Patrick Oconnell
The best by date on cheese is a quality indicator, not a safety indicator. This means that cheese can be safely consumed after its best by date as long as it has been stored properly. The length of time cheese can be consumed after its best by date depends on the type of cheese, with hard cheeses like parmesan and cheddar lasting longer than soft cheeses like brie or camembert. It's important to check for signs of spoilage such as mold, odd odors, slimy texture, or sour flavor before consuming cheese past its best by date.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of Best Before Date | Indicates how long the product will be at its peak flavour and texture |
| Safety | Best Before dates are about food quality, not safety |
| Expiry Dates | Related to safety |
| Use By Date | Signifies the end of the period after which the food should not be consumed because of health and safety reasons |
| Fresh Cheeses | Should not be consumed past the Use By date |
| Hard Cheeses | Can last longer than soft cheeses |
| Storage | Keep cheese in the refrigerator, properly wrapped, to make it last |
| Food Wastage | In Europe, confusion over date labels leads to about 10% of household food waste |
| Food Wastage Reduction | Look for the 'Look-Smell-Taste' label on cheese products to reduce food wastage |
| Mould | Mould needs moisture to grow |
| Spoilage | Always check for signs of spoilage such as mould, odd odours, slimy texture, or sour flavour |
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What You'll Learn
Best-by dates are about food quality, not safety
When you see a "Best Before" date on your cheese, it might make you think it's no longer safe to eat after that date. However, Best Before dates are about food quality, not safety. These dates indicate how long the product will be at its peak flavour and texture. Unlike "Use By" or "Expiration" dates, which are related to safety, Best Before dates refer to quality and allow some flexibility. Depending on the type, cheese can often be enjoyed well past its Best Before date if it's stored properly.
Hard cheeses like parmesan and cheddar can last longer than soft cheeses like brie or camembert. This is because mould needs moisture to grow, and the drier the cheese, the more resistant it is to decay. However, grated cheeses are riskier, as they depend on the original moisture content of the cheese. For example, pre-grated parmesan can last longer without risk because the aged cheese was so dry to begin with. On the other hand, grated cheddar or mozzarella should be used as soon as possible due to their higher moisture content.
The key to enjoying cheese past its Best Before date is proper storage. Keep your cheese in the refrigerator, properly wrapped, to make it last longer. Additionally, use your common sense and instincts when deciding whether to keep or toss cheese that has passed its Best Before date. Look out for signs of spoilage such as mould, odd odours, slimy texture, or sour flavour. If you see slimy mould or pinkish, reddish patches on fresh cheeses like mozzarella, toss them out. Similarly, if soft or washed-rind cheeses have a questionable, slimy, or weepy rind, and an awful smell, throw them away. However, keep in mind that strongly flavoured cheeses will always have a strong smell, and as they age, their aroma will intensify, which doesn't necessarily mean they have gone bad.
Understanding Best Before dates can help avoid unnecessary food waste. In Europe, confusion over date labels leads to about 10% of household food waste. By reducing food waste, you not only save money but also help reduce CO2e emissions and the unnecessary use of valuable resources like water and land. So, the next time you see a Best Before date on your cheese, trust your senses and use your judgement before throwing away perfectly good food.
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Use your senses to determine if cheese is edible
In the United States, there are no regulations on date marking when it comes to cheese. While some cheeses have a "Use By" date, which is related to health and safety, most cheeses are coded with a "Best Before" date, which is more of a guideline for consumers. This date is about food quality, not safety, and indicates how long the product will be at its peak flavour and texture. This means that cheese can often be enjoyed well past its "Best Before" date, provided it has been stored properly.
So, how do you know when cheese has gone bad? Use your senses of sight, smell, and taste to determine if cheese is still edible.
First, look at the cheese. Is there any mould on it? Most whole, cut, or sliced cheeses can survive a little mould and still be edible. However, if there are slimy, pinkish, or reddish patches on fresh or soft cheeses like mozzarella, or on double or triple creme cheeses, throw them out. Similarly, with soft- and washed-rind cheeses, if the rind looks questionable, slimy, or weepy, and has a very bad smell, it's best to discard it. Keep in mind that strongly flavoured cheeses will always have a strong smell, and as they age, their aroma will intensify, but this does not mean the cheese has gone bad.
Next, smell the cheese. Does it have an ammoniated or sharp, bitter odour? If it smells like livestock urine (often described as having a "barnyard" scent), it's probably not safe to eat.
Finally, if the cheese passes the sight and smell tests, you can try tasting a small amount. If it tastes sour or off in any way, it's best to discard it.
Remember, the moisture content of the cheese also plays a role in its shelf life. The more moist the cheese, the more likely it is to decay, while drier cheeses are more resistant. Proper storage is also key to extending the life of your cheese, so keep it in the refrigerator, properly wrapped.
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Proper storage can extend cheese's lifespan
Proper storage is key to extending the lifespan of cheese. The lifespan of cheese depends on its moisture content and how it is stored. Harder cheeses with lower moisture content tend to last longer than softer, more moist cheeses.
Hard cheeses like Parmesan, Cheddar, Gouda, and Pecorino Romano are known for their low moisture content, which contributes to a longer shelf life. These cheeses can be expected to last for about 3-4 weeks in the fridge after opening. On the other hand, soft cheeses such as Ricotta, Mozzarella, Brie, and Camembert have a higher moisture content, making them more perishable. These cheeses should be consumed within a few weeks of opening.
To extend the lifespan of hard cheeses, they can be wrapped in wax or parchment paper and then tightly covered with a layer of cling film. This method helps to protect the cheese from contaminants and minimizes exposure to air and potential molds. For short trips, waxed cheeses are a good option as they can withstand temperature fluctuations better.
Soft or semi-soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert should be stored in a resealable plastic container to prevent them from drying out or excess moisture. It is also important to store different types of cheese separately to prevent flavor transfer and maintain optimal conditions for each variety.
Additionally, the refrigerator's temperature should be maintained within 34°F to 45°F (1°C to 3°C) for optimal storage conditions. Items near the fridge door should be placed towards the back to maintain a consistent temperature, preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and extending the cheese's lifespan.
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Hard cheeses last longer than soft cheeses
Hard cheeses typically last longer than soft cheeses. This is because hard cheeses have a lower moisture content, creating an environment that is not conducive to bacterial growth and, therefore, spoilage. Soft cheeses, such as ricotta, feta, mozzarella, and Brie, have a higher moisture content, making them more perishable than harder cheeses. They should be consumed within one to three weeks of being stored in the fridge.
Hard cheeses can last for several months to a year when stored in the fridge, depending on the type of cheese, the moisture content, and the storage method. For example, an unopened chunk of cheddar cheese can be safely refrigerated for about six months, while other hard cheeses like Parmesan and Gouda can last for several months to even a year or more. Parmesan, in particular, is known for its durability and can even be stored at room temperature without going bad.
To make hard cheese last as long as possible, it should be stored correctly. This means removing the cheese from its plastic packaging and wrapping it loosely in cheese paper or wax paper. Unopened hard cheeses can also be stored without refrigeration, although they will last much longer if they are refrigerated. If stored at room temperature, hard cheeses should be kept in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cellar, and consumed within a few months.
It is important to note that even if the "sell-by" or "best-by" date on the package expires, hard cheeses will typically remain safe to use for about six months. However, the cheese may start to lose its optimal flavor and texture after this date. To further extend the shelf life of hard cheese, it can be frozen. Properly stored, frozen hard cheese will maintain its best quality for about six to eight months but will remain safe to eat beyond that time.
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Some cheeses shouldn't be eaten past their date
In the US, there are no regulations on date marking for cheese. While some cheeses have a "Use By" date, indicating that they should not be consumed past this date for health and safety reasons, most cheeses are coded with a "Best Before" date. This date is about food quality, not safety, and indicates how long the product will be at its peak flavour and texture.
Some cheeses, such as fresh cheeses like mozzarella, should not be consumed past their "Use By" date. These cheeses are more susceptible to mould and decay due to their higher moisture content. If you notice slimy mould or pinkish, reddish patches on these types of cheeses, it is best to throw them out. Similarly, soft- and washed-rind cheeses should be discarded if the rind looks slimy or weepy and has an ammoniated or bitter smell.
However, harder cheeses like Parmesan and cheddar can often be enjoyed well past their "Best Before" date if they are stored properly. These drier cheeses are more resistant to mould and decay. If you notice a small amount of mould on these cheeses, you can cut it off and consume the rest of the cheese.
Ultimately, the decision to eat cheese past its "Best Before" date is up to the consumer. It is important to use your common sense and instinct when making this decision and to properly wrap and store your cheeses to prolong their lifespan.
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Frequently asked questions
The "best by date" on cheese, also known as the Best Before date, refers to the period during which the cheese will be at its peak flavour and texture. It is an indicator of food quality, not safety.
It depends on the type of cheese and how it has been stored. Hard cheeses like Parmesan and Cheddar can be consumed well past their best-by date if stored properly. However, soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert have a shorter shelf life.
Use your senses of sight, smell, and taste to determine if cheese has spoiled. Look for mould, odd colours, or sliminess. If the cheese has an ammoniated or bitter smell, it has likely gone bad. Always taste a small amount first before consuming the entire product.
Signs of spoilage in cheese include mould, odd odours, slimy texture, and sour flavour. If you see or smell anything suspicious, it is better to discard the cheese.
To extend the shelf life of cheese, proper storage is crucial. Keep cheese in the refrigerator, properly wrapped, and ensure the packaging is intact and sealed.
