Shrink-Wrapped Cheese: How Long Does It Last?

The shelf life of shrink-wrapped cheese depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, the storage method, and the moisture content. Proper storage is essential to enhance the shelf life of cheese and prevent food wastage.

Unopened shrink-wrapped cheese lasts 6-8 months

Unopened shrink-wrapped cheese will last for 6-8 months, but only if it's stored correctly. The exact answer depends on storage conditions, but generally, it's important to keep the cheese refrigerated at all times. Cheddar cheese, in particular, should be kept in its original packaging when refrigerating. To maximise its shelf life, do not open the package until you are ready to use it.

If you want to extend the shelf life of cheddar cheese, you can freeze it. Cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each, then wrap it tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Cheddar cheese will maintain its best quality for about 6 to 8 months in the freezer, but it will remain safe beyond that time.

Other types of cheese have different shelf lives. Soft cheeses, such as ricotta, feta, and mozzarella, are more perishable than harder cheeses and will last about one week in the fridge. Semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyère, and Monterey Jack, will last two to three weeks in the fridge. Hard cheeses, such as aged cheddar and Parmigiano Reggiano, will last about four weeks in the refrigerator once opened, according to experts at the USDA. Unopened packages of hard cheese will last about six months.

Refrigerate shrink-wrapped cheese

Refrigerating shrink-wrapped cheese is an effective way to extend its shelf life. When it comes to storing cheese, the refrigerator is your best friend. Proper refrigeration not only prolongs the cheese's edibility but also maintains its quality and taste.

For shrink-wrapped cheese, refrigeration is essential to preserve its freshness. By maintaining a cool temperature, you can inhibit the growth of bacteria and slow down the ripening process. This is especially important for soft cheeses, which have a higher moisture content and are more perishable.

To ensure optimal storage, keep the cheese in its original packaging and refrigerate it immediately upon purchase. Do not open the package until you are ready to use the cheese. This helps maintain the cheese's quality and maximizes its shelf life.

Additionally, the placement of the cheese within the refrigerator matters. Store the shrink-wrapped cheese in the butter compartment, which is typically the warmest part of the fridge, to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, you can wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper, then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigeration. This adds an extra layer of protection and helps regulate moisture levels.

By following these simple steps, you can expect your shrink-wrapped cheese to last for about 3 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator once opened. If left unopened, it can even last for about 6 months, providing you with a ample supply of delicious cheese for a more extended period.

Freezing cheese

Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of cheese. However, not all cheeses are suited for freezing. Soft cheeses with high moisture content, such as mozzarella, do not freeze well as the water expands during freezing and damages the texture and flavour. As a result, the cheese becomes crumbly, grainy, or mealy.

Hard cheeses with little moisture, such as blocks of processed cheese like cheddar, freeze well for up to six months. This is because there is not much moisture in the cheese to expand and damage the cell walls during freezing. However, freezing can still affect the texture of hard cheeses, making them crumbly and reducing their flavour.

To freeze hard and semi-hard cheeses, cut the cheese into a few-inch-wide chunks and wrap each piece tightly and fully with a layer of parchment paper, followed by a layer of aluminium foil. Then, transfer the wrapped pieces into a resealable plastic bag, suck out the air, seal the bag, and label it with the date.

For soft cheeses like mozzarella, grate the cheese before freezing. Then, transfer the grated cheese into a resealable plastic bag, suck out the air, seal, and label it. Frozen soft cheeses can also be stored in the freezer for up to six months.

When you are ready to use the cheese, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw slowly, which can take up to a day. It is important to use the cheese as quickly as possible after thawing. Frozen cheese is best used in cooked dishes like soups, sauces, or casseroles, rather than eaten raw, as freezing affects the texture and flavour.

Soft cheeses last 1 week in the fridge

Soft cheeses, such as ricotta, feta, mozzarella, goat's cheese, and cream cheese, are more perishable than harder varieties and typically last for about a week in the fridge. This is because they have a higher moisture content, which makes them more prone to spoilage from bacterial growth.

To maximise the shelf life of soft cheeses, it is important to practise proper storage. For soft cheese sold in brine, like feta or fresh mozzarella, keep it in the liquid and ensure the container's lid is secure. For blue cheese, you can wrap it in foil. Soft-ripened cheese, like Brie, has a delicate rind, so it is best to wrap it in cheese paper and keep it in an airtight container.

It is also important to store soft cheeses at a safe fridge temperature—below 40°F (4°C)—and wrap them in porous material like cheese or wax paper to prevent them from drying out.

Even when stored properly, soft cheeses will only last about a week in the fridge, and the quality and taste will be optimal before that time is up. So, it is recommended that you only buy cheese for the week ahead.

Hard cheeses last 4 weeks in the fridge

Hard cheeses, such as aged cheddar, aged Gouda, and Parmigiano Reggiano, will generally last up to 4 weeks in the fridge. This is because hard cheeses are low in moisture, which makes it difficult for bacteria to flourish. As a result, once opened, a package of hard cheese can last much longer than soft cheeses—about 4 weeks in the refrigerator, according to cheese experts. Unopened packages of hard cheeses will last about 6 months in the fridge, according to the USDA.

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 cheese paper or wax paper. Finally, put the cheese in a container with an airtight lid and store it in the fridge.

It's worth noting that the shelf life of hard cheeses can be affected by various factors, such as the quality of the cheese, how it was made, and how fresh it is. Additionally, while hard cheeses can be left out at room temperature for longer than soft cheeses, they should ideally be refrigerated and consumed within 4 hours to maintain optimal quality and taste.

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