How To Identify Spoiled Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta cheese is a soft, mild-flavoured cheese with a high moisture content. This means it has a shorter shelf life than harder cheeses and can spoil quite quickly. So, how can you tell if your ricotta has gone bad? The most obvious signs are a change in appearance, smell, or texture.

Ricotta cheese's shelf life

Ricotta cheese is a soft, creamy, high-moisture cheese with a mild flavour and a short shelf life.

Unopened Ricotta Cheese

An unopened package of ricotta cheese will generally last for about two weeks, and may be good for a week or two past the "use-by" date. However, if the date has long since passed, it's best to discard the cheese.

Opened Ricotta Cheese

Once opened, ricotta cheese will last for about three to five days in the fridge. To maximise the shelf life of opened ricotta cheese, keep it refrigerated at all times, and ensure it is tightly covered, either in the original packaging or in an airtight container.

Frozen Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta cheese can be frozen, but it will become crumbly and lose some of its flavour. Frozen ricotta is best suited for cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups, and casseroles. Frozen ricotta may be kept indefinitely in the freezer, but for optimal quality, it should be used within three to four months.

Signs of Spoilage

The most obvious signs of spoilage in ricotta cheese are a change in appearance and smell. Ricotta cheese that has gone bad will develop a sour smell and taste, and may turn yellow or brown, or develop black or brown spots on the surface. If mould appears on the cheese, discard the entire package.

How to identify spoilage

Ricotta cheese is a soft, mild cheese with a high moisture content. This means that it spoils more quickly than harder cheeses and should be used promptly. An unopened container of ricotta can be expected to stay fresh for two to four weeks, and perhaps a week or two past its "use-by" date. However, once opened, it should be consumed within one to two weeks.

To get the most out of your ricotta, ensure it is sealed tightly and stored in the refrigerator. It is best to use a clean spoon to scoop out what you need and return the rest to the fridge immediately.

So, how do you know if your ricotta has gone bad? The first clue is usually a change in appearance. If your ricotta has turned yellow or brown, or has any black or brown spots on the surface, it has likely spoiled. Some sources also suggest that a layer of water on top of the cheese is a sign that it has gone bad.

Another tell-tale sign is a change in smell. Ricotta has a very mild odour, mostly of milk. If you notice a sour or fermented odour, it is likely that your ricotta has gone bad.

It is worth noting that ricotta can develop some separated liquid on the surface, especially as it approaches its "use-by" date. This is natural and does not necessarily mean that your ricotta has spoiled. You can drain the liquid or stir it in.

If you are still unsure, a simple taste test can help you decide. If the smell or flavour has changed and is now similar to sour cream or kefir, it is best to discard the ricotta.

Ricotta's texture and appearance

Ricotta is a mild, soft cheese with a high moisture content. It has a very subtle smell and taste, mostly of milk. Its texture is smooth and creamy, but it can become watery or grainy if left for too long.

When fresh, ricotta is white in colour. However, if it has gone bad, it may turn yellow or even orange, or develop brown or black spots. This discolouration is usually accompanied by an unpleasant, sour smell. If you notice any mould on the surface of the cheese, discard it immediately, as this indicates the presence of harmful toxins.

Ricotta should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, ideally at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Even with proper handling, ricotta will only last one to two weeks after opening. If you need to keep it for longer, it can be frozen, although this will affect its texture, causing it to become crumbly.

Ricotta's smell

Ricotta cheese is a mild, soft cheese with a very subtle smell. When fresh, it has a neutral, milky odour. However, when it goes bad, it develops a sour or fermented smell. This indicates that the cheese has spoiled and should be discarded.

Ricotta has a high moisture content and spoils more quickly than hard cheeses. It typically lasts for about a week to two weeks in the refrigerator. If the cheese has been in the fridge for longer than two weeks, it's best to throw it out, even if it looks and smells fine.

The first sign that ricotta cheese has gone bad is usually a change in appearance. Any mould that develops on ricotta is a sign of spoilage and should not be consumed. The cheese may also appear watery or discoloured, with a light brown or yellow tint.

In addition to changes in appearance and smell, ricotta cheese that has gone bad may also exhibit a change in texture. It may become crumbly or grainy, and the liquid on top may appear separated or curdled.

If you're unsure whether your ricotta cheese has gone bad, it's always better to err on the side of caution and discard it. Trust your senses and, if in doubt, perform a taste test. A simple taste can help you determine whether the cheese has spoiled and is no longer safe to eat.

Storing ricotta cheese

Firstly, always store ricotta cheese in the refrigerator. The ideal temperature for storing ricotta is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Make sure your refrigerator is set to this temperature to ensure the cheese stays fresh. When handling the cheese, use a clean serving spoon to scoop out a portion, and cover the container promptly. This helps to prevent contamination and maintains the quality of the cheese.

In terms of shelf life, unopened ricotta cheese can stay fresh for two to four weeks. However, it's recommended to consume it within one to two weeks after opening the container. Finish the leftovers within five to seven days, or freeze the cheese if you need more time. The texture of ricotta may change upon freezing, becoming crumbly, so it's best suited for cooked dishes like pancakes.

It's important to inspect the ricotta cheese for any signs of spoilage before consuming it. Ricotta cheese that has gone bad will exhibit changes in appearance, smell, and taste. If the cheese has developed mould, turned yellowish or brown, or has any discoloured spots, it should be discarded. Additionally, if the cheese smells sour or has an off-putting odour, it has likely gone bad. Trust your senses and, when in doubt, it's best to throw it out.

By following these storage guidelines and regularly checking the quality of the cheese, you can ensure that your ricotta cheese stays fresh and safe for consumption.

Frequently asked questions