Patrick Oconnell
Cheese is a delicious and versatile food, but how long does it last in the fridge? The shelf life of cheese depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, how it's stored, and whether it's been opened. Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda have a longer shelf life, often lasting several months to a year when stored properly in the fridge. On the other hand, soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert have a shorter shelf life, typically lasting a few weeks to a couple of months. Fresh cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese are highly perishable and should be consumed within a few weeks. It's important to note that proper storage is crucial to extending the shelf life of cheese. Soft cheeses should be wrapped in breathable materials like cheesecloth or parchment paper, while hard cheeses can be wrapped in wax paper or stored in airtight containers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hard cheeses | Last 3-4 times longer than soft cheeses in the fridge; unopened hard cheeses don't need to be refrigerated but will last much longer if they are; unopened blocks of hard cheese last 6 months in the fridge; once opened, they retain good quality for between a month and two months; in the refrigerator, hard cheeses can last about four weeks |
| Semi-hard cheeses | Contain less moisture than soft cheese; have a shelf life of two to three weeks in the fridge; once opened, they can last 2 to 4 weeks |
| Soft cheeses | Have a high moisture content, making them more perishable than harder cheeses; last about a week in the fridge; once opened, they can last 1-2 weeks |
| Fresh cheeses | Highly perishable; usually last only a few weeks past their 'best by' date when stored in the refrigerator |
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What You'll Learn
- Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda can last for several months to a year in the fridge
- Soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert have a shorter shelf life, lasting a few weeks to a couple of months
- Fresh cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese are highly perishable and last a few weeks at most
- Semi-hard cheeses like Swiss cheese and Gruyère have a relatively long shelf life, lasting several months
- Blue cheeses like Stilton, Roquefort, and Gorgonzola can last for several months when unopened and refrigerated
Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda can last for several months to a year in the fridge
Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, are low-moisture cheeses, making it difficult for bacteria to flourish. This gives them an extended shelf life, and they can be stored in the refrigerator for several months to a year, even after opening.
Hard cheeses that haven't been opened can be stored in the fridge for several months to a year. Unopened hard cheeses don't require refrigeration, but they will last much longer if they are refrigerated. In the fridge, unopened blocks of hard cheese can last for up to six months.
Once a package of hard cheese is opened, it can retain good quality for a long time, approximately four weeks in the refrigerator. If stored properly, hard cheeses can maintain their quality for one to two months after opening. This involves removing the cheese from its plastic packaging and wrapping it loosely in a breathable material, such as cheesecloth, parchment paper, or wax paper. It can then be placed in an airtight container.
Hard cheeses can also be frozen, as their low moisture content makes them suitable for freezing. Grating the cheese before freezing is a good idea if you plan to use it grated.
When to discard hard cheeses? If the cheese has dried up or is covered in mould, it's time to discard it. If there's only a small amount of mould, you can cut it off and use the rest of the cheese. A change in smell can also indicate that the cheese should be discarded; if it smells sour, "funny," rancid, or like ammonia, it should be thrown away.
White specks or crystallized patches on aged hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda are usually not mould but calcium lactate crystals, which are safe to eat and form when the lactic acid in the cheese combines with calcium.
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Soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert have a shorter shelf life, lasting a few weeks to a couple of months
Soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert have a shorter shelf life than hard cheeses, lasting a few weeks to a couple of months. This is because they have a higher moisture content, which provides an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and cause spoilage. Therefore, proper storage is key to extending the shelf life of these cheeses.
When storing soft cheeses, it is important to allow them to "breathe" and release moisture while also protecting them from low humidity in the fridge. Wrapping them in cheese paper, parchment paper, or wax paper and storing them in an airtight container can help achieve this balance.
For Brie, which has a delicate rind, it is recommended to use cheese paper, although parchment paper and an airtight container can also work. On the other hand, Camembert, a similar soft cheese, has a soft white mold rind that is intended to be eaten and adds texture and flavour to the cheese.
Once opened, soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert typically last for about one to two weeks in the fridge. However, their quality and taste will start to decline before that time is up, as they continue to ripen even in the refrigerator. Therefore, it is best to only buy these cheeses for the week ahead.
When it comes to knowing if soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert have gone bad, there are several signs to look out for. Firstly, if there is visible, unintentional mould on the cheese, it is best to discard it. Additionally, if the cheese has an off smell, such as sour, rancid, or ammonia-like odours, it has likely spoiled. Other signs include changes in texture, such as dryness, crumbly or slimy consistencies, and significant discolouration like yellowing or browning. If you notice any of these signs, it is best to err on the side of caution and not consume the cheese.
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Fresh cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese are highly perishable and last a few weeks at most
Fresh cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese are highly perishable and typically last only a few weeks in the refrigerator. These cheeses have a high moisture content, which means they are more prone to bacterial growth and spoilage.
Opened fresh cheeses like ricotta and cottage cheese have a short shelf life and are best consumed within one to two weeks of opening. It is important to note that these cheeses are highly perishable and can quickly develop mould, so it is recommended to consume them as soon as possible.
Cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese are not suitable for freezing and should be stored in the refrigerator. The best way to store these cheeses is to wrap them in wax, parchment, or cheese paper, and place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain their moisture and keep them fresh for a longer period.
In addition to their short shelf life, fresh cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese are also more susceptible to spoilage due to improper storage or quality control issues during manufacturing. Therefore, it is always recommended to inspect the cheese before consumption and check for signs of spoilage, such as mould, dryness, or an unpleasant smell.
To summarise, fresh cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese have a short shelf life and are highly perishable. They should be consumed within a few weeks of purchase or opening, and proper storage methods should be followed to maintain their freshness and prevent spoilage.
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Semi-hard cheeses like Swiss cheese and Gruyère have a relatively long shelf life, lasting several months
Semi-hard cheeses, such as Swiss cheese and Gruyère, have a relatively long shelf life compared to other types of cheese. When unopened and stored in the refrigerator, they can last for several months past their 'best by' date.
Once opened, these semi-hard cheeses will typically last for 2 to 4 weeks in the fridge. To ensure your semi-hard cheese reaches its full shelf life, follow these storage steps:
- Remove the cheese from its plastic packaging.
- Wrap it loosely in a breathable material, such as wax paper or cheese paper.
- Put the cheese in an airtight container.
It's important to note that the shelf life of cheese can vary depending on factors such as moisture content and storage method. Soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert have a shorter shelf life, typically lasting only a few weeks to a couple of months unopened. On the other hand, hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda have a lower moisture content, allowing them to last for several months to a year when stored in the fridge, even if unopened.
Additionally, it's worth mentioning that the 'best by' or 'sell by' dates on cheese are guidelines for quality rather than safety. Cheese often remains safe to eat beyond these dates if stored correctly. However, it's always recommended to inspect your cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as mould, unusual colours, or changes in texture or taste.
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Blue cheeses like Stilton, Roquefort, and Gorgonzola can last for several months when unopened and refrigerated
The shelf life of blue cheese ranges from one to six months, depending on its packaging. If it's sealed airtight, it will last much longer than if it's wrapped in cheese paper and inside a carton package. The cheese will remain safe to eat for one to two months after the "best by" date on the package, assuming it has been stored properly.
Once the package is opened, blue cheese should be consumed within three to four weeks. To maximize its shelf life, wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminium foil before refrigerating.
The best temperature for storing blue cheese is between 46°F and 55°F (8°C to 13°C), which is slightly warmer than a typical refrigerator. It should be stored in the bottom section of the fridge, as this is usually the coldest part, and will help to preserve the cheese for longer.
When it comes to spotting if blue cheese has gone bad, the key indicators are:
- An ammonia-like smell
- Changes in colour (the creamy part of the cheese turning pink, brown, green, or yellow)
- A hard texture
- Mould that is fuzzy and grey or black
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Frequently asked questions
This depends on the type of cheese. Soft cheeses should be eaten within 1-2 weeks of receipt. Firm cheeses can last a few weeks in the fridge. Harder, aged cheeses can last four to six months in the fridge.
Cheese should be wrapped in cheese paper, foil, or parchment paper. It should not be wrapped in plastic or placed in a Ziploc bag.
Cheese may have gone bad if it smells sour, rancid, or like ammonia. Visible mould on the cheese is also a sign that it has spoiled, except in the case of blue cheese.
Freezing cheese is not recommended as it can alter the flavour and texture.
"Best before" dates are a guideline for quality rather than safety. Cheese often remains safe to eat beyond these dates if stored correctly.
