Randy Chandler
Blue stilton cheese is a delicious treat, but how can you tell if it has gone bad? One of the most obvious signs of spoilage is an ammonia-like smell. Blue stilton does have a distinct smell, but if it starts to smell stale or sour, it's probably best to throw it away. Another sign is the presence of fuzzy grey or black mould. While blue stilton does have blue-green veins of mould, it shouldn't be fuzzy. If you notice any other colours such as pink, green, brown, or yellow, it's time to discard the cheese. If you're still unsure, you can try tasting a small amount. Fresh blue stilton has a strong, sharp taste, and if it has gone bad, it will taste even stronger and sharper.
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What You'll Learn
Check for an ammonia-like smell
Blue cheese is supposed to have a pungent smell, but if it smells like ammonia, it's probably spoiled. When blue cheese is fresh, it has a strong scent, but this changes as it starts to go bad. The ammonia-like smell becomes stronger, or much stronger than it was when you first bought it, or the cheese smells stale. This is because the blue mold in the cheese produces ammonia, which reduces the acidity over time. Once the acidity is low enough, other things can start to grow on the cheese, causing it to spoil.
If you're unsure whether your Stilton cheese is giving off an ammonia-like smell, it's best to check when it was first opened. If you can't remember when you opened it, it's likely that the cheese is no longer good to eat. Good blue cheese should have greenish-blue veins and a body that's cream to white in color. If the creamy part of the cheese has turned pink, brown, green, or blue, it's time to throw it out.
It's important to note that not all mold is created equal. While blue mold is native to blue cheese, it isn't fuzzy. However, if there are patches of grey or black mold that are fuzzy, the cheese should be discarded. Additionally, if there is mold on a package of shredded, sliced, or crumbled Stilton cheese, the entire package should be thrown away.
To extend the shelf life of Stilton cheese, it can be frozen. To do this, cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each and wrap them tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them inside a heavy-duty freezer bag.
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Examine for mould
Mould is a key indicator of whether a cheese is edible or not. When examining your Stilton cheese, look out for patches of grey or black mould that are fuzzy. If you see this, the cheese should be discarded.
However, it's important to note that not all mould is harmful. Blue Stilton cheese, for example, is characterised by its blue-green veins of mould. This type of mould is safe to consume and is desirable in this variety of cheese. If you notice blue mould on other varieties of cheese, it is best to err on the side of caution and discard the cheese.
When examining your Stilton cheese for mould, it is essential to inspect the rind and the interior of the cheese. If the mould is only present on the rind, it is likely safe to cut away the affected portion and consume the remainder of the cheese. However, if the mould has penetrated the interior of the cheese, it is best to discard it.
In addition to the colour and location of the mould, it is crucial to assess the amount of mould present. If the mould is limited to a small area, cutting away the affected portion may be sufficient to render the cheese safe for consumption. On the other hand, if the mould is widespread, it is advisable to discard the cheese entirely.
It's worth noting that mould is not the only factor to consider when determining whether Stilton cheese has gone bad. Other indicators include changes in texture, smell, and taste. A comprehensive assessment of these factors, in addition to examining for mould, will help ensure the safety and quality of the cheese.
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Observe the colour
When it comes to Stilton cheese, there are a few key indicators that can help you determine whether it has gone bad. One important factor is to observe the colour of the cheese.
Firstly, note that Stilton cheese is known for its distinctive blue-green veins of mould, which are a desirable feature and not a sign of spoilage. These veins are typically greenish-blue in colour and are scattered throughout the cheese's creamy white body. However, if you notice any significant changes in the colour of the veins or the surrounding cheese, it may be an indication of spoilage.
The creamy part of Stilton cheese should typically be white or beige. If you notice any discolouration, such as pink, brown, green, or blue patches, it is best to discard the cheese. These colours could indicate the presence of undesirable mould or other contaminants.
Additionally, pay attention to the surface of the cheese. If you notice any fuzzy or slimy textures, it is likely that the cheese has gone bad. A thin layer of surface mould on the rind of a Stilton cheese wheel is not necessarily a cause for concern, as it can be gently cleaned or cut away. However, if the mould appears fuzzy, grey, or black, it is best to discard the cheese.
It is worth noting that proper storage is crucial to maintaining the quality and safety of Stilton cheese. To extend its shelf life, wrap the cheese properly and store it in the refrigerator. If you notice any signs of discolouration, unusual textures, or unpleasant odours, it is best to discard the cheese to avoid any potential health risks.
In summary, observing the colour of Stilton cheese is an important aspect of determining its freshness and safety. While the presence of blue-green veins is normal, any deviations from the typical creamy white colour of the cheese body or unusual discolouration could indicate spoilage. Always trust your senses and err on the side of caution when in doubt.
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Check the texture
The texture of Stilton cheese can be a good indicator of whether or not it has gone bad. Any sudden or unusual changes in texture can be a sign that the cheese has spoiled. Spoiled cheese can have a slimy, greasy, gritty, or grainy texture. It may also appear dry, crumbly, and uneven.
It's important to note that some changes in texture may be normal for certain types of cheese. For example, hard cheeses like Cheddar can start to crack as they lose moisture and become brittle with age. On the other hand, soft washed rind cheeses can develop a gritty or grainy texture due to the formation of crystals caused by deacidification.
If you're unsure, it's always best to discard the cheese. While tasting a small amount of spoiled cheese may not be dangerous, it's important to consider the potential risk of foodborne illness.
Additionally, the texture of Stilton cheese can be affected by how it is stored. Properly wrapping and storing Stilton cheese can help maintain its optimal texture and prevent spoilage. It is recommended to wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper and then place it in the refrigerator, preferably in the crisper drawer, to maintain a consistent temperature.
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Check the date
Checking the date is a good way to tell if your Stilton cheese is bad. If it's past the "sell-by" or "best by" date on the package, it's probably bad. Even if the date on the package has passed, Stilton cheese will typically remain safe to use for three to four weeks, assuming proper storage.
It's important to note that the storage conditions can affect how long Stilton cheese lasts. If the cheese has been properly stored, it is more likely to still be safe to consume past the "sell-by" or "best by" date. However, if it has been improperly stored, it may spoil faster.
Additionally, it's worth mentioning that the type of Stilton cheese may also impact its shelf life. For example, a wedge of firm-textured Stilton cheese with mold on it can be safely consumed by cutting away at least one inch around and below the moldy area. However, if mold appears in a package of shredded, sliced, or crumbled Stilton cheese, the entire package should be discarded.
In summary, checking the date is a useful first step in determining if your Stilton cheese is bad. However, it's also important to consider the storage conditions and the type of Stilton cheese you have, as these factors can influence its freshness and safety for consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
Stilton cheese will typically remain safe to use for 3 to 4 weeks after the "sell-by" or "best-by" date on the package, assuming proper storage.
Bad Stilton cheese will have an ammonia-like smell. Good blue cheese has a strong scent, but it changes as it starts to go bad.
Bad Stilton cheese will have patches of grey or black mold that is fuzzy. The creamy part of the cheese should be white or beige, not pink, brown, green, or blue.
Fresh blue cheese has a strong, sharp taste. Old cheese becomes especially biting when it starts to spoil.
If there is mold on a wedge of firm-textured Stilton cheese, cut away at least 1 inch around and below the moldy area (without touching the mold with the knife) and re-cover the cheese in fresh wrap. If mold appears in a package of shredded, sliced, or crumbled Stilton cheese, the entire package should be discarded.
