Andy Montoya
Ricotta is a soft, spreadable cheese with a creamy texture and a sweet, milky flavour. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. However, its soft texture means it has a shorter shelf life than harder cheeses. So, how do you know if ricotta cheese has gone bad? Well, there are a few tell-tale signs to look out for. Firstly, check for any signs of discolouration or spotting caused by mould. Ricotta should be completely white, and any mould indicates that it has gone bad. You should also avoid eating ricotta that has separated or developed a watery texture. If you're still unsure, give it a quick sniff test—any sour or fermented odours indicate that the cheese has spoiled.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Unopened ricotta cheese lasts | About two weeks in the fridge |
| Opened ricotta cheese lasts | One week in the fridge |
| Frozen ricotta cheese lasts | Up to three months |
| Signs of bad ricotta cheese | Sour smell, discolouration, spotting caused by mold, separated water, sour taste |
| Ricotta cheese compared to other cheeses | Shorter shelf life, more prone to mold |
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What You'll Learn
Trust your senses: smell, sight, and taste
Ricotta is a soft cheese with a short shelf life compared to harder varieties. It has a creamy texture and a sweet, milky flavor. Due to its high moisture content, ricotta is more prone to spoilage and mold than hard cheeses.
Ricotta should be consumed within a week of opening the package. If you're unsure whether your ricotta has gone bad, it's important to trust your senses of smell, sight, and taste:
Smell
Ricotta has a mild, sweet scent when fresh. If your ricotta smells sour or fermented, it has likely spoiled. Some foods have a strong smell but are still safe to eat (like blue cheese). However, a tangy smell is not a desirable trait in ricotta, so it's best to discard it.
Sight
Check for any signs of discoloration or spotting caused by mold. Ricotta should be completely white. If you notice any separated water, it's best to throw it out.
Taste
Finally, if your ricotta passes the smell and sight tests, perform a taste test. Ricotta has a naturally sweet and creamy flavor. If it tastes sour, it has likely spoiled and should be discarded.
Remember, when in doubt, it's always better to be safe than sorry. If your ricotta exhibits any of these signs of spoilage, it's best to err on the side of caution and dispose of it.
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Discoloration and mould
Ricotta is a soft cheese with a high moisture content, making it highly perishable. Mould can quickly grow on ricotta, and it is recommended to throw away the entire container if mould is spotted, as mould spores may have infiltrated the entire product. Some moulds produce harmful toxins, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. Therefore, it is crucial to check ricotta cheese for any signs of mould before consumption.
The shelf life of ricotta cheese is relatively short, especially after it has been opened. It is recommended to consume opened ricotta within one week and to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Even with proper handling, an opened package of ricotta will only last one to two weeks, according to some sources. Therefore, it is important to regularly check ricotta cheese for any signs of spoilage, including discoloration and mould.
In addition to discoloration and mould, other signs that ricotta cheese has gone bad include a sour or fermented odour, a watery appearance, and a change in texture. A fresh ricotta should have a smooth, velvety texture, and a mild, slightly sweet smell. If the ricotta becomes grainy, crumbly, or rubbery, or develops an off-putting odour, it should be discarded.
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Watery texture
One of the signs of spoilage in ricotta cheese is the presence of excess liquid or a watery texture. This could manifest as a layer of water sitting atop the cheese. This usually happens when ricotta cheese is frozen, as the water in the cheese will separate from the fat, resulting in a clumpy and unappealing texture when defrosted. Frozen ricotta may also undergo texture changes, such as graininess or lumpiness.
Ricotta cheese that has been opened will only last about a week in the fridge, while unopened ricotta will last about two weeks. If you plan on storing ricotta cheese for longer than a week, it is recommended to freeze it in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags. However, freezing ricotta cheese may negatively impact its texture, so it is best to use it within three months for optimal results.
To determine if your ricotta cheese has gone bad, there are several signs to look out for. Firstly, inspect the cheese for any signs of mold. Unlike hard cheeses, where moldy parts can be cut off and the rest of the cheese safely consumed, soft cheeses like ricotta can be contaminated below the surface, even if the mold is not visible. Mold on ricotta can be green, blue, or soft pink.
Another indication of spoilage is a change in the appearance of the ricotta cheese, such as a yellowish or brown discoloration. Additionally, if the ricotta cheese has developed a sour or fermented smell, it is best to discard it. Ricotta cheese that is safe to eat will typically have no odour or a mild milky scent. Trust your senses and, when in doubt, perform a ""sniff test" to assess whether the cheese has gone bad.
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Expiry date
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient used extensively in Italian cooking. It is known for its creamy texture and mild taste, enriching both savoury and sweet dishes. However, ricotta cheese has a finite shelf life and can go bad. Consumers should be aware of how to spot signs of spoilage and understand the factors that influence the cheese's longevity to ensure they enjoy it at its best quality and avoid potential foodborne illness.
Freshness plays a critical role in ricotta's quality. Ricotta is a soft cheese with a high moisture content, which makes it more perishable than hard cheeses. An unopened container of ricotta cheese will typically last in the refrigerator for about one to two weeks past the printed "use-by" date, provided it has been stored properly. Once opened, ricotta's shelf life diminishes, and it is generally recommended to use it within three to five days. To maintain freshness, ricotta should be kept in its original packaging until it’s used. Once opened, it’s best to transfer it to an airtight container to limit exposure to air and moisture, which can accelerate spoilage.
A key sign of spoilage is a sour or rancid smell, which indicates the presence of harmful bacteria. Discolouration or the development of any black spots or mould also indicates that the cheese should not be consumed. In terms of texture, if ricotta becomes either excessively dry or watery, it is no longer optimal for consumption. Taste is another indicator; however, tasting should be done cautiously and only if there are no visual signs of spoilage.
If you can't remember when you bought the ricotta, it's best to throw it out.
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Storage
To keep ricotta cheese fresh for as long as possible, it should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. An unopened container of ricotta cheese will typically last in the fridge for about one to two weeks past the printed "use-by" date, provided it has been stored properly. Once opened, ricotta should be consumed within three to five days. To prolong its freshness, ricotta should be kept in its original packaging until it is used. Once opened, it is best to transfer the cheese to an airtight container to limit its exposure to air and moisture, which can cause the cheese to spoil.
Ricotta cheese can also be frozen, which can extend its shelf life significantly. However, freezing may alter the texture of the cheese, making it grainier, and therefore potentially less suitable for some recipes. To freeze ricotta, it is advisable to portion it into usable amounts and store it in a freezer-safe airtight container.
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Frequently asked questions
Unopened ricotta cheese lasts about two weeks in the fridge, while opened ricotta will last about a week.
Ricotta is a soft cheese, so any pungency is a sign of spoilage. Look for signs of discoloration or spotting caused by mold. If you notice any separated water, odd odors, or a sour taste, throw it out.
Yes, you can freeze ricotta cheese, but it may undergo some texture changes after thawing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Ricotta cheese is versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It can be added to pasta sauces, stuffed into ravioli, used as a substitute for béchamel in lasagna, or even incorporated into desserts like cannoli and parfaits.
