Kamil Perry
The shelf life of cheese depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, how it is made, and how fresh it is. Soft cheeses like mozzarella, cream cheese, and brie have a higher moisture content, making them more perishable and prone to spoilage. They typically last 1-2 weeks in the fridge and should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. Hard cheeses like cheddar and parmesan have a lower moisture content, extending their shelf life to 3-4 weeks in the fridge and allowing them to be left out at room temperature for longer periods. To ensure cheese stays fresh, it should be stored at a temperature below 40°F (4°C) and wrapped in wax, parchment, or cheese paper. Inspecting cheese for mold, odour, and changes in texture and taste is crucial to determine if it is still good to eat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How long cheese can be kept in the fridge | Soft cheeses: 1-2 weeks; Hard cheeses: 3-4 weeks |
| How to store cheese in the fridge | Store below 40°F (4°C); Wrap with wax, parchment, or cheese paper; Store on the top or middle shelf or in a drawer; Keep above raw meats, poultry, and fish |
| How to identify if cheese has expired | Visible mould; Smell; Texture; Taste |
| How long cheese can be left out of the fridge | Soft cheeses: 2 hours; Hard cheeses: longer than 2 hours |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Soft cheeses should be consumed within 1 week of opening
Soft cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, and fresh mozzarella, should be consumed within a week of opening. This is because they have a higher moisture content and are not aged, making them more perishable and susceptible to bacteria and spoilage.
Soft cheeses tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses, which have a lower moisture content and are therefore less prone to spoilage from bacteria. Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, can last three to four weeks after opening when stored properly. They can also be left out at room temperature for longer than soft cheeses without becoming unsafe, although the quality and taste may change.
To keep soft cheeses fresh for up to a week, wrap them tightly in wax paper or parchment paper, then place them in a plastic bag or airtight container. This will prevent them from drying out while allowing them to breathe. It is also important to store soft cheeses at a safe fridge temperature—below 40°F (4°C)—to slow down the rate at which bacteria multiply and reduce the risk of spoilage.
It is always important to inspect soft cheeses closely for signs of spoilage before consuming, even if it has been less than a week since opening. If you see spots of mold, cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the areas and enjoy the rest. If the cheese smells off, it should be thrown out.
Cheese: Healthy or Unhealthy?
You may want to see also
Hard cheeses can be stored for 3-4 weeks
Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmesan, and Gruyere, are aged for longer periods of time and have a distinct, crumbly texture. They generally don't require refrigeration but will last much longer if they are stored in the fridge. Hard cheeses can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 weeks after opening. They last longer than soft cheeses because they contain less moisture, and are therefore less prone to spoilage from bacteria.
Hard cheeses can be left out at room temperature for up to 4 hours, according to the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. However, the U.S. Department of Health recommends that perishable food should not be left out of the fridge for more than two hours. If hard cheese has been sitting out for 4 hours or less, it can be rewrapped and put back in the fridge. If it has been sitting out for longer, inspect it for signs of spoilage.
To keep hard cheese fresh in the fridge, wrap it tightly in wax paper, parchment paper, or cheese paper. Then, place it in a plastic bag or airtight container. This will prevent it from drying out while allowing it to breathe. Store it in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator, where the temperature is cold and stable, with consistent humidity. Make sure your fridge temperature is below 40°F (4°C). Higher temperatures increase the rate at which bacteria multiply, increasing the risk of spoilage.
Cheese for Toddlers: Benefits and Best Practices
You may want to see also
Freezing cheese
Freezing is a good way to extend the shelf life of cheese. However, not all cheeses are suited for freezing. Soft cheeses, for example, cottage cheese, ricotta, and Brie, don't freeze well due to texture changes and are best kept in the fridge for up to a week. In contrast, hard and semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan, can be successfully frozen for up to six months.
Before freezing, it is important to prepare the cheese properly. Hard and semi-hard cheeses should be sliced into smaller blocks to help maintain their texture. Then, wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or wax paper to protect it from freezer burn and maintain moisture. Finally, place the wrapped cheese into a freezer bag and store it in the freezer.
When you are ready to use the frozen cheese, thaw it in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before consuming it. Freezing cheese can cause changes in texture and taste, so it is generally recommended for cooking rather than serving as a table cheese.
Additionally, it is important to note that cheese should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours, as it can spoil and pose a health risk, especially for soft cheeses. Therefore, proper storage in the refrigerator or freezer is crucial to maintain the freshness and quality of cheese.
Cheese and Dogs: A Healthy Treat?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Safe fridge temperature
The length of time cheese lasts in the fridge depends on the type of cheese. Soft cheeses tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses. This is because hard cheeses have a lower moisture content, making them less prone to spoilage from bacterial growth. Soft cheeses, on the other hand, have a higher moisture content and are more perishable.
Regardless of the type of cheese, it is important to store cheese at a safe temperature in the fridge to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth. The ideal temperature range for a refrigerator is between 34°F and 40°F (4°C). Temperatures above 40°F are considered unsafe as bacteria multiply rapidly in this range, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses such as Salmonella and E. coli.
To ensure your fridge is within the safe temperature range, it is recommended to use a fridge thermometer. Place the thermometer near the door, which is typically the warmest spot in the fridge. Adjust the temperature using the fridge's temperature control panel if your fridge is above the safe temperature range.
Additionally, it is important to note that cheese should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours, as recommended by the U.S. Department of Health. If the temperature is above 90°F (32°C), this limit reduces to one hour. Leaving cheese out for extended periods may impact its quality and taste and increase the risk of bacterial growth, especially in softer cheeses.
Cheese and Sinus: A Healthy Relationship?
You may want to see also
Signs of spoilage
The shelf life of cheese depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, how it is made, and how it is stored. Soft cheeses tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses due to their higher moisture content, which makes them more susceptible to bacterial growth.
Visible mould
Mould is a common sign of spoilage in cheese. Hard cheeses can develop surface mould, which can be cut off along with at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around and below the affected area. However, soft cheeses with high moisture content should be discarded if mould appears, as it can spread below the surface. Always throw out any cheese with red or black mould.
Odour
Cheese that smells off may be spoiled. Getting familiar with the smell of fresh cheese can help in detecting any unpleasant odours. Funky blue cheeses, for example, might have a strong smell but should never have a sour or ammonia-like odour.
Texture
Changes in texture can indicate spoilage. If the cheese is weeping moisture, has turned brittle or dry, or has developed a slimy surface, it has likely gone bad.
Taste
Taste should be the last line of defence when determining spoilage. A significant change in flavour, such as from mild to sharp or nutty to sour, indicates that the cheese has likely spoiled.
It is important to note that the absence of these signs does not guarantee that the cheese is safe to eat. Always use your best judgement and consider the type of cheese, its appearance, odour, and texture before consuming it. If in doubt, it is safer to discard the cheese.
Cheese and Type B Blood: A Healthy Match?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The shelf life of cheese depends on the type of cheese. Soft cheeses last 1-2 weeks in the fridge after opening, while most hard cheeses last 3-4 weeks.
There are three factors to consider when determining if cheese has expired: visible mould, smell, and texture. If in doubt, it is better to discard the cheese.
Cheese should be wrapped in wax, parchment, or cheese paper and stored on the top or middle shelf, or in a drawer. The ideal temperature is below 40°F (4°C).
Yes, chunks of hard cheese can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. Soft cheeses should not be frozen as they will turn crumbly.
The U.S. Department of Health recommends that perishable food, including soft cheeses, should not be left out of the fridge for more than two hours. Hard cheeses can be left out for longer, but the taste and quality may be affected.
