Kamil Perry
Blue cheese is a beloved variety of cheese known for its signature streaks of mold and pungent aroma. However, its unique characteristics can make it challenging to determine whether it has spoiled. Proper storage is crucial to preserving blue cheese's quality and extending its shelf life. When stored correctly, blue cheese can last for several weeks in the refrigerator. In this article, we will delve into the signs of spoilage in blue cheese, explore optimal storage methods, and provide guidelines for ensuring the safety and longevity of this distinctive cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sight | Blue cheese should be discarded if there are any changes in its appearance. If the creamy part of the cheese turns pink, brown, or green, it has likely spoiled. |
| Smell | If the cheese develops an ammonia-like smell, it is probably spoiled. |
| Touch | If the cheese goes soft, it should be thrown out. |
| Taste | If the cheese is too strong to enjoy, it should be thrown away. |
| Expiration date | Blue cheese should be refrigerated and can last for 3–4 weeks. Frozen blue cheese can last indefinitely, but it is best consumed within 6 months. |
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What You'll Learn
How to spot spoiled blue cheese
Blue cheese is made with edible mould that gives it a pungent taste and smell. However, it can still go bad, and knowing how to spot this is important.
Firstly, smell the cheese. Fresh blue cheese has a strong, distinctive scent, but it changes as it starts to go bad. If it has an ammonia-like smell, or smells stale, it is probably spoiled.
Secondly, look at the colour. Fresh blue cheese has blue or green mould in it, but the creamy part is normally white, beige, or yellow. If you notice that it has started to turn pink, brown, or green, it has likely spoiled.
Thirdly, examine the surface. If it appears slimy or fuzzy, and especially if there is new mould that looks drastically different from the blue-green mould, it has probably gone bad.
Finally, you can taste the cheese. Fresh blue cheese has a strong, sharp taste, but old cheese becomes especially biting when it starts to spoil. If it is too strong to enjoy, you should throw it away. However, tasting is not a very precise method, and it is not recommended if the cheese looks or smells strange.
In addition to these points, note that blue cheese should be refrigerated, and will spoil more quickly if left out. It is best to throw it away if it has been unrefrigerated for two days or more. Even if refrigerated, blue cheese with a high moisture content will go bad more quickly than drier varieties, so be sure to check the expiration date.
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Blue cheese storage
Blue cheese is a delicate product that requires careful storage to avoid spoilage. It has a relatively high moisture content and active moulds, which means it won't last as long as other types of cheese.
Blue cheese should be stored in a climate with high humidity—at least 80% humidity is recommended. This can be achieved with a clay brick humidifier, which can be placed in a container with a breathable back panel to allow a fresh air supply to circulate around the cheese. Alternatively, you can wrap blue cheese in aluminium foil, parchment paper, or a loose zipper-lock bag. If using parchment paper, it is recommended to then cover the cheese with a loose layer of aluminium foil. This method mimics the two-ply construction of cheese paper.
Blue cheese should not be wrapped too tightly, as this can cause moisture to become trapped, leading to the growth of unwanted bacteria and the cheese's rapid degradation. If you are storing blue cheese in the fridge, it should be kept in a drawer, and not on a plastic or paper surface, to avoid the cheese sticking to the wrapping.
Blue cheese can also be stored in the freezer, which will prolong its life. It should be cut into pieces no larger than half a pound each before freezing. However, freezing will affect the taste and texture of the cheese, causing it to lose some of its sharp flavour and crumble more easily.
To avoid spoilage, blue cheese should not be left unrefrigerated for more than two days. Refrigerated blue cheese should be consumed within three to four weeks.
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Blue cheese shelf life
Blue cheese is a common type of cheese with a strong smell and distinct flavour. It is made using cultures of a type of mould called Penicillium, which is responsible for its unique taste, smell, and appearance.
The shelf life of blue cheese depends on various factors, including humidity, temperature, and moisture content. Blue cheese should be refrigerated to maintain freshness, and proper storage is essential to prevent spoilage and the growth of harmful bacteria.
Blue cheese typically has a long shelf life, and it can last for several weeks or even months if stored correctly. Some sources suggest that refrigerated blue cheese should be consumed within three to four weeks, while others claim it can last for five weeks or longer. Freezing blue cheese can further extend its shelf life, but it is best consumed within six months to maintain optimal taste and texture.
To determine if blue cheese has spoiled, there are several signs to look out for:
- Smell: Blue cheese has a distinct, strong odour, and if it starts to smell like ammonia or turns stale, it has likely gone bad.
- Appearance: While blue cheese naturally contains blue or green mould, changes in the colour of the creamy part to pink, brown, or green may indicate spoilage.
- Texture: If the cheese becomes soft, it suggests a loss of acidity and could be a sign of spoilage.
- Taste: Fresh blue cheese has a strong, sharp taste, and if it becomes too biting or unpleasant, it has likely spoiled.
Grown mould on the surface or discolouration may be trimmed off, but if the cheese has been left unrefrigerated for more than two days or shows signs of slime or new mould growth, it is best to discard it entirely.
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Is moldy blue cheese safe to eat?
Blue cheese is made with cultures of the mold Penicillium, which is responsible for its distinct taste, smell, and appearance. The varieties of Penicillium used to produce blue cheese do not produce toxins and are considered safe to consume. However, blue cheese can still go bad, so it's important to practice basic food safety.
When stored properly, blue cheese can last for a few weeks in the fridge. It's best to re-wrap blue cheese in a layer of parchment paper and then with either aluminum foil or beeswax wrap. This two-layer wrapping method allows the cheese to breathe. Plastic wrap deprives cheese of air, trapping moisture, and resulting in faster spoilage. Blue cheese should not be left unrefrigerated for more than two hours.
So, how can you tell if moldy blue cheese is safe to eat? Well, you can rely on your senses of sight, smell, and taste. Firstly, look for any changes in appearance. If you notice any fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots growing on the surface of the blue cheese, it has likely gone bad. Secondly, give the cheese a sniff. If it has an ammonia-like smell, it is probably spoiled. Finally, if the cheese still smells the same and hasn't changed in color, you can try giving it a taste. Fresh blue cheese has a strong, sharp taste, whereas old cheese becomes especially biting when it starts to spoil. If it's too strong to enjoy, you should throw it away.
It's important to note that even if the blue cheese only shows signs of spoilage on a portion of it, you should throw away the entire piece. This is because bacteria or mold may still be present in other parts of the cheese. Additionally, if you've eaten blue cheese that you suspect has spoiled and start to feel sick, it's recommended to consult a doctor.
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What to do if you've eaten spoiled blue cheese
Blue cheese is made with mould, specifically Penicillium roqueforti, which is in the same family as the mould used to make penicillin. This mould is safe for human consumption and may even be healthy.
However, if you've eaten blue cheese and suspect it may have been spoiled, there are a few things you can do to mitigate any potential negative effects:
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help flush out any toxins that may be present in spoiled food.
- Get rest: Getting enough sleep gives your body the energy it needs to fight off any potential illness.
- Monitor your symptoms: If you start to feel sick, it's important to pay attention to your body and note any symptoms you may be experiencing. This can help you identify and address any issues promptly.
- Consult a doctor: If you start to feel unwell or experience any adverse symptoms, it's always best to consult a medical professional. They can advise you on the best course of action and provide treatment if necessary.
Additionally, to prevent consuming spoiled blue cheese in the future, there are a few things you can do:
- Check the colour: Fresh blue cheese typically has blue or green mould in it, while the creamy part is usually white, beige, or yellow. If you notice the creamy part turning pink, brown, or green, it's likely spoiled.
- Smell the cheese: Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but it changes as it starts to spoil. If it develops an ammonia-like smell, it's probably spoiled.
- Taste the cheese: Fresh blue cheese has a strong, sharp taste. If it becomes too biting or overpowering, it may be spoiled.
- Check for slime or fuzz: If you see any slime on the surface or new mould, it's best to discard the cheese.
- Store it properly: Blue cheese should be refrigerated to stay fresh. If left unrefrigerated, it will spoil more quickly.
Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry. If you have any doubts about the freshness of your blue cheese, it's best to discard it and purchase a fresh batch.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese is known for its distinct smell, strong flavour, and streaks of blue or green mould. If your blue cheese has an ammonia-like smell, it has likely spoiled. If the creamy part of the cheese has turned pink, brown, or green, it has probably gone bad. If the cheese has stuff growing on it that you can't identify, it's best to throw it out.
If stored properly, blue cheese can last for a few weeks in the fridge. It is best to re-wrap blue cheese in a layer of parchment paper and then with either aluminium foil or beeswax wrap. This two-layer wrapping method allows the cheese to breathe. Blue cheese should not be left unrefrigerated for more than two hours.
No, spoiled blue cheese can lead to food poisoning or the accidental consumption of toxic types of mould.
