The Lifespan Of Cheddar Cheese: How Long Does It Last?

Cheddar cheese is a semi-hard cheese with a relatively long shelf life. When unopened, it can last for several months to even a year or more when stored in the fridge. Once opened, a package of hard cheese can last a long time—about four weeks in the refrigerator. This is because hard cheeses like Cheddar have a lower moisture content, which makes it difficult for bacteria to flourish.

Unopened cheddar cheese can last for several months to a year in the fridge

Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese with a relatively long shelf life. Unopened blocks of hard cheese like cheddar can last 6 months in the fridge, and even up to a year in some cases. This is because hard cheeses like cheddar have a lower moisture content, which makes it difficult for bacteria to flourish.

Once opened, a package of hard cheese can last about 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator. The shelf life declines considerably once the cheese is exposed to air and potential bacterial contamination. When stored in the refrigerator in a wrapper or airtight container, opened cheddar cheese can last for a few weeks to a couple of months.

To ensure your block of cheddar lasts as long as possible, it should be stored in the fridge. Cheddar should be removed from its plastic packaging and wrapped loosely in a pliable yet breathable material, such as wax paper or cheese paper, before being placed in an airtight container.

It's important to note that the ''best before' dates on cheese are a guideline for quality, not safety. Cheese often remains safe to eat beyond these dates if it's stored correctly.

Once opened, exposure to air and bacteria means the shelf life declines

Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese with a relatively long shelf life. However, once opened, its shelf life declines significantly due to exposure to air and potential bacterial contamination.

Semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, have less moisture than soft cheeses, which makes them less prone to spoilage from bacteria. As a result, they have a slightly longer shelf life of two to three weeks in the fridge.

To maximise the shelf life of an opened block of cheddar, it is important to follow proper storage procedures. This involves removing the cheese from its original plastic packaging and wrapping it loosely in a pliable yet breathable material, such as wax paper or cheese paper. The cheese should then be placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator.

By following these steps, you can expect an opened package of cheddar cheese to last for a few weeks to a couple of months in the refrigerator. However, it is important to regularly inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as mould, discolouration, or changes in texture. If mould is present, simply cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the affected areas.

It is worth noting that the shelf life of cheddar cheese can be further extended by freezing it. While freezing may alter the texture and make the cheese crumbly upon thawing, it is still suitable for use in sauces and as melted toppings.

Opened cheddar cheese can last a few weeks to a couple of months

Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese with a relatively long shelf life. Once opened, a package of hard cheese can last a few weeks to a couple of months in the refrigerator. This is because hard cheeses like Cheddar have a lower moisture content, which makes it difficult for bacteria to flourish.

To ensure your Cheddar 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 pliable yet 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 soft cheeses spoil more quickly than hard cheeses. As a rule, soft cheeses should last about a week in the fridge after opening, while hard cheeses can last three to four weeks.

Even if your Cheddar has passed its 'best before' date, it may still be safe to eat if stored correctly. However, always check for signs of spoilage before consuming. The most obvious sign of spoilage is visible, unintentional mould. Other signs include an unpleasant smell, changes in texture, discolouration, and a bitter or sour taste.

Cheddar cheese is more durable than other cheeses and will dry out before it moulds

Cheddar cheese is a semi-hard cheese with a relatively long shelf life. Its durability is due to several factors, including its lower moisture content compared to soft cheeses, and its ageing process.

Cheddar is aged for several months or even years, during which time specific temperature and humidity conditions are maintained while particular moulds and cultures are used to prevent harmful bacteria from developing. This process results in a dense cheese with a lower moisture content, which is less prone to spoilage.

Once opened, a package of hard cheese like cheddar can last a long time—about four weeks in the refrigerator, according to experts. Unopened packages of hard cheese will last about six months in the fridge, and even up to a year if stored properly.

Cheddar cheese is more durable than other cheeses, especially soft cheeses like mozzarella, feta, and Brie, which typically last only about one week in the fridge. This is because soft cheeses have a higher moisture content, creating a more favourable environment for bacteria to thrive.

Cheddar will dry out before it moulds, thanks to its lower moisture content and the ageing process that helps preserve it. However, it is still susceptible to mould if not stored properly. To ensure the longevity of your cheddar, it is best to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, wrapped loosely in a breathable material such as wax or parchment paper.

If mould appears on hard cheese like cheddar, cut off the affected area and discard

Cheddar is a hard cheese and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to six months if unopened, and three to four weeks if opened. If mould appears on hard cheese like cheddar, it is safe to cut off the affected area with at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below those spots and discard it. The rest of the cheese will still be safe to eat. This is because hard cheeses are less prone to spoilage from bacteria due to their low moisture content.

However, it is important to note that if the cheese smells off or has black or grey mould, it is best to discard the entire block. White specks or crystallized patches on cheddar are likely calcium lactate crystals, which are safe to eat.

To prevent mould, it is recommended to wrap the cheese in a porous material such as wax, parchment, or cheese paper, and store it in the warmest part of the refrigerator, such as the produce drawer, to maintain humidity. Plastic wrap should be avoided as it can cause the cheese to dry out and harden, and the cheese should be sliced only when needed to reduce the surface area exposed to possible contamination.

Frequently asked questions