The Best Way To Store Cheese And Extend Freshness

How long your cheese will last in the fridge depends on what type it is. Soft cheeses like ricotta, feta, and mozzarella have a high moisture content, making them more perishable than harder cheeses. In general, soft cheese will last about a week in the fridge. Harder cheeses, such as cheddar, parmesan, and gouda, can last up to three to four weeks in the refrigerator. Semi-hard cheeses like Swiss, Havarti, and Colby Jack will last one to two weeks.

Soft cheeses like brie, camembert, and goat's cheese should be consumed within a week of opening

Soft cheeses, such as brie, camembert, and goat's cheese, are highly perishable and should be consumed within a week of opening. These cheeses have a shorter shelf life than hard cheeses because they have a higher moisture content, which provides an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.

To ensure soft cheeses last as long as possible, it is important to store them correctly. They should be wrapped in wax or parchment paper and then in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. They should be stored in the refrigerator, ideally in an airtight container, and kept away from raw meat or seafood to prevent contamination.

Even when stored correctly, soft cheeses will only last a week in the fridge, and the quality and taste will start to decline before that time is up. So, it is best to only buy soft cheeses for the week ahead.

If you have leftover soft cheese that you can't finish within a week, it can be frozen. However, it is important to note that the texture and flavour may change, and soft cheeses may become crumbly. Frozen soft cheese should be consumed within two months and should be wrapped tightly before being placed in a freezer-safe container or plastic bag.

Overall, soft cheeses like brie, camembert, and goat's cheese should be enjoyed within a week of opening to ensure optimal taste and quality.

Hard cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and gouda can last up to 3-4 weeks in the fridge

Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, parmesan, and gouda, are low in moisture, making it difficult for bacteria to flourish. This means that, once opened, they can last a long time in the fridge—up to 3-4 weeks, according to most sources. One source suggests that hard cheeses can even last up to six months in the fridge if unopened.

To ensure your hard cheese lasts as long as possible, it's important to store it correctly. Firstly, remove the cheese from its plastic packaging. Then, wrap it loosely in a breathable material, such as wax paper or cheese paper. Finally, put the cheese in a container with an airtight lid and store it in the coldest part of the fridge.

It's worth noting that hard cheeses will last longer if they are unopened and stored in the fridge. If you're unsure whether your hard cheese is still good to eat, look out for signs of spoilage, such as mold, dryness, or an ammonia smell. White specks or crystallized patches on cheddar, parmesan, or gouda are normal and safe to eat; they are likely calcium lactate crystals, which form when the lactic acid in the cheese combines with calcium.

Semi-hard cheeses like Swiss, Havarti, and Colby Jack can be stored like hard cheeses and last up to 2 weeks

Once opened, soft cheeses like ricotta, feta, mozzarella, and cottage cheese are highly perishable and should be consumed within a week or two. On the other hand, hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda have a longer shelf life, lasting up to three to four weeks in the refrigerator. Semi-hard cheeses, such as Swiss, Havarti, and Colby Jack, fall somewhere in between these two extremes.

Semi-hard cheeses can be stored in a similar manner to hard cheeses. To ensure their longevity, it is recommended to wrap them in wax or parchment paper and then in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This protective layer helps prevent the cheese from drying out and guards against the absorption of other flavours or odours in the fridge. With proper storage, semi-hard cheeses can last for up to one to two weeks in the refrigerator.

It is important to note that the shelf life of semi-hard cheeses may vary depending on factors such as moisture content and storage method. The presence of higher moisture levels can lead to a shorter shelf life, as it provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the condition of the cheese regularly and follow proper storage practices to maximise its longevity.

Additionally, when freezing semi-hard cheeses, it is important to note that they may not retain the same texture or flavour once thawed. Freezing can alter the cheese's characteristics, so it is generally recommended for cooking rather than snacking.

In summary, with proper storage, semi-hard cheeses like Swiss, Havarti, and Colby Jack can be enjoyed for up to two weeks after opening, providing consumers with a versatile and tasty option that falls between the shorter shelf life of soft cheeses and the longer duration offered by hard cheeses.

Fresh cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese are highly perishable and should be consumed within a week or two

Fresh cheeses, such as cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese, are highly perishable and should be consumed within a week or two of opening. These cheeses have a high moisture content, which makes them more perishable than harder cheeses.

To maximise their shelf life, it is important to store fresh cheeses correctly. For example, fresh cheese should be wrapped in wax or parchment paper and then in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. It should be stored in the refrigerator, ensuring it is not touching any raw meat or seafood to prevent contamination.

Additionally, the refrigerator temperature should be kept below 40°F (4°C) to maintain the quality and flavour of the cheese. At higher temperatures, the rate of bacterial growth increases, raising the risk of spoilage.

It is also worth noting that fresh cheeses, such as cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese, do not freeze well. Therefore, it is best to consume them within the recommended time frame and avoid storing them in the freezer.

Blue cheeses like Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Stilton can last up to 1-2 weeks and are best stored in wax or parchment paper

Blue cheeses like Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Stilton can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks. To ensure the cheese stays fresh, it should be wrapped in wax or parchment paper and then in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. This storage method helps to prevent the cheese from drying out and protects it from absorbing other flavours or odours in the fridge.

It is important to note that blue cheese has a higher moisture content and is more susceptible to spoilage than other types of cheese. Therefore, it is essential to inspect the cheese for any signs of mould or discolouration before consuming it. If the texture seems to be disintegrating or drying up, it should be discarded.

Additionally, blue cheese should be stored separately from raw meat, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination. The refrigerator temperature should also be maintained below 40°F (4°C) to ensure the cheese remains fresh and safe to consume.

When freezing blue cheese, it is recommended to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil and place it in a freezer-safe container or plastic bag. Proper storage is crucial to extend the shelf life and preserve the taste, texture, and quality of blue cheese.

Frequently asked questions