Andy Montoya
Cheddar cheese is a hard cheese that can last a few weeks in the fridge. However, it's important to know when it has gone bad to avoid foodborne illnesses. The best tools to determine this are your senses, especially sight, smell, and taste. If a hard cheese like cheddar has gone bad, it may develop a different colour, like a dark or discoloured appearance. It may also start to crack due to changes in moisture content and the growth of unwanted bacteria. Additionally, if mould grows on cheddar cheese unintentionally, it may produce spores and toxins that can make it unsafe to eat. Different types of mould can cause various colours and patterns, such as blue, red, or white spots. While some moulds on cheese are harmless, others can be toxic and potentially dangerous if consumed. If you notice blue or green mould on the surface, you can try cutting away the mouldy part, being careful not to contaminate the rest of the cheese. To prevent cracking and mould growth, store your cheddar in a cool place with good air circulation and proper humidity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Expiration date | Cheddar can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 weeks. |
| Appearance | Changes in colour, such as dark discolouration, could indicate that cheddar has gone bad. |
| Smell | A strong smell, like ammonia, could indicate that cheddar has gone bad. |
| Texture | Changes in texture, such as cracking, could indicate that cheddar has gone bad. |
| Mould | If mould is present, cut it off and eat the rest if the cheese smells okay. |
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What You'll Learn
Check the colour and texture
Cheddar is a hard cheese, and hard cheeses can last in the fridge for up to 4 weeks. However, it's important to check for signs of spoilage.
The colour of cheese can change if it goes bad due to a variety of factors. For instance, a hard cheese like cheddar can turn dark. Mould growth on cheese can be both desirable and undesirable. Some types of cheese, such as Stilton or Brie, are intentionally inoculated with moulds to achieve a specific flavour or texture. In these cases, the mould is desirable and safe to eat. However, if mould grows on cheese unintentionally or if it is not properly controlled, it may produce spores and toxins that can make the cheese unsafe to eat. Different types of mould can cause different colours and patterns on the cheese, such as blue, red or white spots. While some moulds on cheese are harmless, others can be toxic and potentially dangerous if consumed in large amounts.
If you notice blue or green mould on the surface of a hard cheese, try cutting away that mouldy part. You should be able to safely eat the parts without the mould. Be careful when removing the mould to avoid contaminating the rest of the cheese with the knife you use.
The texture of cheese can be a good indicator of whether or not it has gone bad. It’s important to note that some changes in texture may be normal for certain types of cheese. However, any sudden or unusual changes in texture can be a sign that the cheese has spoiled. Hard cheeses like Cheddar can start to crack when they spoil due to changes in the cheese’s moisture content and the growth of unwanted bacteria. As hard cheeses age, they lose moisture, which can cause them to become brittle and prone to cracking. To prevent cracking, it’s important to store your cheese in a cool place with good air circulation. Moreover, the right humidity conditions will reduce the risk of cracking.
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Examine the smell
The smell of cheddar cheese is a crucial indicator of whether it has gone bad. Cheddar is a hard cheese, and hard cheeses can last in the fridge for up to 4 weeks, while soft cheeses typically last only 7 days. Cheddar cheese that has gone bad will often emit a strong, unpleasant odour, sometimes described as similar to ammonia or cat urine. This is a sign that the cheese is no longer safe to consume and should be discarded.
It is important to distinguish between the strong, pungent smell of fresh cheddar, which is characteristic of the cheese, and an abnormal odour that indicates spoilage. If a mild cheese, such as Monterey Jack or American cheese, develops a potent smell akin to blue cheese or Limburger, it has likely gone bad and should be thrown away.
Additionally, the smell of cheddar cheese can be indicative of mould growth. While some moulds on cheese are harmless, others can be toxic and dangerous if consumed. If you detect an unusual or ripe smell, reminiscent of rotting garbage, it is advisable to discard the cheese. Mould can produce spores and toxins that can render the cheese unsafe for consumption.
When examining the smell of cheddar cheese, it is also essential to consider the context. If the cheese has been stored properly, wrapped tightly in cheese paper or parchment paper, or kept in a sealed container, the likelihood of spoilage is reduced. However, if the cheese has been exposed to improper storage conditions, such as inadequate air circulation or high humidity, it may be more prone to developing an unpleasant odour.
In summary, the smell of cheddar cheese can provide valuable information about its freshness and safety for consumption. A strong, abnormal odour, reminiscent of ammonia or rotting garbage, is a clear indication that the cheese has gone bad. Trust your senses and exercise caution to ensure that you consume only safe and delicious cheddar cheese.
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Consider the type of cheese
Cheddar is a hard cheese, and hard cheeses can last longer than soft cheeses. Hard cheeses like Cheddar can last up to four weeks in the fridge, while soft cheeses like mozzarella, blue cheese, or cream cheese will only last up to seven days.
Hard cheeses like Cheddar can start to crack when they spoil due to changes in the cheese's moisture content and the growth of unwanted bacteria. As hard cheeses age, they lose moisture, which can cause them to become brittle and prone to cracking. To prevent cracking, it's important to store your cheese in a cool place with good air circulation and the right humidity conditions.
If you notice blue or green mold on the surface of a hard cheese like Cheddar, you can try cutting away the moldy part. Be careful when removing the mold to avoid contaminating the rest of the cheese with the knife you use. However, some sources suggest that it is better to be cautious and discard any cheese that has mold on it, especially if it is soft cheese.
Some signs of spoilage in cheese include mould growth, discolouration, and a slimy or greasy texture. The colour of cheese can change if it goes bad due to a variety of factors. Mould growth on cheese can be both desirable and undesirable. Some types of cheese, such as Stilton or Brie, are intentionally inoculated with moulds to achieve a specific flavour or texture. However, if mould grows on cheese unintentionally, it may produce spores and toxins that can make the cheese unsafe to eat.
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Store it properly
Cheddar is a hard cheese, and as such, it can last in the fridge for up to 4 weeks. If you're planning to eat it within a few days, wrap it tightly in cheese paper or parchment paper. Alternatively, you can store it in a sealed container, such as plastic wrap or glass. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze it, but make sure to place it in a ziplock bag first.
If you notice any blue, red, or green mould on the surface of your cheddar, it's best to cut away the mouldy part. As long as the rest of the cheese is unaffected, it should be safe to eat. Be careful not to contaminate the cheese with the knife you use to cut away the mould.
To prevent cracking, store your cheddar in a cool place with good air circulation. The right humidity conditions will also reduce the risk of cracking.
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Observe the expiration date
Cheddar is a hard cheese, and hard cheeses can last in the fridge for up to 4 weeks after being opened. An unopened package of cheese can last in the refrigerator for quite some time, especially if it's vacuum-sealed.
Observing the expiration date is a good way to determine whether your cheddar cheese has gone bad. The expiration date, or "best by" date, is the date through which the cheesemaker has determined that the cheese will remain good to eat. This date is an important indicator of the quality and safety of the cheese, and it is always good to exercise caution and not eat cheese past this date.
The expiration date is not the only factor to consider, however. The appearance, smell, and texture of the cheese can also provide valuable information about its freshness. Visual cues such as discolouration, mould growth, and a slimy or greasy texture can indicate spoilage. Hard cheeses like cheddar can also start to crack when they spoil due to changes in moisture content and the growth of bacteria.
Additionally, the smell of the cheese is an important indicator of its freshness. If a mild cheese like cheddar smells strong, similar to blue cheese or Limburger, it is likely a sign that the cheese has gone bad. Cheeses that are naturally pungent, like blue cheese or Camembert, will have a strong ammonia smell once they spoil.
In summary, observing the expiration date is a crucial step in determining whether your cheddar cheese has gone bad. However, it is also important to consider other factors such as appearance, smell, and texture to make a comprehensive assessment of the cheese's freshness and safety for consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to tell if cheddar cheese has gone bad is to use your senses. Check for changes in appearance, smell, and texture. If your cheddar cheese has developed a different colour, texture, or smell, it has likely gone bad. Hard cheeses like cheddar can also start to crack when they spoil.
An unopened package of cheddar cheese can last in the refrigerator for quite some time, especially if it's vacuum-sealed. Once opened, hard cheeses like cheddar can last in the fridge for up to 4 weeks.
Signs of spoilage in cheddar cheese include mould growth, discolouration, and a slimy or greasy texture. If you notice blue or green mould on the surface of a hard cheese like cheddar, you can try cutting away the mouldy part and safely eat the rest.
Consuming spoiled cheddar cheese can lead to foodborne illnesses, including food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning include stomach pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, and fever. If you experience any of these symptoms after consuming spoiled cheese, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
