Kamil Perry
Shredded cheese is a convenient way to add flavour and texture to a variety of dishes, but what happens when it starts to smell bad? Cheese is a dairy product, and one sign of spoilage is an off smell, which can be similar to that of spoiled milk, ammonia, or even a refrigerator or freezer. Each type of cheese has a unique scent, and some are naturally more pungent than others, making it tricky to determine when it has gone bad. Additionally, shredded cheese may have a longer shelf life when unopened, but once exposed to air and bacteria, it can spoil faster. While some mouldy cheeses can be salvaged by cutting away the affected parts, shredded cheese with mould is best discarded as the mould could be more widespread than what meets the eye. When in doubt, it is always better to err on the side of caution and discard questionable shredded cheese to prevent potential foodborne illnesses.
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What You'll Learn
Shredded cheese smelling bad could be normal
Additionally, shredded cheese may have a stronger smell due to the increased surface area exposed to oxygen and bacteria, which can accelerate spoilage. This is especially true if the cheese has been left out at room temperature for extended periods or has been stored in a fridge with strong-odored foods. Pre-shredded cheese is also often coated with potato starch as an anti-caking agent, which may impact its smell and taste.
Moreover, different cultures have varying perceptions of cheese due to its "spoiled" smell and taste. For example, in cultures where cheese is rarely consumed, such as in China, it may be considered a repulsive food. Thus, the smell and taste of cheese are acquired tastes, and it is common for many cheeses to have a strong odor.
To determine if shredded cheese has indeed gone bad, it is recommended to read the label and follow the package instructions on consumption timeframes. Regularly smelling the cheese after opening can also help establish a baseline for its normal scent, making it easier to detect when it has turned.
Lastly, some people have a higher sensitivity to certain odors, so what may seem like a horrible smell to one person could be unnoticeable to another. In such cases, the cheese may still be safe to consume if it appears and tastes normal. However, if there is any doubt about the cheese's freshness, it is always advisable to err on the side of caution and discard it.
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Spoiled shredded cheese should have mouldy clumps
Shredded cheese can sometimes smell bad without being spoiled. This is because each cheese ages and spoils differently, and it can be difficult to tell the difference between the normal smell of cheese and the smell of cheese that has gone bad. For example, Gruyère cheese is known to smell like Athlete's Foot, and some cultures, like China, consider cheese to be repulsive due to its "spoiled" smell and taste.
However, if your shredded cheese smells bad, it is important to check for other signs of spoilage before consuming it. Spoiled shredded cheese will usually have mouldy clumps, often with green mould. If there is visible mould, it is best to throw away the entire package, as there may be more mould than you can see. If there is no mould, but the cheese still smells off, it is still generally recommended to err on the side of caution and discard it. Taste and appearance can also be indicators of spoilage. If the cheese has an “off” taste or appears to be dried out, it has likely gone bad.
To prevent shredded cheese from spoiling, it is important to follow the package instructions on how quickly to consume it once opened. Storing shredded cheese in the freezer can also help to extend its shelf life. Additionally, smelling the cheese when you first purchase it can give you a good understanding of how it is supposed to smell, making it easier to notice when something is off.
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Some mouldy cheese can be cut and consumed
It's important to note that consuming mouldy cheese can be unsafe, as mould can contain toxins that lead to illness and bacteria that can cause food poisoning. However, in some cases, mouldy cheese can be cut and consumed. The safety of consuming mouldy cheese depends on the type of cheese and the extent of mould growth.
Fresh soft cheeses, such as ricotta, mascarpone, and chèvre, should be discarded if mouldy, as the damp environment allows mould to penetrate deeply, negatively affecting the flavour. Other soft cheeses like Brie or Port Salut can be consumed if a quarter-inch of the cheese surface is cut away from any visible mould. Harder, aged cheeses like aged Cheddar or Parmesan can be consumed after scraping off the mould. White, fuzzy mould tinged with green has a minimal impact on flavour and can be safely cut away. Black or grey mould is less desirable and may require cutting away more of the cheese to ensure removal of affected parts.
It's important to assess the mould type and extent before deciding whether to cut and consume mouldy cheese. If the cheese smells of ammonia or is both mouldy and wet, it should be discarded. Proper storage and consumption of cheese within a reasonable timeframe help prevent mould growth.
Shredded cheese can sometimes emit an unpleasant odour due to spoilage. If the cheese has mouldy clumps, it should be discarded. However, if the smell is the only concerning factor, and there is no visible mould, some suggest that it may be safe to consume, especially if the cheese is cooked, as the high heat may kill potential pathogens.
In summary, while consuming mouldy cheese can be unsafe due to potential toxins and bacteria, some mouldy cheeses can be cut and consumed, depending on the type of cheese and the extent of mould growth. Proper assessment and storage practices are crucial to ensuring food safety.
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Shredded cheese can be stored in the freezer
If your shredded cheese smells bad, it has likely gone off. Spoiled shredded cheese will usually have mouldy clumps, often with green mould. If you can see mould, it's best to throw the cheese out. If there is no mould, but the cheese still smells off, it's probably best to pitch it, but you may be safe if you cook it at a high heat.
To avoid the issue of spoiled shredded cheese, you can store it in the freezer. Freezing shredded cheese is a great way to prevent it from spoiling. You can freeze fresh or packaged shredded cheese, but it's important to remove as much air as possible from the packaging to minimise freezer burn. If you plan on freezing it for longer than a month, it's best to transfer the cheese to a freezer bag, again, removing as much air as possible.
When you're ready to use the frozen cheese, it's best to let it thaw in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours before using it. This will help the cheese regain the moisture lost during freezing. If you're in a hurry, you can leave it at room temperature for about 20 minutes, but this will affect the texture.
It's worth noting that freezing cheese inevitably alters its moisture content and, therefore, its texture. Softer cheeses, such as mozzarella, are more affected by freezing, and hard or semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar or Swiss cheese, tend to fare better. Pre-shredded cheese also contains extra ingredients to prevent clumping, which can make it a little weird texturally if you thaw it quickly.
Some people recommend shredding a block of cheese yourself and then freezing it using the IQF (Individual Quick Freezing) method. This involves spreading the cheese out in an even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring the shreds aren't stuck together, and then placing it in the freezer. This method can help improve the texture of the cheese when you come to use it.
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Some cheeses smell off due to spoilage
However, some cheeses can be pungent and off-smelling from the start, making it harder to determine spoilage. In such cases, it is advisable to consider other factors such as appearance and taste. Spoiled shredded cheese, for instance, usually has moldy clumps, often with green mold. If there is visible mold, it is best to discard the cheese.
Additionally, reading the label on shredded cheese can provide valuable information. Most packages recommend consuming the product within a certain number of days after opening. Once opened, normal environmental bacteria can enter and cause the cheese to spoil. Storing shredded cheese in the freezer can help extend its shelf life.
It is worth noting that some cultures consider cheese repulsive due to its spoiled smell and taste. This is because cheese is a dairy product that continues to mature and develop new flavours and aromas over time. As a result, some cheeses can develop strong or unusual odours that may be unappealing to those unfamiliar with the product.
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Frequently asked questions
It could be that the cheese has gone bad. However, some cheeses are pungent and "off" smelling naturally, so it is important to understand how your cheese should smell. If it smells like spoiled milk, ammonia, or yeast, it has likely gone bad.
Aside from smell, you should look out for mouldy clumps, usually with green mould. If you can see mould, it is best to throw the cheese out. If there is no mould, taste the cheese carefully, and if it tastes weird, it has likely gone bad.
It depends on how long the cheese has been bad for, but you may get sick. Food poisoning can be serious, so it is best to avoid eating cheese that has gone bad.
