Cheese Storage: How Long Can You Keep It Fresh?

Cheese is a delicious and versatile food, but how long does it last in the fridge? The answer depends on the type of cheese and how it's stored. Soft cheeses like mozzarella, feta, and goat cheese are more perishable and typically last up to one week in the fridge. Harder cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and aged gouda have a longer shelf life, often lasting three to four weeks. Proper storage is key to extending the life of your cheese, so it's important to wrap it in wax, parchment, or cheese paper and store it in the vegetable crisper of your fridge.

How long does soft cheese last in the fridge?

Soft cheeses typically last between one week and a couple of months in the fridge, depending on the variety. Fresh cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese are highly perishable and usually last only a few weeks past their "best by" date when stored in the refrigerator. Opened fresh cheeses like ricotta and cottage cheese have an even shorter shelf life and are best consumed within a week or two of opening.

Soft cheeses with high moisture content, such as ricotta, feta, and mozzarella, are more perishable than harder cheeses. In general, soft cheese will last about one week in the fridge, but the quality and taste will begin to decline before then. Proper storage is key to extending the shelf life of soft cheese. For cheese sold in brine, such as feta or fresh mozzarella, keep it in the liquid and ensure the container's lid is secure. Soft-ripened or "semi-soft" cheeses like Brie have a delicate rind, so they require more care than other soft cheeses. Wrapping them in cheese paper or parchment paper and storing them in an airtight container is best.

Opened soft cheeses like Brie, goat's cheese, mozzarella, and feta are more perishable and typically last for about a week to a few weeks in the refrigerator. After opening, you can safely store most soft cheeses in the fridge for at least 7 days.

How long does hard cheese last in the fridge?

Hard cheeses, such as aged cheddar, aged gouda, and Parmigiano Reggiano, can be stored in the refrigerator for about three to four weeks after opening. Unopened packages of hard cheese can last about six months.

Hard cheeses are dense and have been aged longer than soft cheeses, sometimes for years. They contain less moisture and are therefore less prone to spoilage from bacteria. Their low moisture content also means that mould doesn't spread quickly, so it is safe to cut off mould from hard cheese.

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.

Cheese will usually become unpalatable far before it becomes dangerous, so there's no need to stress. Your senses will be the best red flag when a cheese goes bad – far better than expiration dates, in fact, which are often off when it comes to cheese.

How to store soft cheese in the fridge

Soft cheeses like mozzarella, brie, ricotta, and goat cheese can be stored in the fridge for up to one to two weeks. To ensure they stay fresh for as long as possible, follow these steps:

Choose the Right Storage Container

Store soft cheese in a resealable plastic container or wrap it in wax, parchment, or cheese paper. Avoid using plastic wrap, as this can cause the cheese to take on a plastic-like flavour. If you do use plastic wrap, be sure to rewrap the cheese with a fresh piece after each use.

Maintain the Right Temperature

Keep soft cheese in the refrigerator, ideally in the vegetable crisper or produce drawer, where the temperature is cold and stable. If you use plastic wrap or a plastic bag, "face" your cheese before each use by cutting off and discarding the slice that was in direct contact with the plastic.

Monitor for Spoilage

Soft cheeses should be discarded if you notice any signs of spoilage, such as mold, dryness, or an ammonia smell. If you notice specks of blue or green surface mold on hard cheese, you can cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below those spots. However, discard soft cheeses with any mold growth.

Consider Freezing

While freezing is not recommended for soft cheeses, you can freeze other types of cheese for up to six months at a safe temperature of 0°F (-18°C).

How to store hard cheese in the fridge

Hard cheeses are dense and have been aged longer than soft cheeses—sometimes for years. Some examples of hard cheeses include Parmigiano-Reggiano and aged Gouda.

Wrapping

When storing hard cheese, it's important to wrap it in a way that allows it to breathe while also protecting it. Avoid using plastic wrap, as this can dry out the cheese and impart an unpleasant plastic-like flavour. Instead, opt for porous materials such as parchment paper, wax paper, or cheese paper. Wrap the cheese tightly and then seal it with tape. You can also use a layer of plastic wrap over the paper to add an extra layer of protection.

Storage Location

The best place to store hard cheese in the fridge is in the crisper drawer or the produce drawer, as these areas tend to be slightly warmer and have more humidity, which is ideal for cheese. Make sure to keep the cheese away from other smelly items, as it can absorb odours.

Storage Duration

Hard cheeses can be stored in the fridge for three to four weeks after opening. Once opened, shredded hard cheeses can last up to a month in the fridge. Unopened blocks of hard cheese can last up to six months in the fridge, although they don't necessarily need to be refrigerated.

Signs of Spoilage

To determine if a hard cheese has spoiled, examine it for any signs of spoilage, such as an off odour, unusual texture, or mould that is not part of the manufacturing process. If you notice any blue, gray, or green mould, simply cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below those spots. If you see red or black mould, discard the entire block of cheese.

What to do with mouldy cheese

Finding mould on your cheese can be disappointing, but it's important to know how to handle it safely. Here are some detailed instructions on what to do if you discover mouldy cheese in your fridge:

Firstly, assess the type of cheese. Fresh soft cheeses, such as ricotta, mascarpone, or chèvre, should be discarded as the mould has likely penetrated deep into the cheese, affecting its flavour.

For soft cheeses like Brie or Port Salut, cut away about a quarter of an inch from any surface where mould is visible. This will ensure that any affected parts are removed, and the rest of the cheese can be safely consumed.

Hard, aged cheeses like aged Cheddar or Parmesan are less susceptible to mould. You can simply scrape away the mould from the surface. With white, fuzzy mould tinged with green, the impact on flavour is minimal, and it can be safely cut away.

However, if you encounter black or grey mould, it is advisable to cut away a larger portion of the cheese surrounding the mould to ensure that any potentially affected areas are removed.

Always remember to discard any cheese that is both mouldy and wet or has an ammonia smell. While most moulds are not toxic, they can negatively impact the flavour of the cheese.

Additionally, it is important to store your cheese properly to prevent mould from forming. Wrap the cheese in special cheese paper or parchment paper, label it with the type and purchase date, and store it in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.

If you want to avoid mould altogether, opt for long-aged, hard cheeses like Parmesan, pecorino, aged Gouda, or mature Cheddar. These cheeses have been aged for 18 months or longer and are less likely to develop mould.

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