Kamil Perry
Blue cheese is a beloved staple in many kitchens, but it can be tricky to tell when it's past its prime. Knowing how to spot the signs of spoilage is important, as eating bad blue cheese can lead to food poisoning or the accidental consumption of toxic mould. To keep your blue cheese fresh for longer, it should be stored in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped, or in a loose, zip-top plastic bag. You can also freeze blue cheese to extend its shelf life. When purchasing blue cheese, look for blue or green mould and a cream-to-white body. A slight ammonia smell is normal, but if the cheese starts to smell stale or develops a pinkish hue, it's time to throw it out.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smell | Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but it changes as it starts to go bad. An ammonia-like smell indicates spoilage. |
| Appearance | Blue cheese should have blue/green mold and a cream-to-white body. Fuzzy, white, green, pink, or grey spots indicate spoilage. |
| Texture | A slimy or fuzzy texture can indicate that the cheese has gone bad. |
| Taste | Fresh blue cheese has a strong, sharp taste. If it becomes too strong or biting, it may be spoiled. |
| Expiration | Blue cheese should be consumed within 3–4 weeks of refrigeration. It can be frozen to extend its shelf life. |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese should be refrigerated
Blue cheese is a pungent and flavourful variety of cheese, known for its signature streaks of edible mould. It is a favourite among many, but its distinct smell and taste are not to everyone's liking. Blue cheese can also be quite temperamental and go bad quickly, so it is important to store it properly.
Blue cheese should always be refrigerated. Keeping blue cheese cold prolongs the ripening process and prevents it from going bad for longer. The ideal temperature for storing blue cheese is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, blue cheese can last for three to four weeks in the refrigerator. If you plan on storing it for a longer period, it is recommended to freeze it. Frozen blue cheese can last for up to six months and even longer if stored properly.
To store blue cheese in the refrigerator, it is essential to allow the cheese to breathe. The signature blue-green mould of blue cheese needs oxygen to survive. Without oxygen, the mould will turn yellow-green, indicating that the cheese is starting to go bad. To prevent this, experts recommend wrapping blue cheese in a breathable material such as aluminium foil, parchment paper, or a loose zip-top plastic bag.
It is also important to note that blue cheese should be stored away from other types of cheese. Blue cheese has active mould spores that can easily travel through the air and contaminate nearby cheeses. So, it is best to store blue cheese separately or ensure it is properly wrapped to prevent mould transfer.
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A slight ammonia smell is okay
Blue cheese is a pungent and distinctive variety, known for its strong smell and signature streaks of mold. It can be difficult to tell when it has gone bad, but it is important to know how to spot the signs of spoilage as it can lead to food poisoning.
A slight ammonia smell is generally considered to be okay. Blue cheese is made using cultures of Penicillium, a type of mold, and the varieties used in production do not produce toxins and are safe to consume. However, all cheese can go bad, and blue cheese is no exception. As it ages, the smell will get stronger, and it is recommended to eat it within a week or two. If you are unsure, it is best to buy in small quantities.
The key indicators of spoilage are a change in the color of the mold, and a change in texture. The mold should be blue or green, and the body of the cheese should be cream to white. If you see growths of mold in colors such as green, pink, gray, black, or yellow, or if it has a fuzzy, slimy, or shiny texture, it is a sign that the cheese has gone bad.
It is also important to store blue cheese correctly. It should be kept cold, in the refrigerator, and tightly wrapped. This will prolong the ripening process and help to stave off spoilage for longer. If stored properly, blue cheese can last 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator.
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Check for mould that is grey, fuzzy, black, or pink
When identifying bad blue cheese, it is important to check for mould that is grey, fuzzy, black, or pink. Blue cheese is known for its signature streaks of mould and pungent aroma, so it can be challenging to determine when it has gone bad. However, consuming spoiled blue cheese can lead to food poisoning or the accidental ingestion of harmful moulds.
The ideal blue cheese should showcase "blue/green mould and a cream-to-white body", as described by Wisconsin master cheesemaker Carie Wagner. Deviations from this standard could indicate spoilage. These deviations may manifest as mould in colours such as grey, fuzzy, black, or pink.
When inspecting your blue cheese, pay close attention to the creamy portion of the cheese. It is normal for blue cheese to have blue or green mould, but be cautious if you notice mould in other colours, such as pink, brown, or green, as this indicates spoilage.
In addition to colour changes, be vigilant for any textural alterations. A slimy or fuzzy surface texture is another sign that your blue cheese has gone bad. Remember to examine the cheese thoroughly, as these undesirable moulds may be hidden beneath the surface.
Trust your senses of smell and taste as well. Fresh blue cheese has a robust and pungent scent, but as it ages, this scent evolves. If your blue cheese emits an ammonia-like odour, it has likely gone bad. Similarly, if the cheese becomes too strong or sharp to enjoy, it is best to discard it. While consuming a small amount of spoiled blue cheese may not cause illness, it is advisable to err on the side of caution and avoid eating questionable cheese.
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Fresh blue cheese has a strong, sharp taste
Fresh blue cheese is known for its strong, sharp taste and pungent aroma, which is not to everyone's liking. However, it is perfectly safe to eat. Knowing how to identify when blue cheese has gone bad is an important part of enjoying cheese safely.
Blue cheese is made using cultures of Penicillium, a type of mould. Certain types of mould produce compounds called mycotoxins, which are toxic to humans. The varieties of Penicillium used to produce blue cheese do not produce toxins and are considered safe to consume. The signature blue/green mould of blue cheese needs oxygen; without it, the cheese will start to turn yellow-green.
Fresh blue cheese already has mould in it, which is typically blue or green in colour. However, you want to pay attention to the colour of the creamy part of the cheese. If stored properly, blue cheese can last 3–4 weeks in the refrigerator. To keep your blue cheese fresh for as long as possible, make sure your refrigerator temperature isn't set above 40 degrees.
The best way to tell if your blue cheese has spoiled is to smell it. Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but it changes as it starts to go bad. If you smell the cheese and detect an odour that reminds you of ammonia, this is a sign of spoilage. The cheese may also develop a musty, rancid, or stale smell. If you notice an ammonia-like smell, it's best to discard the cheese.
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Blue cheese will last 3-4 weeks in the fridge
Blue cheese is a pungent, strong-smelling cheese with a unique appearance. It's known for its signature streaks of mold and a sharp taste. While it's generally safe to consume, it can go bad, and knowing how to spot this is essential to avoid food poisoning or accidentally consuming toxic mold.
To prolong the lifespan of blue cheese, it's recommended to keep it cold. Refrigeration will slow down the ripening process and prevent spoilage. Ideally, the refrigerator temperature should be set below 40°F (4°C). The bottom shelf or drawers are the best places to store blue cheese, as these areas are usually the coldest and least accessed, maintaining a stable temperature. Additionally, ensure your blue cheese is properly wrapped to optimize freshness. First, wrap the cheese in wax, parchment, or cheese paper to maintain moisture. Then, cover it with plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out. If you plan to store it for an extended period, consider freezing it. However, for optimal taste and texture, it's best not to freeze it for more than six months.
Even with proper refrigeration, blue cheese can go bad. Here are some signs to help you identify if your blue cheese has spoiled:
- Ammonia-like smell: Fresh blue cheese has a strong, pungent scent, but as it starts to spoil, the smell changes. If you detect an ammonia odor, it's a sign of spoilage.
- Color changes: Pay attention to the color of the creamy part of the cheese. If you notice colors like pink, gray, or fuzzy green, different from the intended blue or green mold, it's likely a sign of spoilage.
- Slimy or fuzzy texture: If the surface of the cheese appears slimy or fuzzy, it's best to discard it.
- Taste: If the blue cheese still smells and looks the same, you can try tasting a small amount. Fresh blue cheese has a strong, sharp taste, while spoiled cheese becomes increasingly biting and overpowering.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese is known for its strong smell and streaks of mold, so it can be difficult to tell when it has gone bad. However, if you detect an odor of ammonia, this is a sign of spoilage. You may also notice a change in color, such as green, pink, or gray mold, and a fuzzy texture.
Eating spoiled blue cheese may cause food poisoning or the accidental consumption of toxic types of mold. Some types of mold produce compounds called mycotoxins, which are toxic to humans.
Blue cheese should be refrigerated to keep it fresh. When properly stored, it can last 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator. If you notice any signs of spoilage, you should discard it immediately.
