Cheese Storage: How Long Does Cut Cheese Last?

Cheese is a delicious and versatile food, but how long does cut cheese last in the fridge? The shelf life of cheese depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, moisture content, storage method, and temperature. Soft cheeses like Brie, goat cheese, mozzarella, and feta have a shorter shelf life and typically last for about a week to a few weeks in the refrigerator. On the other hand, hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda have a lower moisture content, which helps extend their shelf life. Properly stored hard cheeses can last for three to four weeks in the fridge after opening. Additionally, factors such as temperature, humidity, packaging, and cross-contamination can impact the shelf life of sliced cheese. To ensure food safety and maintain freshness, it is important to store cheese properly and pay attention to signs of spoilage.

Soft cheese lasts 1-2 weeks in the fridge

Soft cheese typically lasts 1-2 weeks in the fridge, but this can vary depending on the specific type of cheese and how it is stored. For example, fresh mozzarella, feta, and cottage cheese tend to have a shorter shelf life of about 1-2 weeks, while Brie and Camembert can last a little longer, up to 2-3 weeks.

To maximise the shelf life of soft cheese, it is important to store it properly. Soft cheese should be kept in the main part of the fridge, where the temperature is cool and steady, ideally between 34°F and 40°F (1°C and 4°C). It should be stored in an airtight container or wrapped in wax, parchment, or cheese paper to protect it from the low humidity in the fridge while still allowing it to "breathe". It is best to avoid wrapping soft cheese in tight, non-porous material like plastic wrap, as this can dry it out.

Additionally, soft cheese should be kept away from foods with strong smells or potential contaminants, and hands and utensils should be clean when handling the cheese to avoid spreading bacteria. Proper storage can dramatically extend the refrigerator life of soft cheese, ensuring that it stays fresh and tasty for as long as possible.

Hard cheese lasts 3-4 weeks

Hard cheese, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, can last for a few weeks to a couple of months in the refrigerator. This is because hard cheeses have a lower moisture content, which makes it difficult for bacteria to flourish.

To ensure your hard cheese 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 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 also important to regularly inspect hard cheeses for mould. If you see any mould, simply cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the affected area. However, if you have a compromised immune system, are pregnant, elderly, or have certain health conditions, it's generally advisable to avoid consuming cheese with mould.

In summary, with proper storage, hard cheeses can last for 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator.

Fresh cheese lasts a few weeks

Fresh cheese is highly perishable and usually lasts only a few weeks past its "best by" date when stored in the refrigerator. This includes cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese. These cheeses are more likely to spoil quickly because they have a higher moisture content, which provides the ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.

To maximise the shelf life of fresh cheese, it's important to store it properly. Fresh cheese should be kept in the main part of the fridge, where the temperature is cool and steady, ideally between 34°F and 40°F (1°C and 4°C). It's best to leave the cheese in its original wrap until you're ready to use it. Once opened, rewrap the cheese snugly in plastic wrap or foil, or store it in an airtight container.

Fresh cheese also likes a bit of moisture. If your fridge has a vegetable drawer or a cheese drawer, use it. Additionally, avoid storing cheese near the fridge door, as the temperature there can fluctuate too much.

It's also important to avoid cross-contamination when storing cheese. Keep cheese away from raw meats, poultry, and seafood. Wash your hands before touching cheese and use clean knives and cutting boards. Try not to handle cheese with bare hands.

By following these storage tips, you can help ensure that your fresh cheese lasts as long as possible in the fridge.

How to spot signs of spoilage

Knowing when your cheese has gone bad can be tricky. Each cheese ages differently and therefore spoils differently. Here are some signs to look out for:

Appearance

Don't be too quick to discard your cheese at the first sign of surface mould. It is natural for cheese to grow mould. If your cheese has some surface mould, try trimming at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the mouldy area. If the area beneath is clean and shows no other signs of spoilage, then the cheese should be safe to eat. However, if the entire piece is covered in thick mould, it may not be worth saving.

Mould isn't the only indicator of spoilage. Discolouration, such as fading or darkening, changes in texture, such as hardening or cracking, and any sliminess, oil, or bloated packaging can also be signs of spoilage.

Smell

Because cheese is a dairy product, one sign of spoilage is an "off" smell. This could be of spoiled milk, ammonia, or even of a refrigerator or freezer. A good tip is to smell your cheese when you first purchase it, so you know how it is supposed to smell and will be able to notice when something is off. Sometimes cheeses can be pungent and "off" smelling to begin with, so it's best not to rely on smell alone.

Taste

Tasting the cheese is a last resort, but if you suspect it has spoiled, only taste a small piece. If it tastes sour or has an unpleasant aftertaste, it has likely gone bad.

Best ways to store cut cheese

The best way to store cut cheese depends on the type of cheese. However, there are some general rules to follow. Firstly, avoid storing cheese in plastic wrap or a plastic bag. Although this is a common way that cheese is packaged, plastic wrap has a taste that can quickly transfer to the cheese, and it also traps moisture, which can help mould to form. Instead, wrap cheese in a breathable material such as parchment or waxed paper, and then place it in a container with a loose-fitting lid, or a plastic bag. This will protect the cheese without drying it out, and will also prevent fridge odours from seeping in.

It's also important to store cheese at the right temperature. The ideal temperature for a fridge is below 40°F (4°C). Higher temperatures increase the rate at which bacteria multiply, which can cause the cheese to spoil.

Now, here are some tips for storing specific types of cheese:

• Soft cheeses, such as ricotta, feta, mozzarella, goat's cheese, Camembert, and Brie, have a high moisture content, which makes them more perishable. Soft cheese will generally last for about a week in the fridge. Feta stored in brine will last a little longer, as the salt in the water prevents mould growth. For blue cheese, which has a higher moisture content, wrap in aluminium foil. Place soft and semi-soft cheeses in a resealable container in the fridge, and use within a week.
• Semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyère, Comté, aged Manchego, and Monterey Jack, contain less moisture than soft cheese, so they will last longer—about two to three weeks in the fridge. Wrap in wax or parchment paper, then add a layer of plastic wrap, and place in the fridge.
• Hard cheeses, such as aged cheddar, aged Gouda, and Parmigiano Reggiano, are low in moisture, which makes it difficult for bacteria to flourish. Wrap in wax or parchment paper, then add a layer of plastic wrap, and place in the fridge. Hard cheese will last about four weeks in the fridge, and shredded hard cheese will last up to a month.

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