to consume them promptly and monitor them for any signs of spoilage, such as mould, dryness, or a yeasty smell.

cycheese

Semi-hard cheeses like cheddar and Gruyère can last two to four weeks

To ensure your semi-hard cheese lasts the full two to four weeks, follow these steps for proper storage:

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

It's important to note that the shelf life of cheese will depend on its moisture content and storage method. Good storage methods allow the cheese to breathe and release moisture while protecting it from low humidity in the fridge.

Additionally, the taste and quality of semi-hard cheeses will be at their prime before the two to four weeks are up.

cycheese

Hard cheeses like aged cheddar and Parmigiano Reggiano can last up to four weeks

Hard cheeses, such as aged cheddar, gouda, and Parmigiano Reggiano, are low in moisture, making it difficult for bacteria to flourish. This means that, once opened, a package of hard cheese can last a long time—up to four weeks in the refrigerator. According to cheese expert Gordon Edgar, unopened packages of hard cheese will last about six months, a timeframe supported by the USDA.

To get the most out of your hard cheese, it's important to store it correctly. Remove the cheese from its plastic packaging and wrap it loosely in cheese paper or wax paper. Then, place the cheese in a container with an airtight lid and store it in the refrigerator. This will help to protect the cheese while also allowing it to breathe and release moisture.

When it comes to determining whether your hard cheese has gone bad, look out for signs of spoilage such as red or black mold, dryness, or a bitter flavour. If you notice any blue or green surface mold on your hard cheese, simply cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below those spots—as long as you have a healthy immune system, consuming a small amount of mold will likely be fine. However, if you accidentally eat a moldy spot, monitor yourself for symptoms of food poisoning such as vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhea.

cycheese

Freezing cheese isn't recommended, especially for soft cheeses

Freezing cheese is not recommended, especially when it comes to soft cheeses. While freezing is a great way to preserve food and save money, it can negatively impact the texture and quality of cheese, especially softer varieties.

When cheese is frozen, small ice crystals form on the inside, disrupting its internal structure. When it’s thawed, water is released, causing the cheese to dry out, become crumbly, and potentially develop a mealy texture. Freezing can also affect the melting ability of cheese, with mozzarella, for example, melting less after being frozen for four weeks compared to one week.

Soft cheeses, such as Brie and Camembert, are particularly susceptible to damage caused by ice crystals due to their higher water content. Freezing these types of cheese can significantly damage their structure, resulting in a pool of undesirable, runny cheese when thawed.

Additionally, freezing can halt the ripening process of cheeses with beneficial, active mould populations, such as blue cheese and Camembert. The low temperatures can damage the moulds essential to the ripening process, potentially decreasing their overall sensory quality.

For these reasons, it is generally recommended to buy and serve soft cheese fresh and only freeze harder cheeses designed to be used in cooked dishes rather than eaten fresh.

Shredded Cheese: How Long Does It Last?

You may want to see also

cycheese

Signs of spoilage include mold, dryness, and an ammonia smell

When it comes to cheese, spoilage can be indicated by a range of signs, three of the most common being mold, dryness, and an ammonia smell. While mold on cheese is often associated with spoilage, it's important to note that not all molds are harmful, and some cheeses are even intentionally molded as part of the aging process. However, if you spot mold on a soft cheese, it's best to discard it.

Now, let's delve into each of the signs of spoilage in more detail:

Mold:

Mold on cheese can vary in appearance, ranging from visible spots or patches to a fuzzy growth. It is important to note that not all molds are harmful, and some cheeses, like blue cheese, are known for their moldy appearance. However, when it comes to soft cheeses, it is generally recommended to discard the entire product if mold is present. For harder cheeses, you can cut off the moldy portion along with at least one inch around and below it, as long as the cheese still smells and tastes fine.

Dryness:

Dry cheese is typically characterized by a harder texture and a diminished ability to melt. While dryness can be a natural result of the aging process, it can also indicate that the cheese has been stored improperly or has exceeded its shelf life. Dry cheese may crumble more easily and lose some of its flavor intensity.

Ammonia Smell:

An ammonia smell in cheese is caused by the decomposition of nitrogen-containing proteins in and on the cheese. While a subtle ammonia aroma can be natural in some cheeses, an intense ammonia smell indicates that the cheese is overripe or past its prime. This is more common in soft cheeses and can be avoided by storing cheese in breathable wrapping, such as cheese paper or wax paper, rather than airtight plastic.

It is important to note that the presence of any of these signs of spoilage does not necessarily mean the cheese is dangerous to consume. However, it is generally recommended to err on the side of caution and discard the cheese if it exhibits any of these characteristics. While it may not cause illness, the taste and texture of the cheese will likely be compromised.

Frequently asked questions

Soft cheese will last about one week in the fridge.

Hard cheese can last about four weeks in the refrigerator.

Semi-hard cheese has a shelf life of about two to three weeks in the fridge.

The best way to store cheese is to wrap it in a breathable material like wax paper or cheese paper and then place it in an airtight container.

Signs of spoilage include mold, dryness, and an ammonia smell.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment