Andy Montoya
Cheese is a versatile food item that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is also a food item that can be stored for a long time. The shelf life of cheese depends on the type of cheese and how it is stored. Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda have a lower moisture content, which helps extend their shelf life. Unopened, they can last for several months and even up to a year when stored in the fridge. On the other hand, soft cheeses such as Brie and Camembert have a shorter shelf life and typically last for a few weeks to a couple of months past their 'best by' date when refrigerated.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hard cheeses | Last 6 months in the fridge if unopened |
| Soft cheeses | Last 1-2 weeks in the fridge after opening |
| Hard cheeses | Last 3-4 weeks in the fridge after opening |
| Semi-hard cheeses | Last 2-3 weeks in the fridge |
| Unopened blue cheese | Can last for several months if refrigerated properly |
| Semi-hard cheese | Last several months past their 'best by' date when kept in the refrigerator before opening |
| Soft cheese | Last a few weeks to a couple of months past their 'best by' date when refrigerated |
| Fresh cheese | Last 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 Gruyere can last up to a year unopened
- Soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert have a shorter shelf life, lasting a few weeks unopened
- Fresh cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese are highly perishable and last a few weeks unopened
- Semi-hard cheeses like Swiss cheese have a relatively long shelf life, lasting several months unopened
- Blue cheeses like Stilton, Roquefort, and Gorgonzola can last several months unopened
Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gruyere can last up to a year unopened
Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gruyere, are aged for longer periods and have a distinct, crumbly texture. They have a lower moisture content, which helps extend their shelf life. Hard cheeses are also low in moisture, making it difficult for bacteria to flourish.
Hard cheeses that haven't been opened can last for several months and even up to a year when stored in a refrigerator. Unopened blocks of hard cheese can last for about six months in the fridge. The exact answer depends on storage conditions—keep the cheese refrigerated at all times. An unopened chunk of Cheddar cheese will remain safe to use for about six months, even if the "best by" date on the package expires.
To ensure your hard cheese lasts as long as possible, remove it from its plastic packaging and wrap it loosely in cheese paper, wax paper, or parchment paper. Then, place the cheese in a container with an airtight lid and store it in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator.
It's important to note that hard cheeses can be left out at room temperature for longer than soft cheeses, but they should still be refrigerated for the best quality and taste. If hard cheeses have been sitting out for four hours or less, rewrap them and put them back in the fridge. After four hours, look for signs of spoilage, such as a bad smell, slimy surface, dark spots, dryness, cracks, or mold.
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Soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert have a shorter shelf life, lasting a few weeks unopened
Soft cheeses, such as Brie and Camembert, have a shorter shelf life than harder cheeses. This is because they have a higher moisture content, which provides an environment for bacteria to thrive. Therefore, unopened soft cheeses will typically last a few weeks in the fridge, and up to a couple of months if they are stored correctly.
To ensure soft cheeses last as long as possible, they should be wrapped in cheese paper, or, alternatively, parchment paper. They should then be placed in an airtight container. Soft cheeses should be stored in the vegetable drawer of the fridge, where the temperature is coldest and most stable.
It is important to note that soft cheeses are highly perishable and should not be left out of the fridge for more than two hours. After this time, they are likely to spoil and should be discarded.
When it comes to spotting spoilage, soft cheeses will display certain signs. This may include a slimy texture, a yellowed colour, mould, sourness, or a scent of ammonia. If any of these signs are apparent, the cheese should be disposed of immediately.
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Fresh cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese are highly perishable and last a few weeks unopened
Fresh cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese are highly perishable and will usually only last a few weeks past their 'best by' date when stored in the refrigerator. These types of cheese are not aged and have a high moisture content, making them more susceptible to bacteria and spoilage.
To ensure the longest possible shelf life, it is important to store fresh cheeses correctly. Soft and semi-soft cheeses should be stored in their natural liquid in a plastic container. Wrap the cheese gently in parchment paper before placing it in the fridge, as this will protect it while still allowing it to breathe. Avoid using plastic wrap, as this can dry out the cheese and impart a plasticky flavour. Instead, use wax, parchment, or cheese paper, and store the cheese in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator, where the temperature is both cold and stable.
It is also worth noting that freezing is not recommended for soft cheeses. However, if you intend to use the cheese for cooking rather than snacking, it will be fine in the freezer for a few months.
When it comes to food safety, soft cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese should not be left out of the fridge for more than two hours. After this time, they should be discarded as they have a much higher risk of spoilage.
To summarise, fresh cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese will last a few weeks unopened in the fridge if stored correctly. However, their high moisture content makes them highly perishable, so they should be consumed and stored with care.
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Semi-hard cheeses like Swiss cheese have a relatively long shelf life, lasting several months unopened
Semi-hard cheeses, such as Swiss cheese, have a relatively long shelf life of several months if unopened and stored in the fridge. This is because they contain less moisture than soft cheeses, which makes them less prone to spoilage from bacterial growth.
Semi-hard cheeses are aged similarly to hard cheeses, but for a shorter period. They are typically aged anywhere from one to six months, which gives them a milder taste than hard cheeses. This aging process involves removing most of the whey from the curds, reducing the moisture content and making the cheese denser in consistency. As a result, semi-hard cheeses have a slightly softer texture than hard cheeses, but they are still firm enough to be sliced, grated, or cubed.
Examples of semi-hard cheeses include cheddar, Gruyère, Comté, aged Manchego, and Monterey Jack. When stored properly in the fridge, these cheeses can last for two to three weeks if they have been opened, and several months if they are unopened.
To ensure the longevity of semi-hard cheeses, it is important to store them correctly. This involves removing the cheese from its plastic packaging and wrapping it loosely in a pliable yet breathable material, such as wax paper or cheese paper. Then, place the cheese in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.
By following these storage guidelines, you can extend the shelf life of semi-hard cheeses like Swiss cheese and enjoy them for several months after their "best by" date.
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Blue cheeses like Stilton, Roquefort, and Gorgonzola can last several months unopened
Blue cheeses like Stilton, Roquefort, and Gorgonzola can last several months if unopened and stored in the fridge. This is because they are less prone to spoilage from bacteria due to their lower moisture content.
However, once a package of blue cheese is opened, it should be consumed within 3 to 4 weeks. To ensure the cheese lasts this long, it should be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in the coldest part of the fridge.
Additionally, blue cheese should be wrapped well to prevent it from drying out, but it should also be given some breathing room. The ideal temperature for storing blue cheese is between 46°F and 55°F (or 8°C and 13°C), which is slightly warmer than a typical refrigerator. Therefore, placing the cheese in the crisper drawer can help maintain the optimal temperature.
It is also important to note that blue cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life. If freezing, cut the cheese into pieces no larger than half a pound each, double wrap in wax or parchment paper, and place in a plastic freezer bag. Frozen blue cheese will maintain its quality for up to 6 months.
To determine if blue cheese has gone bad, look for signs of spoilage such as an ammonia-like smell, discolouration, or the presence of fuzzy mould.
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Frequently asked questions
Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda have a lower moisture content, which helps extend their shelf life. Unopened, they can last for several months and even up to a year when stored in the fridge.
Blue cheeses like Stilton, Roquefort, and Gorgonzola can have a shelf life of several months when unopened, if they're refrigerated properly.
Semi-hard cheeses like Swiss cheese also have a relatively long shelf life, often several months past their 'best by' date when kept in the refrigerator before opening.
Soft cheeses such as Brie and Camembert have a shorter shelf life. Unopened, they typically last for a few weeks to a couple of months past their 'best by' date when refrigerated.
