Ricotta Cheese: How Long Can You Refrigerate It?

Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. However, its versatility does not extend to its shelf life. Unlike harder cheeses such as parmesan, ricotta has a high moisture content, which means it spoils quickly. So, how long can you keep ricotta cheese in the refrigerator once it has been opened?

Opened ricotta cheese lasts for about a week in the fridge

Opened ricotta cheese will last about a week in the fridge. This is shorter than the shelf life of unopened ricotta cheese, which lasts about two weeks. To maximise the shelf life of opened ricotta cheese, it should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The temperature of the fridge should be maintained at around 35-40°F.

Opened ricotta cheese has a shorter shelf life because exposure to air affects its quality. To prevent air exposure, the ricotta should be sealed and kept in the back of the bottom shelf of the fridge, where the temperature is the most consistent. The middle of the fridge is also a suitable place to store ricotta.

It is important to note that ricotta cheese has a high moisture content, which creates a breeding ground for bacteria. Therefore, it is crucial to inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as an off odour, black spots, discolouration, excess liquid, or texture issues (graininess or lumpiness). If any of these signs are present, the ricotta cheese should be discarded.

Unopened ricotta cheese lasts about two weeks in the fridge

Unopened ricotta cheese will last about two weeks in the fridge. This timeframe is dependent on the "sell by" or "best before" date on the package, as well as the storage conditions. To maximise the shelf life of ricotta cheese, it should be kept refrigerated at all times and stored at a cold temperature of around 35-40°F. The temperature of your refrigerator should already be set to this range.

To further extend the shelf life of unopened ricotta cheese, you can transfer it to an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag and store it in the freezer. Stored like this, ricotta cheese will maintain its best quality for about three months but will remain safe beyond that time.

When it comes to storing ricotta cheese in the fridge, it's important to keep it away from the door, as the temperature fluctuates more here. Instead, it should be kept towards the middle of the fridge, where the temperature is more consistent.

It's worth noting that the "best before" date on the package is not an exact expiration date but rather a suggestion for peak quality.

Opened ricotta cheese is prone to bacterial growth due to air exposure

Opened ricotta cheese is highly susceptible to bacterial growth due to air exposure. The high moisture content in ricotta cheese creates a breeding ground for bacteria, making it more perishable than aged, harder cheeses.

Ricotta cheese has a short shelf life

Opened ricotta cheese should be stored in an airtight container

Opened ricotta cheese will last for about a week in the fridge if stored correctly. To be sure it is still good to eat, it is recommended to do a sniff test. If there is any bad odour, it should be thrown out. Other signs of spoilage include discolouration, black spots, excess liquid, and changes in texture.

If you want to store ricotta cheese for longer, it can be frozen. However, the texture may change after thawing, and it is best suited for cooked dishes. Frozen ricotta cheese will keep for about three months.

Signs of spoilage include mould, discolouration, excess liquid, and texture changes

Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from pasta to desserts. However, it has a high moisture content, which means it is prone to spoilage and has a shorter shelf life compared to harder cheeses. Therefore, it is important to be vigilant about the signs of spoilage to ensure both taste and safety.

One of the most prominent signs of spoilage in ricotta cheese is mould. Unlike harder cheeses, where mould can be cut off without affecting the rest of the cheese, mould in soft cheeses like ricotta tends to spread throughout the product. Therefore, if you spot any mould, it is crucial to discard the entire package.

Discolouration is another tell-tale sign that your ricotta cheese has gone bad. Fresh ricotta boasts a vibrant white or ivory hue. As it ages, the cheese may turn yellow, brown, or grey, indicating spoilage. This discolouration is a clear sign that the cheese is past its prime and should not be consumed.

In addition to mould and discolouration, excess liquid is also a sign that your ricotta cheese has spoiled. As ricotta ages, the whey (the liquid foundation of the cheese) separates from the curds, resulting in a runny, watery consistency. This not only affects the texture but also compromises the structural integrity of the cheese.

Lastly, texture changes can also indicate that your ricotta cheese has gone bad. Fresh ricotta should have a smooth, velvety, creamy texture. Over time, it may become grainy, crumbly, or rubbery, signalling that it is past its prime.

In summary, it is important to be vigilant about the signs of spoilage in ricotta cheese, including mould, discolouration, excess liquid, and texture changes. If you spot any of these signs, it is best to discard the cheese to ensure both taste and food safety.

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