Kamil Perry
Cheese is a beloved food item, but it can be tricky to know how long it lasts in the fridge. The shelf life of cheese depends on various factors, including the type of cheese, how it's made, and its moisture content. Wisconsin cheese, like any other cheese, will have a different lifespan depending on its variety and how it's stored. So, how long is Wisconsin cheese good for in the fridge? Let's delve into the world of cheese preservation to find out.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How long can Wisconsin cheese be left out of the fridge | 2 hours maximum, 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F (32°C) |
| How to store Wisconsin cheese in the fridge | Store in the coldest and darkest part of the fridge, wrapped in breathable materials such as wax, parchment, or cheese paper |
| How long does Wisconsin cheese last in the fridge | Soft cheeses last 1-2 weeks, hard cheeses last 3-6 weeks |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Hard Wisconsin cheeses can be left out longer than soft cheeses
When it comes to cheese, not all varieties are created equal when it comes to freshness. Hard Wisconsin cheeses, such as Cheddar, Swiss, Gouda, and Parmesan, can be safely left out of the refrigerator for longer periods than soft cheeses. This is primarily due to their lower moisture content, which makes them less susceptible to bacterial growth and spoilage.
Soft cheeses, like Queso Fresco, Brie, Camembert, and mozzarella, are more perishable and should be discarded if left unrefrigerated for more than two hours, according to the U.S. Department of Health. They have a higher moisture content, providing the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive, leading to faster spoilage.
Hard cheeses, on the other hand, can be left out for longer durations. The Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin advise that hard cheeses left out for four hours or less can be rewrapped and safely returned to the fridge. While the quality and taste may deteriorate over time, hard cheeses are less likely to pose a health risk even when left out for extended periods.
To maintain freshness and prolong the shelf life of hard Wisconsin cheeses, proper storage is essential. Hard cheeses should be stored in the coldest and darkest part of the fridge, wrapped in breathable materials like cheese paper, parchment, or wax paper. Avoid using plastic wrap, as it can cause the cheese to dry out and harden. Additionally, consider using a designated cheese box or container to maintain optimal humidity and prevent odor absorption.
In summary, hard Wisconsin cheeses can be safely left out of the fridge for longer periods than soft cheeses due to their lower moisture content. However, proper storage in the refrigerator is still crucial for maintaining freshness and prolonging the shelf life of these cheeses.
Cheese Powder: A Healthy Dog Treat?
You may want to see also
Soft cheeses should be kept on the middle shelf of the fridge
Soft cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, and fresh Mozzarella, have a shorter shelf life than hard cheeses. This is due to their higher moisture content, which provides an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. To extend their shelf life, proper storage is key. Soft cheeses should be stored in the middle shelf of the fridge, not in the door, to avoid temperature fluctuations. The fridge temperature should also be kept below 40°F (4°C) to slow bacterial growth.
Soft cheeses are best stored in their original container or in airtight glassware in the fridge. They should be wrapped in breathable wraps like cheese paper, parchment, or wax paper, and placed in a loosely sealed plastic bag to prevent them from drying out. For soft cheeses sold in brine, like feta or fresh mozzarella, it's essential to keep them submerged in the liquid with a secure lid on the container. Soft-ripened cheeses like Brie have delicate rinds, so they require more careful handling, such as wrapping them in cheese paper or parchment paper and storing them in an airtight container.
It's important to keep soft cheeses away from pungent foods, as they can easily absorb surrounding odors. To maintain optimal humidity and reduce exposure to fluctuating temperatures, place the wrapped cheese in a designated cheese drawer or storage box within your refrigerator. Additionally, soft cheeses should not be pre-sliced unless necessary, as this exposes more surface area to air and bacteria.
The shelf life of soft cheeses is typically 1 to 2 weeks once opened. If you need to store cheese for longer periods, consider freezing it. However, if soft cheese has been left out at room temperature for more than two hours, it should be discarded, as it can spoil and lead to bacterial growth.
Cheese and Heart Health: What's the Connection?
You may want to see also
Hard cheeses can be frozen and used later in recipes
Freezing is a good way to preserve hard cheese for longer, but it is best used for cooking rather than serving as a table cheese. Hard cheeses with lower moisture content and higher fat content are best suited for freezing.
To freeze hard cheese, it should be wrapped as airtight as possible, with as little moisture on it as possible. It is recommended to trim the cheese into a uniform shape before freezing and to use vacuum sealing or wrapping in parchment paper and then aluminium foil. Portioning the cheese before freezing is also a good idea, so you can thaw only what you need.
Hard cheese can be kept frozen indefinitely, but for the best quality, it should be used within 6-9 months. Frozen cheese should be thawed in the refrigerator for 7-8 hours per 1 pound (500 grams) of cheese.
Cheese Storage: Refrigeration vs. Room Temperature
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Soft cheeses should be consumed within one week of opening
Soft cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, mozzarella, cream cheese, and cottage cheese, have a high moisture content, which makes them more perishable and susceptible to bacterial growth. Therefore, it is recommended to consume soft cheeses within one week of opening.
To ensure the safety and quality of soft cheeses, it is important to follow proper storage practices. Soft cheeses should be stored on the middle shelf of the fridge, not in the door, to avoid temperature fluctuations. They should be kept away from pungent foods, as their high moisture content allows them to easily absorb surrounding odors.
When storing soft cheeses, it is recommended to use breathable wraps like cheese paper, parchment paper, or wax paper. Avoid using plastic wrap, as it can cause the cheese to dry out and harden. Instead, place the wrapped cheese in a loosely sealed plastic bag or airtight container to maintain optimal humidity and prevent drying out.
Additionally, soft cheeses should be kept in their original container or in airtight glassware in the fridge. It is important to inspect soft cheeses closely for signs of spoilage, such as fuzzy, green, or black mold, and discard them if necessary. By following these storage guidelines, you can help ensure that your soft cheeses remain consumable for up to one week after opening.
Domino's Pizza: Is It Worth Ordering Without Cheese?
You may want to see also
Soft cheeses are more susceptible to bacterial growth
The microbial risk associated with soft cheeses has been well documented in various studies. For example, Kowalik and Lobacz (2015) found that Y. enterocolitica grew in Camembert-type cheese at psychrotrophic temperatures between 3°C and 15°C. Additionally, Camembert cheese, which has a moisture content of over 55%, has been linked to a high risk of E. coli and Listeria monocytogenes infections, especially for susceptible populations.
The production process of soft cheeses also contributes to their higher susceptibility to bacterial growth. Fresh cheeses, such as Queso Fresco, are consumed immediately after manufacturing, without undergoing a significant aging process. This lack of aging means that bacteria, such as Listeria, which can be harmful to human health, may not be adequately controlled.
Furthermore, the type of bacteria present in the starter culture used during cheese production can impact the growth of other microorganisms. For instance, Streptococcus cremoris, a common starter culture, has been shown to inhibit the growth of Y. enterocolitica in Turkish Feta cheese. However, salt, another common additive, was found to have no significant impact on the growth rate of this bacterium.
To minimize the risk of bacterial growth, soft cheeses should be stored properly. They should be kept in the middle shelf of the fridge, away from temperature fluctuations and pungent foods, as they can easily absorb surrounding odors. Additionally, soft cheeses should be consumed within one to two weeks of opening and stored in their original container or airtight glassware to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
Cheese Spread: Healthy or Unhealthy?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The shelf life of Wisconsin cheese depends on the type of cheese. Soft cheeses last 1-2 weeks in the fridge after opening, while most hard cheeses last 3-4 weeks.
Soft cheeses have high moisture content, which makes them more perishable. Hard cheeses have lower moisture levels and last much longer.
Store cheese in the coldest and darkest part of the fridge, at a temperature below 40°F (4°C). Use breathable wraps like cheese paper, parchment, or wax paper, and avoid plastic wrap.
Soft cheeses should not be left out of the fridge for more than two hours. Hard cheeses can be left out for up to four hours and then rewrapped and put back in the fridge.
If you see spots of mold on non-blue cheeses, discard soft cheeses and cut off at least 1 inch around and below the affected area for hard cheeses. If the cheese smells off, it should be thrown out.
