Cheese Expiration: How Long Does Sealed Cheese Last?

The shelf life of cheese depends on its moisture content, with soft cheeses having a shorter shelf life than harder varieties. Soft cheeses, such as feta, mozzarella, and cream cheese, should be consumed within one to two weeks of being opened and stored in the fridge. Meanwhile, hard cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and gouda can last anywhere from four weeks to six months in the fridge once opened. Proper storage is crucial to extending the shelf life of cheese, and it's important to note that best before dates are guidelines for quality rather than safety.

Hard cheese, unopened, can last for several months to a year in the fridge

Hard cheeses, such as aged cheddar, aged Gouda, and Parmigiano Reggiano, are low in moisture, which makes it difficult for bacteria to flourish. This means that, unopened, hard cheeses can last for several months to a year in the fridge. However, once opened, a package of hard cheese should be stored in the refrigerator and will last for about four weeks.

To store hard cheese in the refrigerator, first, remove the cheese from its plastic packaging. Then, wrap it loosely in cheese paper or wax paper. Finally, put the cheese in a container with an airtight lid.

It is important to note that the shelf life of hard cheese may vary depending on factors such as the specific type of cheese, storage method, and quality control issues during manufacturing or storage. Therefore, it is always a good idea to inspect your cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as mould, off colours, unusual textures, or a sour smell, before consuming it.

Soft cheeses should be consumed within one to two weeks of being in the fridge

Soft cheeses, such as cream cheese, feta, mozzarella, and Camembert, tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses. This is because they contain more moisture, which provides the ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. As such, soft cheeses should be consumed within one to two weeks of being opened and placed in the fridge.

Soft cheeses sold in brine, like feta or fresh mozzarella, should be kept in the liquid with a secure lid. Blue cheese can be wrapped in foil, according to Gordon Edgar, author of Cheddar: A Journey into the Heart of America’s Most Iconic Cheese. Soft-ripened cheese, like Brie, has a delicate rind, so it needs more care than other soft cheeses. It's best to wrap it in cheese paper, but parchment paper and an airtight container will also work.

A wedge of cheese starts to decline the moment it's cut off the wheel, and no cheese will get better in the fridge. So, it's recommended to only buy cheese for the week ahead.

Soft cheeses can be frozen but will lose their fluffy, cheesy texture once defrosted. It's best to keep soft cheeses in their unopened packaging until you are ready to use them. If you have leftovers, put them in a tightly sealed container in the fridge.

To ensure your soft cheeses last as long as possible, the fridge temperature should be kept below 40°F (4°C). A safe temperature range will prevent the rapid growth of bacteria, which raises the risk of spoilage.

Semi-hard cheeses can be kept in the fridge for about two to three weeks

Semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyère, Comté, aged Manchego, and Monterey Jack, can be kept in the fridge for about two to three weeks. These semi-hard cheeses contain less moisture than soft cheeses, which makes them less perishable and gives them a longer shelf life.

To ensure your semi-hard cheese lasts the full two to three 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 may vary depending on factors such as moisture content, storage method, and quality control during manufacturing. Therefore, it's always a good idea to inspect your cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as mould, unusual texture, or discolouration, before consuming it.

Fresh cheeses like cottage cheese are highly perishable and last a few weeks past their 'best by' date

Fresh cheeses, such as cottage cheese, are highly perishable and will only last a few weeks past their best-by date. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that cottage cheese be consumed within one week of opening, and within two weeks if unopened. However, it may be safe to consume for up to 10 days after opening if stored properly.

To maximise the shelf life of cottage cheese, it should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or lower. The container should be sealed or covered and kept in a consistently cold spot, not on the fridge door, which is subject to temperature fluctuations. Storing the container upside down can also help slow down spoilage by preventing air from entering the container.

It's important to inspect cottage cheese for signs of spoilage before consuming it, even if it is before the best-by date. Cottage cheese that has gone bad will have a watery appearance with separated curds and whey, and may develop a grainy texture. It may also develop mold spots that look like grayish-green or black fuzz on the surface or inside of the container. If the cheese has an overly sour, yeast-like, or rancid smell, it should be discarded.

If the cottage cheese looks and smells okay, but is past its expiration date, a small taste can help determine if it is still safe to eat. Spoiled cottage cheese will have a very unpleasant, distinct sourness that you will want to spit out. Consuming expired cottage cheese that is still safe may be unpleasant on its own, but it can be used in cooked recipes such as lasagna or scrambled eggs.

In summary, fresh cheeses like cottage cheese are highly perishable, with an unopened shelf life of about two weeks and a shorter shelf life once opened. Proper storage in the refrigerator can help extend its freshness, but it is important to regularly inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage before consuming it.

Cheddar cheese, unopened, can last for about six months in the fridge

Cheddar cheese is a semi-hard cheese with a relatively long shelf life. When unopened, it can last for about six months in the fridge. This is because it has a lower moisture content, which inhibits bacterial growth and thus extends its shelf life.

Once opened, cheddar cheese will last for about three to four weeks in the fridge. This is because exposure to air and potential bacterial contamination reduce its shelf life. To maximise its shelf life, cheddar cheese should be removed from its plastic packaging and wrapped loosely in a breathable material, such as wax paper or cheese paper, before being placed in an airtight container.

It's important to note that the shelf life of cheddar cheese may vary depending on factors such as storage conditions and quality control during manufacturing. Therefore, it's always a good idea to inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as mould, unpleasant odours, changes in texture, discolouration, or an off-taste.

Additionally, while cheddar cheese can be frozen, it's worth mentioning that frozen cheese may have a slightly different taste and texture compared to fresh cheese.

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