Andy Montoya
American cheese is a processed cheese product made from natural cheese that is heated and blended with emulsifiers to create a smooth texture and better meltability. Its shelf life depends on various factors, such as the type of cheese, storage methods, and temperature. When properly stored in the fridge, American cheese can last for 1 to 2 months. Some sources suggest that it can even last for up to 8 months in the freezer. However, it's important to note that freezing may alter the texture of the cheese, making it crumbly. To maintain freshness, it's recommended to store American cheese in its original packaging or wrap it in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fridge life | 1-2 months if processed, 3-4 weeks if hard, 1-2 weeks if soft, 7-10 days if mozzarella |
| Fridge temperature | Below 40°F (4°C) |
| Freezer life | 6 months at 0°F (-18°C) or below, 8 months according to one source |
| Freezer temperature | 0°F for indefinite safety |
| Wrapping | Wax, parchment, cheese paper, aluminium foil, plastic wrap, heavy-duty freezer bags |
| Mould | Cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the mouldy spots |
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What You'll Learn
American cheese in the fridge
American cheese is a processed cheese that is designed to withstand longer periods without refrigeration. However, if you're storing it in the fridge, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure it stays fresh and tasty.
Firstly, if your American cheese is unopened, it's best to leave it in its original packaging. This will help to extend its shelf life. You can also store unopened American cheese in the freezer, where it will maintain its best quality for about eight months. However, it will remain safe to consume even beyond that period.
Once the package is opened, transfer the slices to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to keep air and moisture out. You can also wrap the slices in wax paper, parchment paper, or aluminium foil, or place them in heavy-duty freezer bags. Ensure that your fridge is maintained at or below 40°F (4°C). The cheese should be stored in the coldest part of the fridge, usually at the back of the top shelf.
When it comes to shelf life, processed cheeses like American cheese slices can last between one to two months in the fridge after opening. However, always use your senses to check if the cheese has gone bad. If you notice any strange colours, textures, or smells, or if there is visible mould, it's best to discard the cheese.
Additionally, if you're storing other types of cheese, such as soft cheeses like cottage cheese, ricotta, or Brie, they typically last about one week in the fridge before being opened. Hard cheeses like Cheddar can last about six months in the fridge if unopened and three to four weeks after opening.
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Freezing American cheese
American cheese is a processed cheese product that can last a long time in the refrigerator. However, freezing is a great option to extend its shelf life even further.
When freezing American cheese, it's important to note that its texture may change, becoming crumbly and losing some flavour. Thus, it is best suited for cooked dishes like sauces, soups, casseroles, or grilled cheese sandwiches.
For pre-packaged sliced American cheese, place the package into a freezer bag to provide an extra layer of protection from freezer burn and odours. If you have deli-sliced cheese, place a piece of parchment paper between each slice, then wrap the cheese in freezer paper, tape it shut, and place it in a freezer bag or container. Ensure the cheese is well-sealed and protected from air exposure to maximize its shelf life.
Thawing Frozen American Cheese
Thawing frozen American cheese should be done in the refrigerator, which can take a few hours to overnight, depending on the amount and type of cheese. Once thawed, the cheese should be used within 3-4 days. It is important to note that previously frozen cheese should not be refrozen.
Shelf Life of Frozen American Cheese
Properly stored at 0°F, American cheese will keep safe indefinitely in the freezer. However, for best quality, it should be consumed within 8 months.
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American cheese shelf life
The shelf life of American cheese depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, storage methods, and temperature.
Firstly, it's important to distinguish between natural and processed American cheese. Natural cheeses like Cheddar, Colby, and Monterey Jack are made directly from milk, while processed or "American" cheese is made from natural cheese that has been heated and blended with emulsifiers, resulting in a smoother texture and better meltability.
When it comes to shelf life, processed American cheese typically has a longer shelf life compared to natural cheese varieties. Unopened sliced American cheese can be refrigerated for 2 to 3 weeks, and its shelf life can be further extended by storing it in the freezer, where it will maintain its best quality for about 8 months but remain safe indefinitely at a constant temperature of 0°F. However, freezing may alter the texture of the cheese, making it crumbly. To avoid this, wrap the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic freezer wrap, or place it in heavy-duty freezer bags before freezing.
For natural cheese varieties, the shelf life varies depending on the type of cheese. Hard cheeses like Cheddar can last about 3-4 weeks in the fridge after opening, while soft cheeses like cottage cheese, ricotta, or brie typically last only about 1 week before being opened and have a shorter lifespan once opened. Fresh mozzarella, for example, will last 7-10 days in the fridge after opening.
To maximize the shelf life of American cheese, regardless of type, it is recommended to store it in the center part of the refrigerator at temperatures between 35° to 40°F (4°C). Once the package is opened, wrap the cheese securely in airtight plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or a resealable plastic food bag to prevent it from drying out. Additionally, always check for moldy spots and cut them off to ensure the cheese remains safe to consume.
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Freshness of American cheese
American cheese is a processed cheese, which means it has a longer shelf life than natural cheese. This is because it is made from natural cheese that has been heated and blended with emulsifiers, giving it a smooth texture and better meltability. The flavour of processed cheese remains constant, whereas the flavour of natural cheese develops with age.
When it comes to the freshness of American cheese, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to store it correctly. American cheese should be kept in the fridge at a temperature below 40°F (4°C). It is best stored in the middle of the refrigerator, as the temperature near the door can fluctuate. To maintain its moisture, American cheese should be wrapped in wax, parchment, or cheese paper after opening. It can also be stored in its original packaging, or wrapped in aluminium foil or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
Once opened, American cheese can last between one and two months in the fridge. However, it is important to check for mould and throw it away if any is present, as mould can make you sick. Some sources suggest that American cheese can be safe to eat even after the "best-by" date has passed, as long as it has been stored properly and shows no signs of spoilage.
Freezing is another option to extend the shelf life of American cheese. When properly stored, it can maintain its best quality for about eight months in the freezer, but it will remain safe to eat beyond that time. Frozen cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour, so it is best suited for cooked dishes.
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Spoilage of American cheese
American cheese is a staple in many households and delis, but it doesn't last forever. Understanding the spoilage of American cheese is essential to ensure food safety and reduce waste.
Firstly, it's important to distinguish between different types of American cheese, as spoilage can vary between them. Sliced American deli cheese, for example, has a shorter shelf life than harder blocks of American cheese. Proper storage is crucial to maximizing the shelf life of American cheese. For sliced American deli cheese, it's recommended to keep it in its original store packaging and refrigerate it. This can extend its freshness for 2 to 3 weeks beyond the "sell-by" date. Freezing is also an option to further extend the shelf life, but the cheese may become crumbly and lose some flavour.
Artisanal American cheeses, on the other hand, face different spoilage concerns. According to surveys of cheesemakers, the most common issues are undesirable surface moulds and incorrect colours or pigments on rinds. These issues can lead to significant losses for cheesemakers, with some reporting losses of over 30% of their product due to quality problems. However, it's worth noting that the United States lacks comprehensive data on spoilage concerns, especially for surface-ripened cheeses.
The spoilage of American cheese can be influenced by various factors, including storage conditions, microbial activity, and production practices. Improper storage, such as incorrect temperatures or exposure to air, can accelerate spoilage. Additionally, the presence of certain microbes can cause deterioration, leading to inedibility. The diversity of microbes and their impact on cheese quality may differ between the United States and other regions due to variations in production practices.
To determine if American cheese has spoiled, there are a few key indicators to look for. Mould spots, for instance, are a clear sign of spoilage, though not all moulds are unsafe. Changes in colour, texture, or the presence of an offensive smell can also indicate spoilage. If any of these signs are present, it's best to discard the cheese to prevent potential foodborne illnesses.
In summary, the spoilage of American cheese depends on factors such as type, storage, and microbial activity. Proper handling and storage can extend the shelf life, but it's crucial to remain vigilant for signs of spoilage to ensure food safety and maintain the quality of this beloved dairy product.
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Frequently asked questions
Unopened sliced American cheese can be refrigerated for 2 to 3 weeks. To maximize shelf life, do not open the package until you are ready to use it.
Once opened, processed cheeses like American cheese slices can last 1 to 2 months. To keep them fresh, store them in their original packaging, use aluminum foil, or wrap them in plastic wrap.
Properly stored, sliced American cheese will maintain its best quality for about 8 months in the freezer but will remain safe to eat beyond that time. Frozen cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavor, so it is best suited for cooked dishes.
American cheese is highly processed and will last a long time. It will remain safe to eat as long as it has no mold spots and no offensive smell.
