Patrick Oconnell
Deli cheese can be a delicious addition to sandwiches, salads, and more, but it's important to know how to tell if it has gone bad. While ''best before'' dates are a useful guideline, they are not always accurate, and cheese can often be safely consumed beyond these dates if stored correctly. So, how can you tell if deli cheese is bad? There are three key attributes to look out for: smell, appearance, and taste. Deli cheese that has gone bad may have an unusual or off smell, such as that of spoiled milk or ammonia. It may also exhibit changes in appearance, such as discolouration, mould (excluding blue mould on blue cheese, which is safe to eat), or changes in texture. If you're still unsure, you can try a small amount of the cheese. If it tastes sour or off, it's likely spoiled and should be discarded.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smell | An "off" smell, like spoiled milk, ammonia, or refrigerator/freezer. |
| Appearance | Changes in texture, such as overly dry, crumbly, slimy, or mouldy. Discolouration, such as yellowing or browning. |
| Taste | Sour flavour. |
| Expiry | Deli cheese can be refrigerated for 2-3 weeks after purchase. |
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What You'll Learn
Deli cheese shelf life
The key factors that affect the shelf life of deli cheese are temperature and humidity. Deli cheese should be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to note that humidity is less of a concern as long as the cheese is not stored with moist foods. Unopened deli cheese can be kept in its original packaging in any part of the refrigerator, while opened cheese should be stored in a dedicated drawer or deli drawer. For expensive aged cheeses, it is recommended to use cheese paper or wax paper instead of plastic wrap.
To maximize the shelf life of sliced American deli cheese, it is recommended to refrigerate it for 2 to 3 weeks after purchase. The "sell-by" date on the package may expire during this storage period, but the cheese will remain safe to consume if properly stored. To further extend the shelf life, the cheese can be frozen before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has passed. When freezing, wrap the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it in heavy-duty freezer bags.
It's important to use your senses of sight, smell, and taste to determine if deli cheese has gone bad. Deli cheese may exhibit changes in texture, becoming overly dry, crumbly, or slimy. Significant discolouration, such as yellowing or browning, can also indicate spoilage. If the cheese smells sour, rancid, or like ammonia, it has likely spoiled. Taste can also be an indicator, but it is not recommended to taste cheese that already shows signs of spoilage.
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Signs of mould
Mould is a tell-tale sign that your deli cheese has gone bad. If you see any fuzz or patches of mould on your cheese, it's time to discard it. Different types of mould can indicate spoilage, so be cautious of any discolouration or changes in texture. For example, French soft cheeses often have a white, fuzzy exterior that is safe to eat. However, if you notice patches of different colours or textures, this is a sign of spoilage.
It's important to note that not all moulds are easily visible. Some moulds can be hidden underneath the cheese's surface, so trust your senses and examine the cheese's appearance and smell before consumption. If the cheese smells sour, rancid, or like ammonia, it has likely gone bad.
Additionally, proper storage is crucial to prevent mould growth. Deli cheese should be stored in a dedicated drawer in your refrigerator, like the deli drawer, to maintain the right temperature and humidity. Unopened cheese should be kept in a sealed container, while expensive aged cheeses are best wrapped in cheese paper or wax paper.
By regularly examining your deli cheese for signs of mould and practising proper storage methods, you can ensure that your cheese remains safe and enjoyable.
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Smell, appearance, taste
Smell
Cheese that has gone bad will likely have an "off" smell. This could be similar to spoiled milk, ammonia, or even of a refrigerator or freezer. A good practice is to smell your cheese when you first purchase it, so you can identify any deviation from its original scent.
Appearance
Changes in the appearance of cheese can indicate spoilage. This includes the presence of mould, significant discolouration (such as yellowing or browning), and changes in texture, such as the cheese becoming overly dry, crumbly, or slimy. However, note that some cheeses, such as French soft cheeses, have a white, fuzzy exterior that resembles mould but is safe to eat. Additionally, white specks or crystallized patches on certain aged hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda are typically calcium lactate crystals and safe for consumption.
Taste
Tasting the cheese is generally not recommended unless its smell and appearance seem normal. If you choose to taste it, take a small amount, and if it has an off or sour flavour, the cheese has likely spoiled and should be discarded.
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Refrigerator temperature
Maintaining a stable temperature is crucial. Fluctuations in temperature can impact the quality and shelf life of cheese. Avoid storing cheese near the fridge door, as the temperature in this area can vary significantly every time the door is opened. Instead, keep cheese in the middle or top shelves, or in a dedicated drawer, such as the crisper or vegetable drawer, which typically provides the right balance of humidity.
It is recommended to use a thermometer to monitor the refrigerator's temperature. Some fridges have built-in thermostats, but if yours does not, you can purchase a fridge thermometer. Place the thermometer in the warmest spot, usually near the door, to ensure the temperature remains within the optimal range.
Additionally, proper wrapping and packaging play a vital role in maintaining the desired temperature and humidity levels for cheese. Avoid using plastic wrap, as it can trap moisture and cause mould. Instead, wrap cheese in wax paper, parchment paper, or cheese paper to retain moisture and prevent spoilage. Then, place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or resealable bag to further protect it from fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
By maintaining the optimal refrigerator temperature and following proper wrapping and storage practices, you can effectively extend the shelf life of your deli cheese and ensure it remains safe for consumption.
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Freezing deli cheese
Deli cheese can be frozen, but it is important to note that freezing will alter the texture of the cheese. Hard cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan are better suited for freezing than soft cheeses like Camembert and Brie, which have a higher water and fat content. The higher fat content in cheese contributes to better freezing results.
If you intend to freeze deli cheese, it is recommended to grate it beforehand, as this will make it easier to use in sauces, toppings, or as a topping for dishes like cheese on toast. Blocks or large chunks of cheese are ideal for freezing, and if they are unopened, they can be frozen in their original packaging. If the cheese has been opened, it is best to freeze it in a resealable plastic bag with as much air removed as possible. Separating slices with waxed paper or cling film before freezing can also help maintain quality.
When defrosted, previously frozen cheese will be more crumbly, mealy, and difficult to slice. It may not be suitable for an appetizer spread or cheese board, but it can still be used in dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches or pizza, where it will continue to melt just fine. Freezing cheese is a simple way to extend its shelf life, but it is important to note that the "best by" or "sell by" dates on cheese are guidelines for quality rather than safety. Cheese often remains safe to eat beyond these dates if stored properly.
Some signs that deli cheese has gone bad include changes in texture, such as becoming overly dry, crumbly, or slimy, significant discolouration like yellowing or browning, and a sour smell or taste. If mould is present, soft cheeses and crumbled, shredded, or sliced cheeses should be discarded, but in some cases, the mouldy portion can be cut off hard cheeses like Cheddar or Swiss and the rest consumed safely.
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Frequently asked questions
Sliced American deli cheese can be refrigerated for 2 to 3 weeks. To further extend its shelf life, it can be frozen.
Deli cheese can go bad due to improper storage, especially if the temperature is higher than 45 degrees Fahrenheit, or if it is stored with moist foods. Signs that deli cheese has gone bad include an "off" smell, a change in appearance, and a sour taste.
If you notice mould on hard or soft deli cheese, it is best to discard it. While some mould on certain types of cheese, such as blue cheese, is safe to consume, it is not advisable to consume other types of mould that may appear on deli cheese.
To prevent deli cheese from going bad, it is important to store it properly. Unopened deli cheese should be kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Once opened, it should be stored in a dedicated drawer, such as the fridge's deli drawer.
The "best by" or "sell by" dates on deli cheese are guidelines for quality rather than safety. Deli cheese that has passed its "best by" date but has been properly stored is generally safe to consume. However, it is important to use your judgment and check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.
