Cheese Lifespan: How Long Does It Really Last?

Cheese is a beloved food item for many, but it's hard to know how long it will last in the fridge. The shelf life of cheese depends on its moisture content. Cheeses with higher moisture content, such as soft cheeses like ricotta, feta, and mozzarella, are more perishable and tend to have a shorter shelf life of about one week in the fridge. On the other hand, hard cheeses like aged cheddar, aged gouda, and Parmigiano Reggiano have lower moisture levels, making it difficult for bacteria to flourish, thus lasting longer—about four weeks in the refrigerator. Proper storage methods, such as wrapping cheese in parchment paper or cheese paper, can also extend the shelf life of cheese. Additionally, cheese that is stored at room temperature will continue to ripen, with soft cheeses becoming runnier and firm cheeses sweating out butterfat.

Soft cheese: lasts one week in the fridge

Soft cheeses, such as ricotta, feta, and mozzarella, are highly perishable due to their high moisture content. Therefore, it is recommended that you consume soft cheese within one week of purchasing it. However, proper storage techniques can help extend the shelf life of soft cheese. For instance, cheese sold in brine, like feta or fresh mozzarella, should be kept in the liquid with a secure lid. For blue cheese, wrapping it in foil is recommended.

Soft-ripened or "semi-soft" cheeses like Brie are more delicate and require extra care. They are best wrapped in cheese paper, although parchment paper and an airtight container can also be used. Proper storage is crucial for soft cheeses as their shelf life is short, and they can quickly deteriorate if not stored correctly.

It is important to note that the quality and taste of soft cheese will start to decline before the week is up, so it is best to consume it as soon as possible after purchasing. Additionally, soft cheeses should be stored in the refrigerator to prolong their freshness.

When it comes to determining if your soft cheese has gone bad, trust your senses. Visible mold, dryness, and a yeasty or fermented smell are all signs of spoilage. However, it is important to note that not all molds are harmful, and some are even desirable. Blue, green, or grayish mold on the rind of soft-ripened cheeses is natural and safe to consume.

Semi-hard cheese: lasts two to three weeks

Semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyère, Comté, aged Manchego, and Monterey Jack, can be kept in the refrigerator for two to three weeks. These cheeses have less moisture than soft cheeses, which means they have a longer shelf life. To make the most of this timeframe, it is important to store your semi-hard cheese correctly.

Firstly, remove the cheese from its original plastic packaging. Then, wrap it loosely in a breathable material like wax paper or cheese paper. Finally, place the cheese in an airtight container and store it in the fridge.

It is worth noting that cheese is a living product and will continue to ripen, even in the fridge. So, while this storage method will extend the life of your semi-hard cheese, it won't stay fresh forever!

Hard cheese: lasts about four weeks

Hard cheeses, such as aged cheddar, aged gouda, and parmesan, can last for a long time due to their low moisture content, which makes it difficult for bacteria to flourish. This means that a package of hard cheese can last for about four weeks in the refrigerator once opened, according to experts. Unopened packages of hard cheese can last even longer, with a shelf life of about six months.

To get the most out of your hard cheese, proper storage is key. Firstly, remove the cheese from its original plastic packaging. Then, wrap it loosely in a breathable material such as cheese paper or wax paper. Finally, place the wrapped cheese in a container with an airtight lid and store it in the refrigerator. This will help protect the cheese from the low humidity in the fridge while still allowing it to "breathe".

It's worth noting that while hard cheese can last for several weeks, it starts to decline in quality the moment it's cut. Therefore, it's recommended to only buy cheese for the week ahead and to focus on proper storage to extend its refrigerator life.

Additionally, while cheese can be frozen, it's not usually recommended as it can alter the flavour and texture. Instead, it's best to buy cheese more frequently in smaller amounts and focus on proper storage to maintain its quality.

Freezing cheese: not recommended

While freezing cheese is a good way to increase its shelf life, it is not recommended due to the impact it has on the cheese's texture and quality. Freezing cheese can cause it to become drier, crumbly, and mealy, affecting the overall sensory quality.

When cheese is frozen, small ice crystals form on the inside, disrupting the internal structure of the cheese. This is because cheeses with a higher water content freeze at higher temperatures than those with a lower water content. For example, cottage cheese freezes at 29.8°F (-1.2°C), while cheddar freezes at 8.8°F (-12.9°C). When the cheese is thawed, water is released, resulting in a drier and crumbler texture.

The effect of freezing on cheese texture and melting properties varies depending on the type of cheese. Hard and semi-hard cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and blue cheese tend to become crumbly and harder to slice after freezing. Freezing mozzarella and pizza cheese can negatively affect their texture and melting abilities, even when frozen for a short duration.

Soft cheeses with higher moisture content, such as cottage cheese, ricotta, and quark, are not suitable for freezing due to their delicate structure and high water content. Freezing soft, ripened cheeses like brie, Camembert, fontina, or Muenster can negatively impact their texture and flavour.

Additionally, freezing cheese can halt the ripening process in cheeses with beneficial active mold populations, such as blue cheese. The low temperatures can damage the molds essential to the ripening process, potentially decreasing the sensory quality of the cheese.

Therefore, while freezing cheese can extend its shelf life, it is not recommended due to the detrimental effects on its texture, flavour, and overall quality. It is best to consume cheese fresh to maximize its flavour and texture.

Signs cheese has gone bad

Cheese is a perishable food, and it can be hard to distinguish between the maturing process and the signs of a cheese gone bad. Here are some signs to look out for:

Mould

The presence of mould is one of the most obvious signs of spoilage. It is important to distinguish between voluntary and involuntary mould. Some cheeses, like blue cheese and Brie, are intentionally made with mould to achieve a specific flavour or texture. In these cases, the mould is safe to eat. However, if mould other than the intended variety develops, it may be unsafe to consume. If you spot mould on a soft cheese, it is recommended to throw it away. For hard cheeses, cut out the mouldy section and the surrounding area, ensuring there is no mould elsewhere on the cheese before consuming it.

Colour Change

Any significant colour change in cheese can indicate spoilage. Oxidation can cause the cheese to lose its yellow colour and appear whiter. This is more common in cheeses with high levels of beta-carotene, such as those made from cow's milk. Additionally, browning can be a sign of spoilage in cheeses like Gouda and Parmesan, resulting from a reaction between reducing sugars and amino acids from protein breakdown.

Texture Changes

Changes in the texture of the cheese can also indicate spoilage. Hard cheeses can become brittle and prone to cracking due to moisture loss. Soft cheeses, such as Camembert, may develop a slimy texture due to the growth of unwanted bacteria. A gritty or grainy texture, especially in soft washed rind cheeses, can also indicate spoilage.

Unpleasant Odour

Spoiled cheese can develop a range of unpleasant odours due to bacterial growth or protein and fat breakdown. Ammonia, butyric acid, and geosmin are some of the chemicals responsible for pungent, rancid, or musty smells, respectively. Any significant change in the smell of cheese can be a sign that it has gone bad.

Taste

Off cheese may have an undesirable taste, such as bitterness, acidity, or excessive sourness.

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