Patrick Oconnell
Monterey Jack cheese is a semi-hard, creamy, and mildly flavored cheese made from cow's milk. It is a popular ingredient in many dishes, from sandwiches to casseroles, and is known for its versatility in cooking. With its subtle taste and smooth melting properties, it's a crowd favorite. But how can you tell if your Monterey Jack cheese has gone bad? Firstly, look out for mold, which often appears as green, blue, or white spots. If you spot any mold, discard the cheese as it could be harmful. Another sign of spoilage is an unpleasant, sour, or strong smell. Lastly, if the cheese feels slimy or damp, it has likely gone bad and should be thrown out. To extend the shelf life of Monterey Jack cheese, store it in the coldest part of your fridge, typically the lower shelves, and always keep it in its original packaging.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Unopened Monterey Jack Cheese Expiry | Typically safe for 3-4 weeks after the sell-by date |
| Opened Monterey Jack Cheese Expiry | Safe for 3-4 weeks, then transfer to an airtight container |
| Mold | Cut away at least 1 inch around and below the moldy area. If shredded, sliced, or crumbled, discard the entire package |
| Freezing | Cut into portions no larger than 1/2 pound each, wrap tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap |
| Smell | Unusually smelly cheese should be discarded |
| Texture | Slimy, dry, hardened, or extra-hard pieces indicate spoilage |
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What You'll Learn
Check for visible mould, often green, blue or white
When checking if your Monterey Jack cheese has gone bad, the first thing to look for is any visible mould. Mould on cheese is often green, blue, or white in colour. If you spot any of these colours on your cheese, it's likely that it has gone bad.
Mould on cheese is a sign of spoilage, and it is important to take action if you detect it. If you see mould on a chunk or block of Monterey Jack cheese, you can attempt to salvage the cheese by cutting away at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around the mouldy area. Be careful not to touch the mould with the knife. Properly dispose of the mouldy portion, and then re-cover the remaining cheese in fresh wrap.
It is important to note that this method is only suitable for solid blocks of cheese. If you discover mould on shredded, sliced, or crumbled Monterey Jack cheese, the entire package should be discarded. Mould can spread easily and may be present in parts of the cheese where it is not visible. Therefore, it is crucial to take a precautionary approach to prevent consuming contaminated food.
In addition to visible mould, there are other indicators that your Monterey Jack cheese has gone bad. An unpleasant, sour, or off smell, as well as a slimy or damp texture, are signs that the cheese has spoiled and should be discarded. Discolourations like black or green spots, dryness, hardened edges, or an excessively crumbly texture are also indications that your cheese has exceeded its prime.
To summarise, when examining your Monterey Jack cheese for spoilage, pay close attention to the presence of visible mould in the form of green, blue, or white patches. If spotted, follow the appropriate steps to either remove the mouldy section or discard the entire package, depending on the form of the cheese. Additionally, be aware of other signs of deterioration, such as unusual smells, texture changes, and discolourations, which also indicate that your cheese has gone bad.
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Smell the cheese for an unpleasant odour
Smell is one of the best ways to determine whether your cheese is safe to eat. If a mild cheese like Monterey Jack has developed a strong smell, it is no longer good. If the cheese has taken on a sour or otherwise unpleasant odour, it has likely gone bad and should be discarded.
Monterey Jack cheese that is going bad will typically develop a very hard texture, darken in colour, and mould may appear. However, smell is a key indicator of whether the cheese is safe to eat. If you are familiar with the usual smell of your cheese, and it has taken on a much more concentrated version of that smell, it is probably no longer safe to eat.
If you are unsure about the smell of your cheese, it is best to check the appearance. If there is visible mould, it is best to throw it away. If there is no mould, but the cheese has an off odour, it should be discarded.
It is important to note that an unopened package of cheese can last in the refrigerator for quite some time, especially if it is vacuum-sealed. However, if you are ever in doubt about the safety of your cheese, it is best to err on the side of caution and discard it.
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Feel for a slimy or damp texture
If your Monterey Jack cheese feels slimy or unusually damp, it has likely gone bad and should be discarded. This is true for both unopened and opened cheese. If you see any visible signs of spoilage, such as a slimy texture, it's best to toss the entire package. This is because the slime could be a result of bacterial growth, which may not be evenly distributed throughout the cheese.
It is important to note that mold can also cause cheese to feel slimy or damp. If you see any mold on your unopened or opened block of Monterey Jack cheese, it is recommended to cut away at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the moldy area, being careful not to touch the mold with your knife. However, if mold appears on shredded, sliced, or crumbled Monterey Jack cheese, the entire package should be discarded, as mold can quickly spread in these forms.
To prevent your Monterey Jack cheese from becoming slimy or developing mold, proper storage is essential. Always store your cheese in the refrigerator, ideally at temperatures between 34-38°F (1.1-3.3°C). Keep the cheese in its original packaging until you use it. Once opened, transfer the remaining cheese to a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container to prevent moisture loss and exposure to air.
Additionally, you can extend the shelf life of Monterey Jack cheese by freezing it. Cut the cheese into portions no larger than 1/2 pound (227 grams) each, and wrap tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap. Place the portions in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer. When stored properly, frozen Monterey Jack cheese can last for up to six months, although it's best to use it within a couple of months to maintain its texture and flavor.
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Look for discolouration, like black or green spots
When it comes to Monterey Jack cheese, discolouration in the form of black or green spots is a clear indicator of spoilage. This type of cheese, a semi-hard variety with a creamy, buttery flavour, is usually an off-white to pale yellow colour. Thus, any deviation from this typical colouration is a warning sign. Black or green spots indicate the presence of mould, which can render the cheese unsafe for consumption.
It is important to note that mould is not always visible, as it may be hidden beneath the surface of the cheese. If you suspect the presence of mould, it is recommended to cut away at least one inch around and below the affected area, being careful not to touch the mould with the knife. The remaining cheese can be salvaged by wrapping it in fresh plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container.
However, it is essential to exercise caution. If the cheese is shredded, sliced, or crumbled, and mould is detected, it is best to discard the entire package. Mould can spread quickly and insidiously, and it may not always be possible to identify all affected areas. In such cases, it is prudent to prioritise safety and avoid the risk of consuming contaminated food.
To extend the shelf life of Monterey Jack cheese and prevent premature spoilage, proper storage is crucial. It is recommended to store the cheese in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the lower shelves or the dedicated cheese drawer. Additionally, wrapping the cheese properly is essential. For opened cheese, use wax paper or cheese paper, followed by placement in a loose-fitting baggy. This allows the cheese to breathe while preventing the absorption of other odours from the refrigerator.
For long-term storage, freezing is an option. Cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each and wrap them tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap. Alternatively, place the portions in a ziplock bag. When defrosting, allow the cheese to thaw slowly in the refrigerator, preferably a day before you plan to use it. Freezing may alter the texture of the cheese, making it slightly more crumbly, but it can still be safely consumed.
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Check for hardening or crumbling
Freezing Monterey Jack cheese will extend its shelf life, but it will also change its texture. This is true of many cheeses, especially smooth and creamy varieties. Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese, so it may become crumbly after being frozen and defrosted. If you are planning to freeze it, cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each, and wrap the portions tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them inside a heavy-duty freezer bag.
If you notice that your Monterey Jack cheese has hardened on the edges, it has likely gone bad. Hardened cheese is past its prime and should be discarded. This is also true of cheese that has become extra-hard or excessively crumbly.
To prevent your cheese from hardening or crumbling, make sure to store it in the coldest part of your fridge, typically the lower shelves or the dedicated cheese drawer. Wrap opened Monterey Jack cheese tightly with wax paper or cheese paper before placing it in a loose-fitting bag. This way, the cheese can breathe and won't absorb other odours from your fridge.
If you are unsure whether your cheese is safe to eat, there are several other indicators of spoilage to look out for. Firstly, check for visible mould, which will appear as black or green spots. If you see mould, throw the cheese away. Bad cheese may also smell unusually strong or unpleasant, or feel slimy or damp. If you notice any of these signs, discard the cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Unopened, a block of Monterey Jack cheese can last three to four weeks past the sell-by date if kept in the fridge.
Once opened, try to use it within three to four weeks.
Look for discolourations like black or green spots. This is a sign of mould and the cheese should be thrown away. If your cheese is slimy or unusually smelly, toss it. Also, if the cheese is dry or has hardened on the edges, it's likely past its prime.
If there is mould on a chunk or block of Monterey Jack cheese, cut away at least 1 inch around and below the mouldy area (without touching the mould with the knife) and re-cover the cheese in fresh wrap. If there is mould in a package of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, discard the entire package.
Always store your cheese in the coldest part of the fridge, typically the lower shelves or the dedicated cheese drawer. Wrap opened Monterey Jack cheese tightly with wax paper or cheese paper before placing it in a loose-fitting bag.
