Andy Montoya
The shelf life of cheese depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, its moisture content, and how it is stored. Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan, have a longer shelf life than soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and mozzarella. This is because hard cheeses have lower moisture content, making it difficult for bacteria to flourish, while soft cheeses tend to spoil more quickly due to their higher moisture content. Proper storage can also extend the shelf life of cheese. For example, unopened hard cheeses can last for several months to even a year or more when stored in the fridge, while soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert typically last for a few weeks to a couple of months past their best by date when refrigerated.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How long does cheese last in the fridge? | It depends on the type of cheese and whether it is opened or unopened. |
| Shelf life of soft cheese | A few weeks to a couple of months unopened. Once opened, soft cheeses last for about a week to a few weeks. |
| Shelf life of hard cheese | Unopened hard cheeses can last for several months to a year or more. Once opened, they last for about three to four weeks. |
| Semi-hard cheese | Lasts for several weeks to months in the refrigerator. |
| Fresh cheese | Lasts for a few weeks past their 'best by' date. |
| Freezing cheese | Not recommended, especially for soft cheeses. Blocks of cheese intended for cooking can be frozen for a few months. |
| Storing cheese | Wrap it in parchment paper or porous material like wax paper to prevent it from drying out. |
| Signs of spoilage | Unintentional mould, bitter flavour, fermented fruit taste, fizzy sensation on the tongue, unpleasant smell, slimy surface, dark spots, dryness, cracks. |
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What You'll Learn
Hard cheeses can be stored for longer than soft cheeses
The longevity of cheese depends on its moisture content, which is linked to the type of cheese. Hard cheeses, like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, have lower moisture content, making it difficult for bacteria to flourish. This means they can be stored for longer than soft cheeses. Soft cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, and mozzarella, have higher moisture content, creating more opportunities for bacteria to grow, making them more perishable.
When stored in the refrigerator, opened hard cheeses can last a few weeks to a couple of months. They should be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in the coldest part of the fridge. It is recommended to inspect hard cheeses that have been stored for mould before eating and to cut off any spots. Hard cheeses can also be left out at room temperature for longer than the standard two hours without becoming unsafe, but the quality and taste may change.
Soft cheeses should last about one to three weeks in the refrigerator after opening. They are more perishable and should be discarded after two hours of sitting out at room temperature. Fresh soft cheeses like ricotta, cottage cheese, and cream cheese have an even shorter shelf life and are best consumed within one to two weeks of opening. Soft cheeses should be discarded if there are signs of mould.
Semi-hard cheeses, like Swiss cheese, and semi-soft cheeses, like blue cheese, have a relatively long shelf life when unopened, often several months past their 'best by' date when kept in the refrigerator. However, once opened, they should be consumed within a few weeks.
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Soft cheeses should be consumed within a week of opening
Soft cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, and fresh mozzarella, are highly perishable and should be consumed within a week of opening. This is because they have a higher moisture content, which provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth and spoilage. Therefore, soft cheeses have a shorter shelf life than hard cheeses, lasting only a week to a few weeks in the refrigerator after opening.
To extend the shelf life of soft cheeses, proper storage is essential. Soft cheeses sold in brine, like feta, should be kept in the liquid with a secure lid. Blue cheese should be wrapped in foil, as its higher moisture content and blue mold require more protection. Soft-ripened cheeses, such as Brie, have a delicate rind and should be wrapped in cheese or parchment paper and stored in an airtight container.
Additionally, soft cheeses should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours, as they pose a higher food safety risk due to their higher moisture content. Hard cheeses, on the other hand, can be left out for longer, but their quality and taste may deteriorate over time.
To determine if a soft cheese has spoiled, use your senses of smell and taste. An unpleasant fermented smell or bitter flavor indicates spoilage. Visible mold on soft cheeses is also a sign to discard them, as the bacteria can spread quickly in a high-moisture environment.
In summary, soft cheeses are highly perishable and should be consumed within a week of opening. Proper storage and temperature control can help extend their shelf life, but it is important to regularly inspect soft cheeses for any signs of spoilage.
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Freezing cheese is not recommended, except for cooking
Freezing is a simple way to extend the shelf life of cheese. However, freezing cheese is not recommended, except for cooking, because its texture will change, even after it is defrosted. Cheese's texture is important, and freezing can make it unsuitable for serving as table cheese. For example, a grilled cheese sandwich would not be the same without pulls of melty cheddar.
Hard cheeses like cheddar, Monterey jack, and parmesan hold up best in the freezer. This is because hard cheeses are low in moisture, making it difficult for bacteria to flourish. However, very dry, hard cheeses do not benefit from freezing unless you want to stop them from ageing further. Hard cheeses keep just as well or better in the fridge.
Soft cheeses such as camembert and brie, as well as ricotta and cottage cheese, can be frozen, but their texture will suffer. Fresh cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese are highly perishable and freezing is not recommended. Soft cheeses with a higher water and fat content can still be frozen, but their texture will be negatively impacted.
Processed cheese slices, such as American cheese, do not freeze well. Blocks or large hunks of cheese are ideal for freezing. If they are unopened, freeze them in their original packaging. If they have been opened, freeze them in a resealable plastic bag with as much air removed as possible. Pre-shredded cheese also freezes well, but it is important to prevent freezer burn by squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing the bag.
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Proper storage can extend the life of cheese by several months
Firstly, the ideal temperature for storing cheese is around 35 °F to 40 °F (4 °C), and it should be wrapped in a porous material like cheese paper, parchment paper, or wax paper to prevent it from drying out. Maintaining the correct temperature and humidity levels can significantly prolong the shelf life of cheese.
Secondly, the type of cheese determines the storage method and shelf life. Soft cheeses like Brie, goat's cheese, mozzarella, feta, and cream cheese are more perishable, lasting only about a week to a few weeks in the refrigerator. They should be wrapped in cheese paper or parchment paper and kept in an airtight container.
Semi-hard cheeses like Swiss cheese and cheddar have a relatively long shelf life, often several months when unopened and stored in the refrigerator. They should be removed from their plastic packaging and wrapped in cheese or wax paper, then stored in an airtight container.
Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan have the longest shelf life, lasting a few weeks to a couple of months in the refrigerator. They can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in the coldest part of the fridge. Unopened blocks of hard cheese can last up to six months in the fridge.
Additionally, it is important to note that cheese should be allowed to breathe, and plastic wrap should be avoided as it can trap moisture and promote bacterial growth. Proper storage can help maintain the quality, flavor, and texture of the cheese, ensuring it stays fresh and delicious for longer.
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Hard cheeses can be left out for longer than soft cheeses
The length of time cheese can be left out depends on its type and moisture content. Harder cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda have lower moisture content, making them less prone to bacterial growth and spoilage. This means they can be left out at room temperature for longer than soft cheeses. Soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and mozzarella, on the other hand, have a higher moisture content, making them more perishable and susceptible to bacteria and spoilage.
Hard cheeses can be left out for up to four hours, but it is important to inspect them for signs of spoilage before consuming. These signs can include a bad smell, a slimy surface, dark spots, dryness, cracks, or mould. If any of these signs are present, it is best to discard the cheese. If the hard cheese shows no signs of spoilage, it can be rewrapped and safely returned to the refrigerator.
Soft cheeses, on the other hand, should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours, according to the U.S. Department of Health. If soft cheeses are left out for longer than this recommended time, it is best to discard them to avoid any potential health risks.
The difference in moisture content between hard and soft cheeses is a key factor in their respective shelf lives. Hard cheeses are aged for longer periods, resulting in a lower moisture content and a drier texture. This makes it difficult for bacteria to flourish, giving hard cheeses a longer shelf life, even when left out of the refrigerator.
Additionally, the storage method plays a crucial role in preserving the quality of the cheese. Proper storage can dramatically extend the refrigerator life of cheese. For optimal storage, cheese should be wrapped in porous material like wax or parchment paper and placed in an airtight container. This helps maintain the right balance of moisture and protects the cheese from the low humidity in the fridge.
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Frequently asked questions
The length of time cheese can be kept in the fridge depends on the type of cheese and whether it has been opened. Generally, hard cheeses like Cheddar, Gouda and Parmesan can last a few weeks to a couple of months in the refrigerator. Soft cheeses like Brie, goat's cheese, mozzarella and Camembert can last one to a few weeks in the fridge.
Your senses will be the best indicator when cheese has gone bad. Look out for signs of spoilage such as unintentional mould, a bitter flavour, fermented fruit taste, a fizzy sensation on the tongue, a slimy surface, dark spots, dryness, cracks or an unpleasant smell.
To keep cheese fresh, wrap it tightly in wax paper or parchment paper, then place it in a plastic bag or airtight container. This prevents it from drying out while allowing it to breathe.
Freezing cheese is not recommended, especially for soft cheeses. However, a block of cheese intended for cooking can be frozen for a few months.
