Andy Montoya
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient with a short shelf life. It is highly perishable and should be stored in the refrigerator. An opened package of ricotta will last one to two weeks, while an unopened package will last about two weeks in the fridge and up to three months in the freezer. To know if ricotta cheese has gone bad, look for signs of spoilage like mold, a change in colour, or a sour or fermented smell. If the ricotta has turned yellowish or has a foul odour, it has likely gone bad. It is important to note that unlike hard cheeses, cutting off the mouldy parts of ricotta cheese is not sufficient, as mould can get into soft cheese below the surface. Therefore, if mould is present, the entire container should be discarded.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Should be stored covered in the refrigerator at 40°F or cooler |
| Use-by date | Last date the manufacturer guarantees quality; unopened ricotta may be good for one to two weeks past this date |
| Expiration date | A firmer indication of when ricotta might go bad |
| Spoilage | Look for signs of mold, a change in color to yellowish, or a sour or fermented smell |
| Mold | May be green, blue, or soft pink |
| Taste | If it doesn't taste as it should, throw it out |
| Freezing | Can be frozen to extend shelf life, but may affect texture and appearance |
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What You'll Learn
Ricotta cheese's use-by and expiration dates
Ricotta cheese is highly perishable and should always be stored covered in the refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or cooler. An opened package of ricotta will last one to two weeks, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, to be on the safe side, discard ricotta cheese that's been in your fridge for longer than two weeks after opening it. If you can't remember when you bought the ricotta, throw it out. All packages of ricotta cheese bear a "use-by" date, which is the last date the manufacturer will guarantee the product's quality. An unopened container of ricotta may stay fresh for two to four weeks and may be good for one or two weeks past this date.
Ricotta cheese will generally keep for about three to five days after the "sell-by" or "best-before" date on the package, assuming it has been continuously refrigerated. If kept at temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, ricotta cheese will rapidly develop signs of spoilage and should be discarded if left for more than two hours at room temperature.
To extend the shelf life of opened ricotta cheese, you can freeze it in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Frozen ricotta cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavor, so it is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles. Ricotta cheese that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional three to four days, while cheese thawed in the microwave or cold water should be used immediately.
To determine if ricotta cheese has gone bad, you can examine its appearance and smell. If the ricotta turns yellow or develops an off odor or flavor, it should be discarded. Mold on ricotta can be green, blue, or soft pink, and the entire package should be discarded if it appears. Ricotta that is safe to eat will have no odor at all or a regular milky smell. If it starts to develop a sour or fermented smell, it should be thrown away.
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How to identify spoilage
Ricotta cheese is highly perishable and should always be stored covered and in the refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or cooler. Even with careful handling, an opened package of ricotta will only last one to two weeks. To be on the safe side, discard ricotta cheese that's been in your fridge for longer than two weeks after opening it. If you can't remember when you bought the ricotta, throw it out.
Firstly, look out for any sort of odor. Ricotta doesn't have much of a smell, so if it smells foul or off in any way, then it's time to throw it out. Ricotta that's fine to eat will either have no odor at all or a regular milky smell. If it starts to develop a sour or fermented smell, throw it away.
Secondly, look for any change in the ricotta's appearance. If it's growing mold, you'll have to throw the whole thing out. Mold on ricotta can be green, blue, or soft pink. If the ricotta has turned a yellowish color instead of its regular creamy white, it's another sign of spoilage. While mold can be cut off hard cheese, allowing you to eat what's left, the same doesn't work for ricotta, as mold gets into soft cheese below the surface, meaning you may still get sick even if you get rid of the visible moldy parts.
Finally, if you sample the ricotta and it doesn't taste as it should, it's best to stay on the safe side and throw it out.
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The effects of freezing ricotta cheese
Ricotta cheese is a highly perishable fresh cheese that has not been aged and often contains no preservatives. As a result, ricotta cheese can spoil quickly, lasting only about one week after the container has been opened. The high moisture content of ricotta cheese, which can be as high as 80% water, is another factor that contributes to its short shelf life. The moisture in ricotta cheese can cause bacteria to grow quickly, especially in warm environments, leading to spoilage.
Freezing is a commonly suggested method for extending the shelf life of ricotta cheese. However, it's important to note that freezing will alter the texture of the cheese. When ricotta cheese is frozen, the moisture in it turns into ice crystals, causing the curds and whey to separate. As a result, the cheese becomes dry, crumbly, gritty, and clumpy after thawing. The altered texture of previously frozen ricotta cheese makes it unsuitable for recipes where it is the primary ingredient or served raw. Instead, it is recommended to use previously frozen ricotta in cooked dishes, where it can still lend some creaminess, body, and flavour.
To freeze ricotta cheese, it is important to start with fresh cheese rather than waiting until it is close to expiring. First, cut the cheese into portions and drain the liquid. Then, use paper towels to remove excess moisture by pressing and wrapping the cheese. After that, wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air is trapped between the cheese and the plastic. Place the wrapped cheese into a zipper bag, squeezing out any remaining air. Finally, label the bag with the type of cheese and the date, and freeze for up to two months.
When it comes to thawing frozen ricotta cheese, it is crucial to prioritize food safety. The safest method is to thaw the cheese in the refrigerator for about five to six hours. Leaving the cheese at room temperature for more than eight hours can lead to bacterial contamination. Once thawed, the ricotta cheese should be used within two to three days. It is important to note that refreezing previously frozen ricotta cheese is not recommended as it will further deteriorate the texture.
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What to do if it's mouldy
Ricotta cheese is highly perishable, so it's important to know how to identify when it's gone bad. If you spot any mould on your ricotta cheese, it's crucial to throw away the entire container. Unlike hard cheeses, where it's possible to cut off the mouldy parts, soft cheeses like ricotta can be contaminated below the surface, increasing the risk of foodborne illness even if the visible mould is discarded. The mould on ricotta can be green, blue, or soft pink, and its presence indicates that the cheese is no longer safe to consume.
In addition to visual inspection, it's important to use your sense of smell. Fresh ricotta cheese typically has little to no odour, so if it starts to develop a sour or fermented smell, it's a sign that the cheese has spoiled and should be discarded. Trust your nose—if it smells foul or off in any way, it's best to err on the side of caution and throw it out.
Another indication of spoilage is a change in colour. If the ricotta has turned yellowish instead of its usual creamy white hue, it's best to let it go. This colour change suggests that the cheese has passed its prime and is no longer suitable for consumption.
Lastly, if you're still unsure, it's better to be safe than sorry. Discard the ricotta cheese if it has been open for more than two weeks or if it doesn't taste quite right. Remember, the "use-by" date is a guideline, and even unopened ricotta cheese should be discarded if it has passed this date and shows signs of spoilage. Your health and safety are paramount, so when in doubt, throw it out.
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The appearance of bad ricotta cheese
Ricotta cheese is a highly perishable product, and even with careful handling, an opened package will only last about one to two weeks. To be on the safe side, discard ricotta cheese that has been in your fridge for longer than two weeks.
When it comes to spotting bad ricotta cheese, there are a few tell-tale signs to look out for. Firstly, examine the cheese for any visible mold growth. Mold on ricotta cheese can appear in various colours, including green, blue, or soft pink. If you spot any mould, it's important to discard the entire container as scraping it off is not effective with soft cheeses like ricotta.
In addition to mould, keep an eye out for any discolouration of the cheese. Fresh ricotta has a creamy white appearance, so if your ricotta has turned yellowish, it's a sign that it has gone bad.
Another way to tell if your ricotta cheese has spoiled is by using your sense of smell. Fresh ricotta should either have no odour at all or a mild, milky scent. If the cheese starts to develop a sour or fermented smell, even if it's subtle, it's best to discard it.
Lastly, if you're still unsure, you can carefully taste a small amount of the ricotta. If it doesn't taste as it should or has an off-putting flavour, it's best to discard it for safety. Remember, when in doubt, it's always better to be cautious and throw out the cheese rather than risk potential foodborne illnesses.
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Frequently asked questions
Fresh ricotta cheese should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and will last for about one to two weeks. After one week, you should start looking for signs of spoilage. If the ricotta has turned yellowish instead of its regular creamy white colour, or if there is any sign of mould, it has gone bad. Mould on ricotta can be green, blue, or soft pink.
Fresh ricotta doesn't have much of a smell. If it starts to develop any odour, especially a sour or fermented smell, it has likely gone bad.
If the ricotta doesn't taste as it should, it is best to stay on the safe side and throw it out.
