Mozzarella Cheese: How Long Does It Last?

Mozzarella is a soft Italian cheese with a mild taste. It is best served immediately and should be bought in small amounts as its shape and taste change quickly. But how long does it take for mozzarella cheese to go bad? The answer depends on a few factors, including the type of mozzarella, the packaging, and the temperature of storage.

Fresh mozzarella lasts 2-3 days after opening

Fresh mozzarella is a soft, mild-tasting cheese that is best served immediately and bought in small amounts. This is because its shape and taste change quickly. Once opened, fresh mozzarella will last for around two to three days in the refrigerator, although the expiry date on the packaging is often longer.

To keep mozzarella fresh for as long as possible, it must be stored in a refrigerator and placed in a container filled with water. If the cheese is sold in an airtight plastic container, the container should be sealed when the cheese is not in use. If the mozzarella is sold in a water-filled container, it can be stored in a glass or ceramic container filled with water. This will help to keep the cheese from drying out and maintain its taste.

When the colour of the water in the container turns murky, the water should be changed immediately. It is also important to watch the water level and top it up with one or two tablespoons of water if necessary.

If the mozzarella is stored in plastic wrap, the packaging should be tightly closed and the plastic should be changed regularly. Fresh mozzarella can also be stored or preserved in olive oil, but it is best to use it immediately rather than storing it for a long time.

Low-moisture mozzarella lasts longer

Mozzarella cheese is best when served fresh and should be bought in small amounts as needed. Its shape and taste change quickly, and it is prone to spoilage. To prevent spoilage, it is important to store mozzarella cheese in a refrigerator and place it in a container filled with water. The water should be changed regularly, and the container should be sealed tightly when the cheese is unused.

The length of time mozzarella cheese can last depends on the type of cheese and the storage conditions. Fresh, high-moisture mozzarella cheese will typically last around 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator if properly stored. On the other hand, low-moisture mozzarella has a longer shelf life.

Low-moisture mozzarella, also known as dry mozzarella, has a lower water content than its fresh counterpart, which makes it less susceptible to spoilage. While fresh mozzarella should be consumed within a few days of opening, low-moisture mozzarella can last much longer.

When stored in the refrigerator, low-moisture mozzarella can last anywhere from one to several months. The exact length of time will depend on the specific type of cheese and the storage conditions. However, it is important to note that even low-moisture mozzarella will eventually spoil, so it is essential to monitor the cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as changes in texture, colour, taste, or the presence of mould.

To extend the shelf life of low-moisture mozzarella even further, it can be frozen. Frozen mozzarella can last for up to six months or even longer, although it may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour. Therefore, it is best suited for cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.

In conclusion, while fresh mozzarella has a relatively short shelf life, low-moisture mozzarella can last for several months when stored properly in the refrigerator. By following proper storage techniques and regularly checking the cheese for any signs of spoilage, you can ensure that your low-moisture mozzarella stays fresh and safe to consume for an extended period.

Store mozzarella in water to prevent drying out

Fresh mozzarella is best when consumed as soon as possible. Its soft texture and mild taste change quickly, and it is prone to drying out. To prevent this, it is important to store mozzarella in water.

If your mozzarella comes in an airtight container with liquid, keep it in this container to maintain moisture. The liquid is whey, a byproduct of the cheese-making process, and can be replaced with water if it gets low. If the mozzarella is sold in a water-filled container, you can transfer it to a glass or ceramic container filled with water.

If your mozzarella comes vacuum-packed, remove it from the package and place it in a bowl of cold water. Change the water daily to prevent the cheese from drying out and to mimic the whey that fresh mozzarella is usually stored in.

For salted mozzarella, it is important to note that changing the brine solution (salt and water) for plain water will draw salt out of the cheese, affecting its flavour. In this case, you can add a little kosher salt to fresh water to maintain the balance.

By storing mozzarella in water and keeping it refrigerated, you can extend its shelf life and preserve its taste and texture.

Frozen mozzarella lasts 6 months

Mozzarella is a soft, creamy cheese with a high water content. This means that it doesn't have a long shelf life and is best eaten within a day of production. However, freezing mozzarella can extend its shelf life by several months.

When freezing fresh mozzarella, it is important to remove it from its original packaging and slice it into individual portions. The excess moisture should then be removed with a paper towel before wrapping the slices tightly in plastic wrap or cling film. These wrapped slices can then be placed on a baking sheet and frozen for at least eight hours before being transferred to a plastic bag or airtight container for storage in the freezer.

Frozen mozzarella will maintain its best quality for about six months, although it will remain safe to eat beyond this time if stored at a constant temperature of 0°F. However, the freezing process can affect the texture and flavour of the cheese, making it crumbly and less creamy. As such, frozen mozzarella is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles, and baked pasta dishes.

To defrost frozen mozzarella, it is recommended to transfer it to the fridge and allow it to thaw gradually while still wrapped to retain moisture. Once the cheese has returned to its soft, original texture, it is ready to be used.

Signs of bad mozzarella: change in shape, colour, taste, and aroma

Mozzarella cheese is best served immediately and should be bought in small amounts as its shape and taste change quickly. To keep it from spoiling, it must be stored in a refrigerator and placed in a container filled with water. The water should be changed when it turns murky.

Change in Shape

If your mozzarella cheese has changed shape, it may be a sign that it is going bad. Fresh mozzarella has a soft texture and a high moisture content. If the cheese starts to harden, it will also affect its taste.

Change in Colour

Any change in colour is a clear indication that your mozzarella has gone bad. The most common colour change is the growth of mould, which can be white, pink, or red. While some types of mould are safe to consume, such as those intentionally grown on washed rind cheeses, it is best to discard the cheese if any mould is present.

Change in Taste

If your mozzarella cheese tastes unpleasant, sour, or bitter, it has likely gone bad and should be discarded. Even a tiny amount of old mozzarella will be noticeably unpleasant to taste.

Change in Aroma

Mozzarella has a light and mild aroma. If it starts to smell bad, sour, or like spoilt milk, it has gone bad and should be thrown away.

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