Cheese Storage: How Long Does Block Cheese Last?

Cheese is a versatile and tasty food item that can be stored for a long time. The shelf life of cheese depends on its type, storage practices, moisture content, and preservatives. Generally, hard cheeses last longer than soft cheeses. Properly stored, an opened chunk of hard cheese like cheddar will last for about 3 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator. On the other hand, soft cheeses like cottage cheese and cream cheese will only last 1–2 weeks in the fridge after opening.

How long does block cheese last in the fridge?

The shelf life of block cheese depends on several factors, including storage practices, moisture content, and preservatives. The type of cheese is also a significant factor, with soft cheeses tending to spoil faster than hard varieties.

Hard cheeses, such as Asiago, Parmesan, Beaufort, pecorino Romano, and Cheddar, can last anywhere from four to six months in the fridge if stored correctly. These harder, aged cheeses have lower internal moisture, making them less susceptible to spoilage. Freezing hard cheeses can extend their shelf life to eight months or even indefinitely, although it may affect their taste and texture.

For semi-hard to semi-soft cheeses, such as Emmental, Gruyère, Gouda, and Jarlsberg, the fridge life is slightly shorter, ranging from two to four weeks after the expiration date. These cheeses have more moisture, making them more perishable.

Soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, ricotta, Brie, mozzarella, and Camembert, have the shortest fridge life, typically lasting only one to two weeks after opening. These cheeses have a high moisture content, making them highly perishable.

To maximize the shelf life of block cheese, it is important to store it properly. This includes keeping the cheese refrigerated at all times and wrapping it in wax, parchment, or cheese paper to protect it while still allowing it to breathe. Additionally, maintaining a safe fridge temperature of below 40°F (4°C) is crucial to slow down bacterial growth and prevent spoilage.

In summary, the length of time block cheese lasts in the fridge depends on the type of cheese and the storage conditions. Hard cheeses can last up to six months, while soft cheeses may only last one to two weeks. Proper storage practices can help extend the shelf life of block cheese.

How long does block cheese last in the freezer?

Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of block cheese. When stored in the freezer, block cheese can last for about 6 months to indefinitely at a safe temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below. However, it is important to note that freezing may alter the texture and taste of the cheese, making it crumbly and less flavourful. Therefore, frozen block cheese is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.

To freeze block cheese, it is recommended to cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each. Wrap each portion tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing the bag to prevent freezer burn.

When thawing frozen block cheese, it is best to plan ahead as the texture and taste may be affected. A chunk of cheese that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before use. If you need to thaw the cheese more quickly, you can use the microwave or cold water, but it should be used immediately after thawing.

It is important to note that not all cheeses freeze well. Soft cheeses such as ricotta, cottage cheese, and cream cheese do not freeze well and are best stored in the refrigerator. Processed cheese slices, such as American cheese, should also not be frozen.

Additionally, when storing block cheese in the refrigerator, it can last for about 3 to 4 weeks if properly wrapped and stored. To maximize the shelf life, wrap the cheese in wax, parchment, or cheese paper, and then cover it with plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator.

How to store block cheese in the fridge

To store block cheese in the fridge, wrap it in wax, parchment, or cheese paper. Place it on the top or middle shelf, or in a drawer, ensuring it is above raw meats, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination. You can also store it in the ""egg drawer", which is a good alternative to the vegetable drawer. Avoid wrapping it in plastic wrap or other tight, non-porous materials, as this can dry out the cheese and harden it. Instead, use a breathable material like cheese or wax paper to prevent it from drying out.

You can also wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating. Alternatively, wrap the cheese in cheesecloth, parchment paper, or butcher paper, and place it inside a Ziploc bag. This will keep the cheesy smell off the rest of the food in your fridge.

If you are a serious cheese lover, you can buy cheese bags, which maintain humidity to prevent dryness while allowing the cheese to breathe.

For optimal longevity, keep your fridge below 40°F (4°C). At this temperature, the cheese will last for about 3 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator.

How to tell if block cheese has gone bad

Block cheese can last for a surprisingly long time, but it's important to know when it's gone bad.

Firstly, it's worth noting that hard cheeses like block cheese can be stored in a couple of ways to extend their shelf life. If unopened, they don't need to be refrigerated, but they will last much longer if they are. In the fridge, an unopened block of hard cheese can last for up to six months. Once opened, hard cheese is safe to eat for about three to four weeks. To extend its life, wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating.

Now you know how long block cheese should last, here's how to tell if it's gone bad:

Appearance

If your block cheese is spoiled, you'll probably be able to tell by looking at it. Hard cheeses like cheddar will develop a very hard texture and darken in colour when they're going bad. If you see any red or black mould, that's a sign that your cheese is past its prime and should be thrown out. However, if you see white specks or crystallised patches on certain aged hard cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and gouda, these are likely calcium lactate crystals and safe to eat. With hard cheeses, you can cut off any blue or green mould, ensuring you remove at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the mouldy area.

Smell

Use your nose to detect spoilage. A strong smell can indicate that your cheese is going bad. Although some types of cheese are stinky, they shouldn't smell like sweat, chlorine, or ammonia.

Taste and Texture

Your last line of defence is to use your sense of taste and texture. If something doesn't taste or feel right, it's best to get rid of the cheese.

How to revive mouldy block cheese

Mouldy cheese can be disgusting, but it doesn't have to be tossed in the trash. Here are some ways to revive mouldy block cheese:

Cut Off the Mouldy Parts

If you spot mould on your block of cheese, you can simply cut off the mouldy parts and use the rest. It is important to cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the mouldy spots, and to avoid touching the mould with the knife. This method is suitable for hard cheeses, such as Asiago, Parmesan, Cheddar, and Swiss cheese.

Wipe the Mould Away

You can also try wiping the mould away with a clean cloth dipped in white vinegar. While this method may not be the most pleasant, it can effectively remove the mould from the cheese.

Use Oil to Prevent Moulding

To prevent mould from forming, you can rub the cut faces of the cheese with a light coat of olive, canola, or another vegetable oil. Store the cheese in an airtight container in the fridge, and if any mould starts to grow, it will be on the oil, not the cheese itself. You can then wipe it off with a paper towel and rinse the cheese under lukewarm water.

Store Cheese Properly

To prevent mould from forming in the first place, it is important to store cheese properly. Avoid using plastic wrap as it can cause the cheese to take on a plastic flavour and smell like ammonia. Instead, use cheese bags, cheese paper, wax paper, or parchment paper, which are porous and allow the cheese to breathe. Replace the paper every time you unwrap the cheese to maintain a breathable seal. Additionally, limit exposure to air by resealing the cheese tightly each time you open it.

Other Tips

• Avoid touching the cheese with bare hands as this can encourage mould growth.
• Store cheese in the freezer if you don't plan on using it right away. Soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert can stay usable for up to a year when frozen, while hard cheeses will last twice as long if tightly wrapped before freezing.
• For soft cheeses like cottage cheese, stir in a pinch of salt to retard the growth of bacteria and extend its shelf life.

Frequently asked questions