Soft Cheese: How Long Does It Last?

Soft cheeses are highly perishable and typically last for about a week in the fridge. Their high moisture content makes them more prone to spoilage than harder cheeses. Proper storage is key to extending their shelf life. Soft cheeses should be wrapped in wax, parchment, or cheese paper and stored in the middle or top shelf of the fridge. A safe fridge temperature is below 40°F (4°C).

Soft cheese lasts 1-2 weeks in the fridge

Soft cheese typically lasts 1-2 weeks in the fridge, but it's important to note that this is just a general guideline and the actual shelf life may vary depending on the specific type of soft cheese and other factors such as storage method and temperature.

Storage Methods

To extend the shelf life of soft cheese, it is recommended to store it properly. This involves using the right type of wrapping and ensuring the cheese can breathe. Soft cheeses should be wrapped in wax, parchment, or cheese paper, and then stored in an airtight container or drawer in the fridge. It is also important to note that soft cheese should be stored above raw meats, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination.

Temperature Control

The ideal temperature for storing cheese in the fridge is below 40°F (4°C). Higher temperatures significantly increase the rate at which bacteria multiply, which can lead to spoilage. To ensure the fridge is maintained at the optimal temperature, it is recommended to use a fridge thermometer.

Signs of Spoilage

Even with proper storage and temperature control, soft cheese can still go bad. The most obvious sign of spoilage is the presence of mold. If mold is present on soft cheese, it is recommended to discard the entire product rather than attempting to cut off the moldy parts. Other signs of spoilage include an unpleasant or sour smell, changes in texture (such as dryness or sliminess), and discolouration. If any of these signs are present, it is best to err on the side of caution and discard the cheese.

Best Practices

To maximise the shelf life of soft cheese, it is recommended to buy cheese more frequently in smaller amounts. This helps ensure that the cheese is consumed while it is still fresh and of optimal quality. Additionally, it is important to inspect the cheese before purchasing and storing it correctly, such as by avoiding tight, non-porous wrapping.

Hard cheese lasts 3-4 times longer than soft cheese

Soft cheeses like mozzarella, feta, and ricotta have a high moisture content, making them more perishable than harder cheeses. This means that they will only last for about a week in the fridge.

Hard cheeses, on the other hand, last 3-4 times longer than soft cheeses. This is because they contain less moisture, which makes it more difficult for bacteria to flourish and cause spoilage. Hard cheeses like aged cheddar, gouda, and parmesan can last for about four weeks in the refrigerator once opened. Unopened, they can last for several months and even up to a year when stored in the fridge.

To ensure that hard cheeses last as long as possible, it is important to store them correctly. This involves removing the cheese from its plastic packaging and wrapping it loosely in cheese paper or wax paper. It should then be placed in an airtight container and stored in the coldest part of the fridge.

By following these storage guidelines, you can make the most of your hard cheeses and enjoy their rich flavor and versatility over a longer period of time.

Soft cheese should be stored in an airtight container

Soft cheese has a high moisture content, which makes it more perishable than harder cheeses. It typically lasts about one week in the fridge, but the quality and taste will be at their prime before that time is up.

To ensure your cheese lasts as long as possible, it's important to follow proper storage procedures. Wrap blocks of cheese (or other types that don't come in resealable packaging) in wax, parchment, or cheese paper and store them on the top or middle shelf, or in a drawer. Keep them away from raw meats, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination. Avoid wrapping cheese in tight, non-porous material like plastic wrap, as this can dry it out and harden it.

Hard cheese can be frozen for 6 months

Soft cheeses, such as feta, mozzarella, and ricotta, tend to spoil faster than hard cheeses. This is because they have a higher moisture content, which provides an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. As such, soft cheeses will typically last for about a week in the fridge.

Hard cheeses, on the other hand, have a much longer shelf life. Unopened blocks of hard cheese can last for up to six months in the fridge. Once opened, they can be safely stored for three to four weeks.

If you want to extend the shelf life of hard cheese even further, you can freeze it. Freezing inactivates microbes such as bacteria, yeast, and mold, thus preventing the cheese from going bad. However, freezing can affect the texture and quality of the cheese, making it drier and crumblier. It can also halt the ripening process of certain cheeses. Therefore, frozen cheese is best reserved for cooked dishes, such as sauces, pizza, or grilled cheese sandwiches.

To freeze hard cheese, it is recommended to:

• Portion it into quantities that you are likely to use in one go.
• Wrap the cheese as airtight as possible, ensuring there is no moisture on it before wrapping.
• Place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or bag to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze the cheese as quickly as possible to prevent the formation of large ice crystals, which can further affect the texture.

Frozen cheese can be kept for up to six months. When you are ready to use it, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator to allow the moisture to redistribute evenly.

Soft cheese should be consumed within 1-2 weeks of opening

Soft cheese is highly perishable and should be consumed within 1-2 weeks of opening. This is because soft cheeses have a high moisture content, which provides the ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and cause spoilage.

To extend the shelf life of soft cheese, it is important to practice proper storage methods. Soft cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, ideally in a wrapper or airtight container to prevent excess moisture loss and bacterial contamination. It is also recommended to wrap soft cheese in wax, parchment, or cheese paper to allow the cheese to breathe and release moisture while protecting it from low humidity in the fridge.

Additionally, it is important to inspect soft cheese for any signs of spoilage before consuming it. If there is visible mould, discolouration, or changes in texture, it is best to discard the cheese. If the cheese has an off-putting smell or sour flavour, it has likely spoiled and should not be consumed.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your soft cheese stays fresh and safe to consume within the recommended timeframe of 1-2 weeks after opening.

It is worth noting that different types of soft cheese may have slightly varying shelf lives. For example, fresh cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese are highly perishable and typically last only a week or two after opening. On the other hand, soft-ripened cheeses like Brie have a more delicate rind and can last a week to a few weeks in the refrigerator with proper storage.

Frequently asked questions