Andy Montoya
Stale cheese is a tricky topic—it's not always easy to tell if cheese is past its prime, and it depends on the type of cheese, how it was stored, and other factors like smell and appearance. While an unopened package of cheese can last in the refrigerator for a while, especially if vacuum-sealed, cheese is a living thing with a distinct shelf life. Soft cheeses like cottage cheese and queso blanco tend to go bad quickly, while hard cheeses can last up to six months unopened and up to a month in the fridge after opening. To determine if your cheese is still good, use your senses: smell, appearance, and even taste can help you decide if it's time to toss that block of cheddar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Determining factors | Smell, appearance, and taste |
| Best-before dates | Not always reliable; use senses to determine if cheese is stale |
| Vacuum-sealed cheese | Tends to last longer |
| Different types of cheese | Hard cheeses last longer than soft cheeses |
| Mould | Natural for cheese to grow mould; cut off 1/4 inch of mould and consume the rest |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Hard cheeses last longer than soft cheeses
The shelf life of cheese depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, how it was stored, and its appearance, smell, and taste. Hard cheeses tend to last longer than soft cheeses due to their lower moisture content. Soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese, queso blanco, Brie, and chèvre, are very moist, providing an ideal environment for the growth of both beneficial and spoilage bacteria. As a result, soft cheeses typically have a shorter shelf life, lasting only a few weeks or about a week once opened.
On the other hand, hard cheeses can have a much longer shelf life, with unopened vacuum-sealed hard cheeses remaining edible for up to six months. Even after opening, hard cheeses can last up to a month in the refrigerator. This extended durability makes them a more durable option for those who want to enjoy cheese over a more extended period.
The best way to determine if a cheese is still safe to eat is to use your senses. The smell of the cheese is often the best indicator of its quality. If the cheese emits an off-putting odour, such as ammonia or spoiled milk, it is likely no longer safe for consumption. Changes in the appearance of the cheese, such as discolouration, sliminess, or bloating of the package, can also indicate spoilage.
It is important to note that the best before or best-by dates on cheese packaging do not necessarily indicate an expiration date. These dates guarantee the flavour and texture of the cheese up to that point but do not mean that the cheese will be unsafe to eat afterward. Aged cheeses, in particular, may still be edible even after the best-by date. However, it is always better to consume cheese within a few days of purchase or by the date mentioned on the label to ensure optimal freshness and quality.
Cheese and Acid Reflux: A Bad Combination?
You may want to see also
Best-before dates are not always reliable
Best-before dates are not always a reliable indicator of whether cheese has gone stale or not. While it is a good idea to try to consume cheese within a few days of purchase or by the date mentioned on the label, it is not a foolproof method. This is because different variants of cheese age and spoil differently. For example, soft cheeses like cottage cheese and queso blanco tend to go bad much more quickly, while hard cheeses can last up to six months.
The best way to determine whether cheese has gone stale is to use your senses, focusing on three aspects: smell, appearance, and taste. If the cheese has an unusual or "off" smell, such as ammonia or spoiled milk, it is likely stale. Changes in the appearance of the cheese, such as discolouration, a slimy surface, or bloating in the package, can also indicate staleness. However, it is important to note that some cheeses, like blue cheese, are intentionally produced with moulds grown on the surface. In such cases, it is safe to cut off the mouldy part and consume the rest if the surface below appears clean and free from decay.
Additionally, taste can be a reliable indicator of staleness. If the cheese has a strange or unpleasant taste, it is best to discard it. It is worth noting that an unopened package of cheese can last in the refrigerator for quite some time, especially if it is vacuum-sealed. However, even vacuum-sealed cheeses with best-by dates may not always adhere strictly to those dates and can sometimes be consumed after the specified date.
In summary, while best-before dates can provide a general guideline, they are not definitive. The most reliable way to determine whether cheese is stale is to use your senses of smell, sight, and taste. By paying attention to any unusual smells, discolouration, texture changes, or odd tastes, you can make an informed decision about whether the cheese is safe to consume.
Manchego Cheese: Healthy or Unhealthy?
You may want to see also
Appearance, smell and taste are key indicators
Appearance, smell, and taste are key indicators of whether cheese has gone stale.
Firstly, on appearance, check the colour of the cheese. If it has darkened or faded, it may be stale. Also, look out for changes in texture. If there is anything slimy on the surface or bloating in the package, discard it. Moulds are also a good indicator. It is natural for some cheeses to grow moulds, so do not discard the cheese if there is a small amount of mould on the surface. You can cut off a ¼-inch layer of the cheese with the mould growth and consume the rest. However, do not try to salvage the cheese if it has a thick layer of mould all over. Some varieties of cheese, such as blue cheese, are supposed to have moulds intentionally grown on the surface.
Secondly, on smell, cheese should only be stinky if it is supposed to be stinky. If you smell something "off", there is probably a good reason. You might detect a whiff of ammonia, spoiled milk, or even the freezer or refrigerator.
Lastly, on taste, the best-before date on the package is not always a reliable indicator of whether cheese has gone bad. Many aged cheeses may still be good to eat after the best-before date. In general, hard cheeses tend to last the longest (up to six months), while soft cheeses like cottage cheese and queso blanco go bad more quickly (a few weeks). Once the package is opened, hard cheeses can last up to a month in the fridge, while soft cheeses will last about a week.
Swiss Cheese: Healthy or Harmful?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Mouldy cheese can be saved
Mouldy cheese can sometimes be saved, but it depends on the type of cheese and the type of mould.
Firstly, it's important to understand that mould is an important part of cheesemaking. Many cheeses, such as Brie, blue cheese, and Gruyère, are made with mould cultures that give them their distinctive flavour, aroma, and texture. Therefore, it is natural for mould to grow on the surface of these cheeses, and it is safe to consume.
However, not all moulds are created equal. Some moulds, such as Aspergillus niger or "Black Mould," can be dangerous and release toxins in the body. This type of mould is very rarely found on cheese, but it is important to be cautious.
If you find a patch of mould on a semi-hard or hard cheese, such as Cheddar, Gouda, or Parmigiano Reggiano, it is likely safe to remove the mouldy portion and consume the rest of the cheese. The mould will probably only be on the surface, and you can cut off a generous amount around the mouldy area to ensure you remove it all.
On the other hand, if you find mould on a fresh cheese such as mozzarella, ricotta, or cottage cheese, it is best to discard the entire cheese. Fresh cheeses have a high moisture content, which provides an ideal environment for mould to grow and spread quickly. Therefore, it is safer to assume that the mould has penetrated deeper into the cheese, and it is not worth risking your health to save a small portion.
To summarise, mouldy cheese can sometimes be saved, but it depends on the type of cheese and the extent of mould growth. When in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of caution and discard the cheese. Always trust your senses of smell, sight, and taste to determine if something is off, and remember that cheese should be consumed within a few days of purchase or by the "best before" date to ensure freshness.
Cheese Frying: Healthy or Unhealthy?
You may want to see also
Stale cheese is unsafe to eat
The first step in determining whether cheese is stale is to look at the "best before" date on the package. This date is set by the cheesemaker to guarantee the flavor and texture of their product. While many aged cheeses may still be good to eat after this date, it is generally best to consume cheese within a few days of purchase or by the date mentioned on the label.
Another way to ascertain the freshness of cheese is to examine its appearance. If the color of the cheese has darkened or faded, or if there are changes in texture, such as sliminess or bloating in the package, it is likely stale and should be discarded.
Molds can also indicate whether cheese is fresh or stale. While it is natural for some cheeses to grow molds, a thick layer of mold all over the cheese is a sign that it is no longer safe to eat. In some cases, it is possible to cut off the moldy portion and consume the remaining cheese, but only if the surface below is clean and free of decay.
Additionally, smell and taste can be useful indicators of staleness. If the cheese smells "off," with hints of ammonia, spoiled milk, or refrigerator odor, it is likely stale. Similarly, if the taste seems unusual, it is best to discard the cheese.
In conclusion, stale cheese is unsafe to eat. By examining the "best before" date, appearance, molds, smell, and taste, you can determine whether cheese is stale and avoid potential health risks associated with consuming spoiled food.
Cheese Storage: How Long Does Cooked Cheese Last?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The best way to tell if cheese has gone bad is to look at its appearance, smell, and taste. If the colour has darkened or faded, or there are changes in texture, it may be time to discard it. If you notice mould, you can cut off 1/4 inch of the cheese with the mould growth and consume the rest if the surface below looks clean. However, if there is a thick layer of mould all over, do not attempt to salvage the cheese. Trust your senses—if it smells or tastes off, it probably is.
Aged cheeses are cheeses that have been matured for a certain period to develop their distinctive flavour and texture. Stale cheese, on the other hand, refers to cheese that has exceeded its shelf life and is no longer safe to consume.
There is no definitive answer as different types of cheese have varying shelf lives. In general, hard cheeses can last up to six months, while fresh, soft cheeses like cottage cheese and queso blanco have a much shorter shelf life of a few weeks.
Best-before dates are not expiration dates but rather an estimate of the period in which the producer can guarantee the flavour and texture of their product. Many aged cheeses may still be good to eat after the best-before date. However, it is best to consume cheese within a few days of purchase or by the date mentioned on the label.
Like any expired food, consuming stale cheese can lead to food poisoning and other gastrointestinal issues.
