Cheese Storage: How Long Does It Last?

It's frustrating to have to throw away food, especially when it's a tasty treat like cheese. So how long is cheese safe to eat after its sell-by date? The answer depends on the type of cheese and how it's stored. Soft cheeses with a high moisture content, such as ricotta or cottage cheese, should be kept for no more than a week in the fridge. Harder cheeses, like Parmesan and Pecorino, have a lower moisture content, which means bacteria doesn't spread as quickly, so they can last for several months, or even a year, when stored in the fridge.

Hard cheese can be safe for up to a year if unopened and stored in the fridge

Hard cheese has a longer shelf life than soft cheese, which tends to spoil more quickly. This is because hard cheeses have a lower moisture content, which means bacteria does not spread as quickly. Therefore, hard cheeses like Parmesan, Pecorino, and Gouda can last for several months and even up to a year if they are unopened and stored in the fridge.

The length of time that cheese lasts in the fridge depends on whether it is opened or unopened. Unopened hard cheeses don't need to be refrigerated, but they will last much longer if they are. Unopened blocks of hard cheese can last for six months to a year in the fridge. Once opened, hard cheeses should be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly and kept in the coldest part of the fridge. They will last for a few weeks to a couple of months.

If you notice any mold on hard cheese, it is usually safe to simply cut off the affected area and continue to use the rest of the block. However, if the cheese develops an odd odor, a slimy texture, or a sour flavor, it should be discarded.

It is important to note that the temperature of the fridge can also impact the shelf life of cheese. A safe fridge temperature is below 40°F (4°C). Higher temperatures increase the rate at which bacteria multiply, which can cause the cheese to spoil more quickly.

Soft cheeses should be discarded after a week in the fridge

Soft cheeses are highly perishable and have a short shelf life. They should be discarded after a week in the fridge, even if they are unopened. This is because they have a high moisture content, which allows bacteria and mould to spread easily. Examples of soft cheeses include Brie, Camembert, cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese.

It is important to note that the shelf life of cheese varies depending on the type of cheese. Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, have a lower moisture content, which helps extend their shelf life. Unopened, they can last for several months and even up to a year when stored in the fridge. On the other hand, semi-hard cheeses like Swiss cheese and blue cheeses like Stilton have a relatively long shelf life, often lasting several months past their 'best by' date when kept in the refrigerator before opening.

It is always a good idea to avoid wasting food, but it is important to prioritise food safety. While hard cheeses can be safely consumed even after the expiration date if they are stored properly and show no signs of spoilage, soft cheeses should be discarded after a week to prevent food poisoning.

To maximise the shelf life of soft cheeses, it is recommended to store them in the refrigerator in a wrapper or airtight container. Additionally, it is important to inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as mould, discolouration, or changes in texture or taste. If you notice any of these signs, it is best to discard the cheese.

Semi-soft and semi-firm cheeses can be eaten up to three weeks after the listed expiration date

The shelf life of cheese depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, how it has been stored, and the degree of spoilage. While soft cheeses like cottage cheese, cream cheese, ricotta, and brie have a short shelf life, semi-soft and semi-firm cheeses like Gouda, Cheddar, and Swiss can be consumed weeks after their listed expiration date.

Semi-soft and semi-firm cheeses have a relatively long shelf life. When kept in the refrigerator, they can last for several months past their 'best by' date. This is because they have a lower moisture content, which helps to extend their shelf life. For example, unopened Cheddar cheese can last for several months to even a year or more past its 'best by' date when stored in the fridge.

After opening a package of semi-soft or semi-firm cheese, it can be safely stored in the fridge for at least 7 days and up to 3-4 weeks. This is because hard varieties spoil more slowly than soft varieties. However, it's important to note that once the package is opened, exposure to air and potential bacterial contamination cause the shelf life to decline considerably.

To extend the shelf life of semi-soft and semi-firm cheeses, it is recommended to store them in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in the coldest part of the fridge. Additionally, a safe fridge temperature is crucial to preventing spoilage. Keeping the fridge below 40°F (4°C) will help to maintain the quality of the cheese.

It is also important to inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage before consuming it. If there is mold on the cheese, simply cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the affected area. If the cheese smells sour, rancid, or like ammonia, or if there are significant changes in colour, texture, or taste, it is best to discard it.

Fresh cheeses like cottage cheese and cream cheese are highly perishable

Cottage cheese falls into the soft cheese category, so it doesn't last as long as some aged hard cheeses like Parmesan and Manchego. The Department of Health and Human Services says that cottage cheese that's kept refrigerated at 40º F or lower should be consumed within two weeks if unopened, and within one week once opened. However, if it's been stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator and hasn't been opened, it may last a little longer.

A good rule of thumb is that cottage cheese can be safely consumed 7 to 14 days past the printed date, which will typically be denoted by a "sell by," "use by," "best if used by," or "best before" label. This range depends on whether the cheese was refrigerated immediately after purchase and whether it is sealed or has already been opened. Well-preserved cottage cheese that has been kept sealed can usually last the full two weeks.

Opened cottage cheese will usually last up to ten days, but it can be safely stored for up to one week. To keep it fresh for as long as possible, it should always be kept in the fridge in an airtight container.

Cream cheese is similar to cottage cheese in terms of shelf life. It is best consumed within a week or two of opening.

If in doubt, always throw the cheese away

Hard cheeses, on the other hand, can last for much longer, sometimes even months after the printed expiration date. This is because they have a lower moisture content, which inhibits bacterial growth. However, if you're unsure about the safety of your hard cheese, it's better to be safe than sorry and discard it.

In general, it's important to trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Look at the cheese for any signs of mould, discolouration, or changes in texture. Smell it for any off, sour, or ammonia-like odours. If you're still unsure, taste a small amount, but be cautious as some moulds can be dangerous.

Additionally, proper storage is key to prolonging the life of your cheese. Wrap blocks of cheese in porous materials like wax or parchment paper to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Store cheese in the coldest part of the fridge, and keep it away from raw meats, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination.

Remember, it's always better to be cautious when it comes to food safety. If you have any doubts about the safety of your cheese, it's best to discard it to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.

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