Kamil Perry
Blue cheese is a pungent, unique-tasting cheese that contains edible mould. It has a shorter shelf life than other cheeses, lasting between 5 to 10 days in the refrigerator once opened. Blue cheese can be frozen, but it loses some of its texture and flavour, making it more suitable for cooked dishes. Knowing how to spot when blue cheese has gone bad is important, as it can spoil just like any other cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Blue cheese shelf life (unopened) | 1 to 6 months, depending on packaging |
| Blue cheese shelf life (opened) | 1 to 2 months |
| Blue cheese crumbles shelf life (opened) | 1 week for best results, a few days more if lower quality is acceptable |
| Blue cheese dressing shelf life (opened) | 9 to 12 months |
| Blue cheese dressing (homemade) shelf life | 5 to 7 days |
| Blue cheese storage | Wrap in wax, parchment paper, plastic wrap, or aluminium foil; store on the bottom shelf in the refrigerator |
| Blue cheese signs of spoilage | Sour smell, rancid smell, ammonia smell, presence of fuzzy grey or black mould, discolouration, sliminess |
| Blue cheese consumption after spoilage | May not get sick, but it's not recommended |
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What You'll Learn
- Blue cheese crumbles should be discarded if left out for more than two hours
- Blue cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life
- Blue cheese should be consumed within one to two months of opening
- Blue cheese is spoiled when it develops an off odour, flavour or appearance
- Blue cheese should be stored in the coldest part of the fridge
Blue cheese crumbles should be discarded if left out for more than two hours
Blue cheese is a beloved variety of cheese with a pungent taste and scent. It is a soft cheese, and therefore more perishable than hard cheeses. Once a package of blue cheese crumbles is opened, it should be consumed or frozen within the time shown for refrigeration. This is usually within a week for best results, and a few days more if you don't mind a decline in quality.
Blue cheese crumbles should be stored in the refrigerator. The colder the cheese is kept, the longer it will stay fresh. It is recommended to store it on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, as this is usually the coldest part, and in an airtight container or tightly wrapped.
If you wish to extend the shelf life of blue cheese crumbles, you can freeze them. To do this, first wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper, then cover it with plastic wrap or foil. Finally, place the wrapped cheese in a freezer bag to protect it from freezer burn. Frozen blue cheese may lose some of its texture and flavour, so it is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.
It is important to note that blue cheese does not get more acidic over time. The blue mould produces ammonia, which reduces the acidity. However, once the acidity is low enough, other things can start to grow on the cheese, causing it to spoil. Therefore, if the cheese smells weird or has unidentified things growing on it, it should be discarded.
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Blue cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life
Blue cheese is a delicious but strong-flavoured cheese that can be used to add a savoury kick to a variety of dishes. Once opened, it should ideally be consumed within 3 to 4 weeks. However, if you don't think you'll be able to finish it within that time frame, freezing is an option to extend its shelf life.
Freezing blue cheese is a straightforward process. If you've bought the cheese pre-packed, you can continue using the wrap it came in after opening the package. If you're getting a fresh cut from the wheel, or you need to repackage the blue cheese, wrap it with cheese paper, wax paper, or parchment paper, and then place it in a freezer bag. Make sure not to wrap it too tightly, so the cheese can breathe. If you don't have any of the above on hand, a plastic bag or an airtight container will also work.
It's important to note that freezing may affect the quality of the blue cheese. It can last a long time in the freezer, but after 6-8 months, the flavour and texture may start to deteriorate. The cheese will still be safe to eat, but it may not be as tasty as fresh blue cheese. Frozen blue cheese is best suited for cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups, and casseroles, as the thawed cheese may have a different texture and flavour.
Additionally, be aware of the signs of spoilage. Blue cheese doesn't necessarily "go bad", but rather ages and becomes stronger in flavour. However, if the cheese develops an off odour, flavour, or appearance, it should be discarded. If there is mold present that is not the blue mold native to blue cheese (grey or black fuzzy mold), discard the cheese entirely.
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Blue cheese should be consumed within one to two months of opening
Blue cheese is a beloved variety of cheese with a pungent taste and scent. It contains edible mould, which gives it its distinctive character. Once a packet of blue cheese is opened, it should be consumed within one to two months. This is because, over time, the blue mould produces ammonia, which reduces the cheese's acidity. Once the acidity is low enough, other things can start to grow on the cheese, causing it to spoil.
To extend the shelf life of blue cheese, it can be frozen. When freezing, it is important to cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each and wrap them tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil, plastic freezer wrap, or place them inside a freezer bag. Frozen cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour, so it is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.
It is important to note that blue cheese can spoil even before the expiration date. The best way to determine if blue cheese has gone bad is to examine its odour, flavour, and appearance. If the cheese has developed an off-putting odour, flavour, or appearance, or if there is mould, it should be discarded. Additionally, if only a portion of the cheese appears discoloured, slimy, or fuzzy, it is best to throw away the entire piece to prevent the consumption of bacteria or mould.
Proper storage of blue cheese is crucial to maximise its shelf life. When storing blue cheese in the refrigerator, it should be kept on the bottom shelf, as this is usually the coldest part of the fridge. If the refrigerator has drawers at the bottom, this is the ideal place to store blue cheese, as the temperature will remain stable. To further preserve its freshness, blue cheese should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. For even better results, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
In summary, blue cheese is a delicious and distinctive variety of cheese that should be consumed within one to two months of opening. Proper storage and preservation methods, such as freezing and proper wrapping, can extend its shelf life. However, it is important to regularly inspect blue cheese for any signs of spoilage, as even before the expiration date, it can develop an off-putting odour, flavour, or appearance, indicating that it should be discarded.
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Blue cheese is spoiled when it develops an off odour, flavour or appearance
Blue cheese is a pungent and tangy delight, but it can be tricky to tell when it's past its prime. Blue cheese is spoiled when it develops an off odour, flavour or appearance.
Firstly, it's important to note that blue cheese should be consumed within 3 to 4 weeks of opening, and it should be stored in the fridge. If you're unable to finish it within this time, it's best to freeze it. Blue cheese can spoil quickly, and it's not worth risking food poisoning or consuming toxic mould.
When it comes to odour, a fresh blue cheese has a strong, distinctive scent. If it starts to smell like ammonia, stale, or sour, it's time to discard it. Trust your instincts; if it smells weird and not like blue cheese should, it's probably off.
As for appearance, the creamy part of the cheese should be white, beige, or yellow. If it has turned pink, brown, or green, it has likely spoiled. Blue cheese already contains blue or green mould, but if you notice different-coloured moulds like grey, black, or white fuzz, it's time to toss it.
You can also tell if blue cheese is spoiled by its texture. If it has become slimy, gritty, or too soft, it's no longer safe to eat.
Finally, if you're unsure, a taste test can help. If it doesn't taste right, it's best to discard it. Remember, while blue cheese has a long shelf life, it's important to inspect it regularly and follow safe food handling practices.
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Blue cheese should be stored in the coldest part of the fridge
Blue cheese is a beloved variety of cheese, but it can be tricky to know how long it lasts once opened. The good news is that blue cheese can last for quite a while if stored correctly.
Firstly, it's important to note that blue cheese should be stored in the fridge, specifically in the coldest part of the fridge. The lower section of the fridge is usually the coldest, so the bottom shelf or drawers are ideal locations to preserve your blue cheese for as long as possible.
When storing blue cheese, it's essential to wrap it properly. If you've bought the cheese pre-packed, you can continue using the original packaging and wrap it came in. If you're getting a fresh cut from the wheel or need to repackage the blue cheese, use cheese paper, wax paper, or parchment paper, and then place it in a freezer bag. Don't forget to include an extra layer of protection, such as plastic wrap or foil, to ensure the cheese doesn't dry out. If you're concerned about the cheese absorbing other scents or flavours in the fridge, you can place it in an airtight container.
Now, how long does blue cheese last once opened? Well, it depends on the type of blue cheese and how it's stored. Generally, it's recommended to finish blue cheese within 3 to 4 weeks of opening the package. However, some sources suggest that blue cheese crumbles can last up to half a year if unopened and about a week once opened. If you're not a fan of wasting food, you can always freeze your blue cheese to extend its shelf life. Cut the cheese into portions, wrap them tightly, and place them in a freezer bag. Frozen blue cheese is perfect for cooked dishes like sauces, soups, and casseroles, as it may lose some of its texture and flavour.
Lastly, how do you know if your blue cheese has gone bad? Blue cheese is known for its pungent smell and flavour, but there are some tell-tale signs to look out for. If the cheese develops an off odour, flavour, or appearance, it's best to discard it. The presence of fuzzy grey or black mould is also an indication that it's time to say goodbye to your blue cheese. Trust your senses and remember that while blue cheese ages and becomes stronger, it's probably time to let it go when it gets too "flavorful" for your taste buds.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese should be consumed within 3 to 10 days of opening, depending on the type of cheese and how it is stored. Hard blue cheeses can last for several weeks, while soft blue cheeses should be consumed within a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze blue cheese, but it may lose some of its texture and flavour.
Blue cheese contains edible mould that gives it its pungent taste and scent. However, it can still go bad. If the cheese has developed an unusual odour, flavour, or appearance, it should be discarded. If there is mould that is not the blue mould, discard the cheese. If you are unsure, it is better to be cautious and not consume it.
Blue cheese should be stored in the refrigerator. The colder the temperature, the longer it will stay fresh, so the lower shelves or drawers are ideal. It should be wrapped properly to ensure it stays fresh for as long as possible. First, wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper, then place plastic wrap or foil over the paper to prevent it from drying out. If you are concerned about the cheese picking up scents or flavours from the refrigerator, you can place it in an airtight container.
