Andy Montoya
Whether cheese is safe to eat past its expiration date depends on a few factors. Firstly, the type of cheese is important: hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda tend to have a longer shelf life due to their lower moisture content, while soft and fresh cheeses are more perishable. Proper storage is also crucial; cheese should be wrapped and stored properly in the refrigerator, ideally below 40°F. Additionally, it's essential to use your judgment and assess the cheese's appearance, odour, and taste before consuming it. Signs of spoilage include mould (other than the beneficial mould in blue cheese), unusual colours, and changes in texture, such as dryness, crumbly or slimy consistency. While expiration dates are not a definitive indicator, it's always better to be cautious and discard the cheese if you have any doubts about its safety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese expiration dates | In the US, there are no regulations on date marking for cheese. Expiration dates are often arbitrary and put there voluntarily by the manufacturer. |
| Eating cheese past its expiration date | Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda can be safe to eat past their expiration date if they are stored properly and show no signs of spoilage. Soft and fresh cheeses have a shorter shelf life. |
| Signs of spoilage | Mould, odd odours, slimy texture, sour flavour, off colours, unusual textures, or dry and crumbly cheese. |
| Blue cheese | The presence of blue mould is normal and safe to eat. |
| What to do if there is mould | Cut off the mouldy part plus an extra 1/8- to 1/4- inch and continue to use the cheese. If there is mould in grated cheese, scoop it out with a spoon and discard. |
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What You'll Learn
Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda can be eaten past their expiration date
It's important to note that the expiration dates on cheese are not absolute indicators of safety. Cheese often remains safe to eat beyond these dates, especially when stored properly. The shelf life of cheese varies depending on the type, with hard cheeses having a longer shelf life compared to soft and fresh cheeses.
Before consuming cheese past its expiration date, it's crucial to inspect it for any signs of spoilage. Mould, unusual odours, changes in texture, and off colours are all indications that the cheese has gone bad. If you observe any of these signs, it's best to discard the cheese.
Some individuals are more sensitive to spoiled food than others. If you have a compromised immune system, are pregnant, elderly, or have certain health conditions, it's generally recommended to be cautious and avoid consuming food that shows any signs of spoilage.
When in doubt, it's always safer to err on the side of caution and refrain from consuming cheese that exhibits any questionable characteristics. Trust your instincts and use your best judgment to decide whether the cheese is still safe to eat. Remember, there is plenty of good cheese out there, so don't risk your health over a questionable piece.
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Blue mould on blue cheese is safe to eat
It is safe to eat blue mould on blue cheese. Blue cheese is made using Penicillium, a type of mould responsible for its unique taste, smell, and appearance. Unlike other types of mould, Penicillium does not produce toxins and is safe to consume. The mould found in blue cheese is added intentionally and is safe to eat. However, blue cheese can still go bad, so it is important to practice basic food safety and store it properly.
It is important to note that while blue mould on blue cheese is safe to eat, other types of mould on cheese may not be safe. If you are unsure, it is best to err on the side of caution and not consume the cheese. Proper storage and wrapping of cheese can help extend its shelf life. Freezing blue cheese can also help extend its shelf life, although it may slightly alter its texture and appearance.
Additionally, some people may have allergies or sensitivities to mould. If you have a compromised immune system, are pregnant, elderly, or have certain health conditions, it is generally advisable to be cautious and avoid consuming mouldy cheese. In summary, while blue mould on blue cheese is generally safe to eat, it is important to use your best judgment, consider the type of cheese, and assess its appearance, odour, and taste before consuming it.
In conclusion, blue mould on blue cheese is safe to eat due to the use of non-toxic Penicillium mould in its production. However, proper storage is essential to prevent spoilage, and individuals with certain health conditions may need to exercise caution when consuming mouldy cheese.
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Soft cheeses have a shorter shelf life
While cheese often remains safe to eat beyond its 'best by' date, it is important to note that soft cheeses have a shorter shelf life than harder varieties. Soft and fresh cheeses are more perishable, and their shelf life can vary depending on the type of cheese. For example, soft cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella will only be good for one to two weeks after purchase, whereas hard cheeses like Parmesan and Swiss should be eaten within a month.
Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda have a lower moisture content, which helps extend their shelf life. When stored properly in an unopened package below 40°F, naturally-aged hard cheeses can continue to age and sharpen in your fridge. On the other hand, stirred curd cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, and Pepper Jack have a higher moisture content and are not recommended for consumption after the "best by" date.
Semi-hard cheeses like Swiss cheese also have a relatively long shelf life and can last several months past their 'best by' date when kept in the refrigerator before opening. Blue cheeses like Stilton, Roquefort, and Gorgonzola can also have a similar shelf life when unopened and refrigerated properly.
When it comes to soft cheeses, it is important to be cautious. Fresh cheeses, such as mozzarella, can develop slimy mold or pinkish, reddish patches, which indicate spoilage. These types of cheeses should be discarded if they exhibit these signs of spoilage. Bloomy rind cheeses like Brie and Camembert will also show mold, both before and after their expiration date, with a velvety white covering on the rind that is edible. However, other colors of mold, such as orange, rust red, blue, or green, indicate spoilage.
In summary, while cheese can often be consumed past its expiration date, soft cheeses have a shorter shelf life and require more careful consideration. It is important to assess the appearance, odor, and taste of the cheese before consumption and to use your best judgment. If in doubt, it is safer to discard the cheese.
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Trust your senses: smell, taste, and look at the cheese before eating it
Expiration dates on cheese are not set in stone. Your common sense and instincts are often the best tools to determine if a cheese has indeed expired. While there are some tell-tale signs of spoilage, the shelf life of cheese also depends on the type of cheese and how it has been stored. Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda have a lower moisture content, which helps extend their shelf life. These hard cheeses can last several months and even up to a year when stored in the fridge, even if unopened. On the other hand, soft and fresh cheeses have a shorter shelf life and are more perishable.
When it comes to sensing spoilage, your sense of smell is a powerful tool. Cheese typically has a characteristic smell related to its type. However, if it smells sour, rancid, or like ammonia, it's likely gone bad. Visible mould can also be a sign of spoilage, except for blue cheeses where the presence of blue mould is intentional and safe to eat. Other types of mould, like orange, rust red, or green, indicate spoilage. If you spot any of these moulds, cut off the affected portion and discard it.
Changes in texture can also indicate that cheese has gone bad. It may become overly dry, crumbly, or slimy. If the cheese has an odd texture, it's best to avoid consuming it. Taste is another sense that can help detect spoilage. Take a small bite of the cheese and if it tastes sour or off in any way, discard it.
It's important to note that some individuals are more sensitive to spoiled food than others. If you have a compromised immune system, are pregnant, elderly, or have certain health conditions, it's generally recommended to be cautious and avoid consuming food that shows any signs of spoilage. Always remember, when in doubt, it's better to be safe than sorry—discard the cheese rather than risking your health.
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Proper storage is key to extending the shelf life of cheese
If you have purchased cheese packaged in brine, do not drain the brine. Instead, store the cheese in the brine to prolong its quality. It is also recommended to only slice as much cheese as you intend to use each time, as slicing increases the surface area, exposing more cheese to possible contamination, oxidation, and dehydration.
If you have kept your cheese wrapped in plastic, it is recommended to remove the plastic wrap as soon as possible to let the cheese breathe. Check the date to make sure it has only been in plastic for a week or less. If there is a shine on the cheese, take a non-serrated chef's knife and slightly scrape off the glossy layer.
Every couple of days, unwrap your cheese and run a knife across the face of the cut part. This will help extend its life. If you see a bit of mould, scrape it off. Putting a small amount of vinegar onto cheesecloth or a paper towel before storing your cheese will also help save it from mould.
Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda have a lower moisture content, which helps extend their shelf life. These cheeses can last for several months and even up to a year when stored properly in the fridge. Blue cheeses like Stilton, Roquefort, and Gorgonzola can also have a shelf life of several months when refrigerated properly. Semi-hard cheeses like Swiss cheese also have a relatively long shelf life, often several months past their 'best by' date when kept in the refrigerator.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese does go bad, but 'best by' dates are guidelines for quality rather than safety. Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda can last several months or even a year if stored properly. Blue cheeses like Stilton, Roquefort, and Gorgonzola can have a similar shelf life when unopened and refrigerated. Soft cheeses like Mozzarella tend to be more perishable and should be consumed within one to two weeks of purchase. If the cheese is past its 'best by' date, check for signs of spoilage like mould, odd odours, or unusual textures before consuming.
Cheese that has gone bad may smell sour, rancid, or like ammonia. It may also exhibit changes in texture, becoming overly dry, crumbly, or slimy. Bloomy rind cheeses like Brie and Camembert will show mould both before and after their expiration date, which is edible. However, orange, rust red, blue, or green moulds indicate spoilage. For blue cheeses, blue-green veins are safe to eat, but orange or reddish spots or concentrated blue/green patches indicate unwanted mould.
If there is mould on hard or cut cheeses, cut off the mouldy part plus an extra 1/8 to 1/4 inch and continue to use the rest of the cheese. For grated cheese, carefully scoop out the mouldy section with a spoon and examine the rest. If the cheese has been stirred or shaken before noticing the mould, it is best to discard it entirely. Fresh cheeses like Mozzarella should be thrown out if they exhibit slimy mould or pinkish, reddish patches.
While cheese can often be safely consumed past its expiration date, it is important to use your best judgment and consider your health condition. If you have a compromised immune system, are pregnant, elderly, or have certain health conditions, it is advisable to be cautious and avoid consuming spoiled food.
