Patrick Oconnell
Whether cheese in a pouch is safe to eat after its best-by date depends on a few factors. In the US, there are no regulations on date marking for cheese, and best-by dates are generally considered arbitrary. However, it's important to consider the type of cheese and how it has been stored. Properly sealed and stored cheese in an unopened package can last for months or even a year. Hard cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and Gouda can develop white specks or crystallized patches, which are typically calcium lactate crystals and safe to eat. Soft cheeses like cottage cheese, cream cheese, and stirred curd cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, and Pepper Jack are more perishable and should be discarded after the best-by date due to their higher moisture content. It's always recommended to inspect cheese for signs of spoilage, such as mold, odd odors, slimy texture, or sour flavor, before consumption.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Depends on the type of cheese and how it's been stored; properly stored cheese can be safe for months or a year after the best-by date |
| Determining factors | Sight, smell, taste, texture, and type of cheese |
| Storage | Store cheese at a temperature below 40°F (4°C), and wrap it in porous material like wax or parchment paper to maintain moisture and prevent drying out |
| Mould | Cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below any spots of mould on hard cheeses; toss soft cheeses, crumbled/shredded/sliced cheeses, and grated cheese with mould in multiple spots |
| Exceptions | Stirred curd cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, and Pepper Jack are not recommended to be eaten after the best-by date due to their higher moisture content |
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What You'll Learn
Properly sealed cheese can be safe for months after the best-by date
It is important to note that the safety of consuming cheese beyond its best-by date depends on the type of cheese and how it has been stored. Properly sealed cheese can be safe to consume for months after the best-by date, and in some cases, even a year or more. However, it is crucial to inspect the cheese thoroughly before consumption.
Firstly, it is essential to understand the difference between a best-by date and an expiration date. A best-by date is not an expiration date but an indication of how long the food will be of optimal flavour and texture. Cheese can be safely consumed beyond its best-by date, but it may not taste or feel the same as when it was fresher. On the other hand, an expiration date implies that the food is not safe to eat after that date.
The storage conditions play a crucial role in the longevity of cheese. Cheese should be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature below 40°F (4°C). Additionally, it should be wrapped in porous materials like wax or parchment paper to maintain its moisture and prevent it from drying out. Freezing cheese is also an option, but soft cheeses like ricotta, cottage cheese, and cream cheese don't freeze well.
When it comes to inspecting cheese for safety, use your senses of sight, smell, and taste. Check for signs of spoilage such as mould, odd odours, slimy texture, or sour flavour. If you notice mould on hard cheeses, cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the affected areas. However, discard soft cheeses like cottage cheese and cream cheese if mould is present. Grated cheese requires special attention; if mould is spotted, carefully scoop it out with a spoon and examine the rest of the cheese. If the cheese was stirred or shaken before noticing the mould, discard the entire batch for safety.
While properly sealed cheese can extend its safe consumption period, always trust your senses and exercise caution. If the cheese looks, smells, or tastes off, it is better to discard it. Additionally, if you have a sensitive stomach or are unsure about the cheese's condition, it is always safer to err on the side of caution and discard it.
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Inspect cheese for mould, odd odours, slimy texture, or sour flavour
Inspecting cheese for mould, odd odours, a slimy texture, or a sour flavour is an important step in determining whether it is safe to consume. While cheese can remain safe to eat beyond its 'best before' date, it is crucial to examine it for any signs of spoilage.
Mould is a common concern when it comes to cheese. While some types of cheese are intentionally mouldy, such as Camembert, Gorgonzola, and Roquefort, mould can also indicate spoilage in other varieties. If you spot mould on a hard cheese like Cheddar, you can cut off the affected portion, plus about an inch around and below it, and safely consume the rest. However, if mould appears on a soft cheese, it is recommended to discard the entire product.
Odd odours can also indicate that cheese has gone bad. A strong ammonia-like smell or an otherwise funky or sour odour suggests that the cheese has spoiled and should be discarded.
In addition to mould and odour, texture and flavour can provide clues about the safety of cheese. If the cheese has a slimy texture or an off or sour flavour, it is likely spoiled and should be discarded.
It is worth noting that some aged hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, may develop white specks or crystallized patches. These are typically calcium lactate crystals, which are safe to consume and not a sign of mould.
Overall, when inspecting cheese, it is important to use your senses of sight, smell, touch, and taste to determine its freshness and safety. If you have any doubts or concerns, it is always best to err on the side of caution and discard the cheese.
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Safe fridge temperature is below 40°F (4°C)
It's important to maintain a safe temperature in your fridge to ensure that your food stays fresh and safe to eat. For cheese, the ideal storage temperature is crucial. While a "best by" date is provided, this does not necessarily indicate that the cheese will be unsafe to eat after this date, especially if it is properly stored.
For naturally-aged cheddar cheese, it is crucial to maintain a refrigerator temperature below 40°F (4°C). At this temperature, the cheese can continue to age and develop a sharper flavour, even after the "best by" date, as long as it remains in an unopened package. This highlights the importance of proper storage, as unopened packaging can preserve the cheese for an extended period.
However, it is important to exercise caution. While a well-sealed pouch can extend the cheese's lifespan, other factors, such as mould, odd odours, slimy texture, or sour flavour, indicate spoilage. Always inspect the cheese before consumption, and when in doubt, err on the side of caution and discard it.
Additionally, the type of cheese is a significant factor. Stirred curd cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, and Pepper Jack have a higher moisture content, increasing the likelihood of spoilage. Therefore, consuming these cheeses after the "best by" date is not recommended, even if stored below 40°F (4°C).
Ultimately, maintaining a refrigerator temperature below 40°F (4°C) is essential for preserving cheese, especially naturally-aged cheddar. However, always use your senses to examine the cheese for any signs of spoilage and make an informed decision about its edibility.
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Wrap cheese in porous material to prevent drying out
The safety of eating cheese past its best-by date depends on the type of cheese and how it has been stored. For example, naturally-aged cheddar cheese can continue to age and sharpen in your fridge if stored properly in an unopened package below 40°F. On the other hand, stirred curd cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, and Pepper Jack, are not recommended to be eaten after the best-by date due to their higher moisture content.
To extend the shelf life of cheese, it is important to master the art of wrapping cheese with porous material. This will preserve its quality and freshness. The ideal temperature for storing cheese is between 35°F and 45°F (1.7°C to 7.2°C). This range helps slow down bacterial growth while preventing the cheese from freezing or drying out.
Cheese should be wrapped in porous material such as cheese paper, which is specifically designed for cheese storage. It is a two-ply paper that allows the cheese to breathe while maintaining proper humidity. The outer layer is usually made of wax-coated paper, while the inner layer is a porous material that wicks away excess moisture. This prevents the cheese from drying out. Parchment paper or wax paper can also be used as alternatives to cheese paper, although they offer less moisture control.
If you can't find or don't want to buy cheese paper, you can wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper and then put it in a partially sealed plastic bag. The paper creates a barrier between the cheese and the plastic, while the plastic keeps it from drying out. For cheeses that sweat a lot, you should replace the wax or parchment paper each time you unwrap the cheese.
By using the right materials and storage methods, you can ensure that your cheese remains fresh, flavorful, and safe to eat.
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Hard cheeses can be stored for 3-4 weeks, soft cheeses for 7 days
The shelf life of cheese depends on the type of cheese and how it's stored. Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda can be stored for 3-4 weeks in the fridge, while soft cheeses like cottage cheese, cream cheese, and ricotta should be consumed within 7 days.
Hard cheeses are more likely to be safe to consume past their expiration date if they are properly stored and show no signs of spoilage. Proper storage includes keeping the cheese sealed and vacuumed, and storing it in the fridge at a temperature below 40°F (4°C). Hard cheeses can also be stored without refrigeration, but they will keep longer in the fridge. If you notice any mould on hard cheeses, simply cut off the affected spots.
Soft cheeses, on the other hand, have a shorter shelf life and are more perishable. They should be stored in the fridge and consumed within 7 days of opening. If mould is found on soft cheeses, the entire product should be discarded.
It's important to note that ""best by" dates are guidelines for quality rather than safety. Cheese can still be safe to consume past its "best by" date if it shows no signs of spoilage. However, if the cheese exhibits off colours, unusual textures, or smells sour, rancid, or like ammonia, it should be discarded.
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Frequently asked questions
The safety of eating cheese past its best-by date depends on the type of cheese and how it's been stored. For example, stirred curd cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, and Pepper Jack, are not recommended to be eaten after the best-by date due to their higher moisture content. However, properly sealed and vacuumed cheese in a pouch can last for months or even a year.
Always check for signs of spoilage such as mould, odd odours, slimy texture, or sour flavour before consuming any cheese past its best-by date. When in doubt, it's better to be safe and discard the cheese.
It's difficult to give an exact timeframe as it depends on the type of cheese and how it's been stored. However, properly stored cheese in a pouch can last for months or even a year after the best-by date.
