Cheese Storage: How Long Does Opened Cheese Last?

Cheese is a delicious and versatile food, but it doesn't last forever. The shelf life of cheese depends on its moisture content, storage method, and type. Soft cheeses like mozzarella, feta, and Brie have a shorter shelf life than hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda. Proper storage is key to extending the shelf life of cheese. In general, soft cheeses should be consumed within one to two weeks of opening, while hard cheeses can last three to four weeks in the fridge.

Soft cheese: lasts 1-2 weeks in the fridge

Soft cheese typically lasts 1-2 weeks in the fridge, but the quality and taste will be at their best before that time is up. Soft cheese has a high moisture content, which makes it more perishable than harder cheeses.

To get the most out of your soft cheese, proper storage is key. For cheese sold in brine, such as feta or fresh mozzarella, keep it in the liquid and ensure the container's lid is secure. For blue cheese, you can wrap it in foil. Soft-ripened cheese, like Brie, has a delicate rind, so it needs more care than other soft cheeses. Wrapping it in cheese paper is best, but you can also use parchment paper and keep it in an airtight container.

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, try to only buy cheese for the week ahead.

It's important to note that soft cheeses spoil more quickly than hard cheeses, so be sure to inspect your soft cheese for signs of spoilage before eating.

Hard cheese: lasts 3-4 weeks in the fridge

Hard cheese, such as aged cheddar, aged gouda, and parmesan, can last about 3-4 weeks in the fridge. This is because they have a lower moisture content, which makes it more difficult for bacteria to flourish and spoil the cheese.

To ensure your hard cheese lasts for up to 4 weeks in the fridge, follow these steps:

• Remove the cheese from its original plastic packaging.
• Wrap it loosely in a breathable material, such as wax paper or cheese paper.
• Put the cheese in a container with an airtight lid and store it in the coldest part of the fridge.

It's important to note that hard cheese can last much longer if it remains unopened and is stored properly. Unopened hard cheese can last for several months or even up to a year in the fridge.

Additionally, if you notice any mould on hard cheese, simply cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the affected area. However, if you have a compromised immune system, are pregnant, elderly, or have certain health conditions, it is advisable to avoid consuming cheese with any signs of spoilage.

Freezing cheese: not recommended, but possible

Freezing cheese is not usually recommended, especially for soft cheeses. However, it can be done, and it is a good option if you have a lot of cheese and want to store it for cooking at a later date. Freezing cheese will affect its texture, making it crumbly and mealy, and possibly reducing its flavour.

Hard cheeses tend to freeze well because they contain very little moisture, so there is less chance of the cheese's cell walls being damaged by expanding ice. Processed block cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss cheese, and blue cheese, freeze well.

Soft cheeses with high moisture content, such as ricotta, cottage, and cream cheeses, do not freeze well. Expensive wheels of local cheese or fresh cheeses with high water content are also not recommended for freezing. The water in these cheeses will expand during freezing and damage the texture and flavour.

How to freeze cheese

To freeze cheese, cut it into a few-inch-wide chunks and wrap each piece tightly and fully in a layer of parchment paper, then tinfoil. Place the wrapped cheese in a resealable plastic bag, suck out the air, seal the bag, and label it with the date.

Cheese can be frozen for up to six months, although some sources suggest that for the best flavour and texture, you should aim to use the cheese within one to two months.

How to use frozen cheese

Frozen cheese is best used in cooked dishes, such as soups, sauces, or casseroles, rather than eaten raw.

Signs of spoilage: mould, dryness, ammonia smell

Mould, dryness, and an ammonia smell are all signs that your cheese has spoiled and should not be eaten.

Mould

Mould is a type of fungus that produces spores, which are transported through air, insects, and water. It is a sign of spoilage in most foods, and while some types of mould are used in cheesemaking to develop flavour and texture, mould on other types of cheese is a sign that it has gone bad.

If you notice mould on hard cheeses, such as Parmesan, Colby, Swiss, and Cheddar, it is rare for the spores to spread beyond the surface. This means that you can cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the mould and still eat the rest of the cheese. However, if you notice mould on soft cheeses, such as cream cheese, cottage cheese, and ricotta, or on shredded, crumbled, or sliced cheese, the entire product should be thrown out immediately, as the spores can easily contaminate the entire product.

Dryness

Dryness in cheese is usually a result of improper storage. Cheese should not be wrapped in tight, non-porous material like plastic wrap, as this can dry out the cheese and harden it. Instead, it should be wrapped in porous material like cheese or wax paper.

Ammonia Smell

Ammonia is a waste product created by the decomposition of nitrogen-containing proteins in the cheese and on its surface. This process is natural, and when in balance with the well-developed aroma and flavour of a properly ripened cheese, it is not unpleasant. However, if a cheese smells intensely of ammonia, it is likely overripe and should be thrown out.

Proper storage: wrap in wax/parchment paper, then plastic wrap

Properly storing cheese can help it last for several months. When storing cheese, it's important to consider the type of cheese, the storage method, and the storage temperature.

For optimal storage, wrap blocks of cheese in wax, parchment, or cheese paper, then place them in an airtight container. This storage method helps maintain the cheese's moisture and protects it from low humidity in the fridge. It's best to avoid tight, non-porous materials like plastic wrap, as they can dry out the cheese and harden it.

Wax or parchment paper allows the cheese to breathe while keeping it protected. After wrapping the cheese in wax or parchment paper, you can then cover it with plastic wrap for added protection. This combination of wax/parchment paper and plastic wrap helps extend the shelf life of the cheese.

Additionally, it's important to store cheese in the coldest part of the fridge, ensuring a temperature below 40°F (4°C). Higher temperatures increase the rate at which bacteria multiply, leading to faster spoilage.

By following these storage guidelines, you can effectively prolong the life of your cheese while maintaining its quality and taste.

Frequently asked questions