Bushra Griffith
Blue cheese is a beloved ingredient in many dishes, but its pungent smell and strong flavor can be off-putting to some. It is made using Penicillium, a type of mold that gives it a unique taste, smell, and appearance. While blue cheese can last for several months if stored properly, it is important to recognize when it has gone bad to avoid food poisoning. So, is blue cheese still good after 2 years?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Blue cheese shelf life in the refrigerator | 3-4 weeks; 1-2 months if unopened; indefinite if frozen |
| Blue cheese shelf life unrefrigerated | 2 days |
| Blue cheese shelf life in freezer | 6 months for best quality; indefinite if frozen at 0°F |
| Blue cheese shelf life after defrosting | 3-4 days in the refrigerator if defrosted in the fridge; use immediately if defrosted in the microwave or cold water |
| Blue cheese shelf life in homemade dressing | 5-7 days |
| Blue cheese shelf life in store-bought dressing | 1-2 months past the best-by date |
| How to tell if blue cheese has gone bad | Smell (ammonia-like); colour (white or beige, not pink, brown, green, or blue); taste (too strong) |
| Blue cheese storage | Tightly wrapped in the refrigerator; store away from other foods |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese can be kept in the freezer to extend its shelf life
Blue cheese is a semi-soft cheese with a pungent taste and scent due to the edible mould it contains. It is a perishable food item and can go bad like any other cheese. To extend its shelf life, blue cheese can be stored in the freezer.
When stored in the refrigerator, blue cheese can last between three to four weeks. It is important to note that the cheese should be wrapped well to prevent it from drying out, but it should also be allowed to breathe. The ideal temperature for storing blue cheese is between 46°F–55°F (8°C–13°C). The temperature in a typical refrigerator is usually lower, so placing the cheese in the crisper drawer is recommended. Additionally, blue cheese should be kept away from other foods to prevent mould contamination.
Freezing blue cheese is an effective way to extend its shelf life. When frozen, blue cheese can last indefinitely at 0°F, although it is recommended to consume it within six months for the best taste and texture. To freeze blue cheese, cut the cheese into portions of no more than half a pound each. Wrap the portions tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them inside freezer bags.
When you are ready to use the frozen blue cheese, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. The taste and texture of blue cheese may change slightly upon thawing, as it loses some of its sharp flavour and crumbles more easily. It is important to note that frozen blue cheese should not be kept in the refrigerator for more than 3–4 days after thawing.
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If refrigerated, blue cheese can last 3-4 weeks
Blue cheese is a semi-soft cheese made using Penicillium, a type of edible mould that gives it its distinct taste, smell, and appearance. While blue cheese can last for several months when unopened and stored properly in the refrigerator, it has a shorter shelf life once opened.
It's important to note that blue cheese can go bad if it's not stored properly. Always check the expiration date on the packaging, and be aware that blue cheese can develop a stronger flavour and become saltier over time. If the cheese has a strong ammonia-like smell or taste, or if it has visible mould other than the blue or green veins and spots characteristic of Penicillium, it has likely gone bad and should be discarded.
Additionally, blue cheese should not be left unrefrigerated for more than two days, as it will spoil quickly. If accidentally left out, it's best to discard the cheese if it has been unrefrigerated for two days or more.
While freezing blue cheese can help extend its shelf life, it may slightly alter its texture, appearance, and flavour. Frozen blue cheese can be kept indefinitely, but for the best taste and texture, it should not be frozen for more than six months.
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If it smells like ammonia, it's gone bad
Blue cheese is a semi-soft cheese with a distinctive blue colour and strong smell, resulting from the Penicillium mould introduced before the ageing process and the bacteria that form as it ages. While some people enjoy the pungent taste and scent, it is not to everyone's liking. However, beyond personal preference, blue cheese can indeed go bad.
Blue cheese can be kept in the refrigerator for quite a while, usually remaining good for one to two weeks past the printed expiration date. This typically means it will last in the fridge for three to four weeks. To extend its lifespan, it should be wrapped well and stored at a temperature between 46°F–55°F (or 8°C–13°C). The temperature in a typical refrigerator is usually a bit lower, so consider using the crisper drawer. Additionally, ensure that it is not left unrefrigerated for more than two hours and is kept away from other foods to prevent mould contamination.
One indication that blue cheese has gone bad is an ammonia-like smell. If the cheese gives off this odour or smells stale, it should be discarded. A sour smell could also be a sign of spoilage, especially if there is unidentified growth on the cheese. While blue mould can completely take over, other types of mould indicate that it has gone bad.
The colour of blue cheese can also provide clues about its freshness. The creamy part of the cheese should be white or beige, and a change in colour to pink, brown, green, or blue is a sign of spoilage. Additionally, if the cheese becomes too salty or biting in taste, it has likely gone bad. However, tasting cheese to determine freshness is not recommended unless it smells the same and hasn't changed colour, as eating spoiled blue cheese could make you sick.
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Blue cheese can be consumed even after its best by date
Blue cheese is a semi-soft cheese with a unique taste, smell, and appearance due to the addition of Penicillium, a type of mould, during the cheesemaking process. While blue cheese can go bad, it is safe to consume even after its best-by date if stored properly.
When it comes to the shelf life of blue cheese, it typically lasts for about 1 to 2 months in the refrigerator if stored correctly. To extend its shelf life, blue cheese can be frozen, although freezing may alter its texture and appearance slightly. Frozen blue cheese remains safe to consume indefinitely.
To ensure the freshness of blue cheese beyond its best-by date, it is important to practise proper storage methods. This includes keeping the cheese well-wrapped in the refrigerator, maintaining a temperature between 46°F–55°F (or 8°C–13°C), and storing it away from other foods to prevent mould contamination.
While blue cheese can be consumed after its best-by date, it is important to be vigilant for signs of spoilage. Blue cheese that has gone bad may exhibit fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots on its surface. Additionally, a strong ammonia-like smell or a sour odour may indicate spoilage. If the cheese has developed an overpowering flavour or an unpleasant taste, it is best to discard it.
In summary, blue cheese can generally be consumed safely even after its best-by date if it has been stored properly and exhibits no signs of spoilage. However, it is important to use your best judgement and consider the appearance, odour, and taste of the cheese before deciding to consume it.
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Blue cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 months
Blue cheese is a semi-soft cheese with a pungent taste and scent due to the edible mould it contains. It is a perishable food, so it should not be left sitting out for more than two hours. To extend its shelf life, blue cheese should be stored in the refrigerator at all times, preferably in the crisper drawer, where the temperature is between 46°F–55°F (or 8°C–13°C). The refrigerator temperature should not be set above 40°F.
To store blue cheese in the refrigerator, it should be wrapped well to prevent it from drying out. It is best to wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminium foil. It is also important to keep blue cheese away from other cheeses and food to prevent the mould spores from spreading.
Blue cheese will typically last in the refrigerator for one to two months, even if the "sell-by" or "best-by" date on the package expires. However, the length of time blue cheese can be stored depends on the storage conditions and humidity. If the cheese has been opened, it should be consumed within one to two weeks. Freezing blue cheese can also extend its shelf life indefinitely, although it may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour.
It is important to note that blue cheese can go bad, and it is essential to know how to spot this to enjoy cheese safely. One way to tell if blue cheese has gone bad is by its smell. Blue cheese has a distinct smell, and if it starts to smell like ammonia or turns stale, it should be discarded. Additionally, if there is pink, brown, green, or blue discoloration on the cheese, it should not be consumed. A change in texture, such as wetness or softness, could also indicate that the cheese has gone bad. If the cheese has visible mould, it is important to cut away at least one inch around and below the mouldy area before consuming it. While blue cheese does not necessarily go "bad," it can become too strong or salty in flavour over time, which may be unpleasant to some palates.
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Frequently asked questions
No, blue cheese is not good after 2 years. When unopened and stored properly in the refrigerator, blue cheese can last for several months, and even up to a year. Once opened, it will typically last for 1 to 2 months.
If your blue cheese has been stored in the refrigerator, it will typically last 3 to 4 weeks. If it's been left out at room temperature, it should be discarded after 2 hours. To tell if your blue cheese has gone bad, smell it. If it smells like ammonia, it's bad. You can also look at the creamy part of the cheese—if it's pink, brown, green, or blue, it has gone bad. If there is mould on your blue cheese, cut off at least 1 inch around the mouldy area and discard the rest.
Consuming spoiled blue cheese can cause food poisoning, with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps.
To store blue cheese, wrap it tightly in wax or parchment paper, then cover it with plastic wrap or foil. Store it on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, which is typically the coldest part. Make sure your refrigerator temperature isn't set above 40 degrees Fahrenheit (or 8 degrees Celsius).
Yes, you can freeze blue cheese to extend its shelf life. Cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each, then wrap them tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen blue cheese can last indefinitely, but for the best taste and texture, it should be consumed within 6 months.
