Frederic Melton
There are a variety of cheeses that don't need to be refrigerated. Typically, hard, aged cheeses with low moisture content can be stored at room temperature. These include aged cheddar, aged gouda, parmesan, and pecorino romano. Processed cheeses like American cheese also don't need to be refrigerated until they're opened.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Hard and dry |
| Water content | Low |
| Type | Aged |
| Examples | Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, aged cheddar, aged gouda, American cheese |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Aged cheeses
While soft or runny cheeses like goat cheese, cottage cheese, or cream cheese need to be refrigerated, harder, drier cheeses may not. This is because they have a very low water content, so they are less likely to spoil when left out.
Whether a cheese needs to be refrigerated or not also depends on whether it is sealed or grated. For example, processed cheeses like American cheese don't need to be refrigerated either, at least until you open them. Grated cheese will spoil faster than blocks of the same cheese.
Baby Bell Cheese: Unwrapping the Mystery Inside
You may want to see also
Processed cheeses
It is worth noting that while processed cheeses may not require refrigeration, they will last longer if kept refrigerated. This is especially true for grated cheese, which will spoil faster than a block of cheese.
When it comes to food safety, it is always best to check the food label for specific instructions on the product. Some processed cheeses may have different storage requirements depending on the brand or the ingredients used. Therefore, it is important to read the label carefully to ensure the cheese is stored properly.
In summary, processed cheeses like American cheese can be stored at room temperature until opened. However, for optimal freshness and longevity, it is recommended to refrigerate these cheeses after opening.
The Milk in Boursin Cheese: A Surprising Ingredient
You may want to see also
Hard cheeses
While soft or runny cheeses like goat cheese, cottage cheese and cream cheese need to be refrigerated, harder, drier cheeses can be stored outside of the fridge. Hard cheeses like Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, aged gouda, and cheddar have a very low water content, so they are less likely to spoil when left out. This is true whether the cheese is grated or left in blocks, though grated cheese will spoil faster. Parmigiano Reggiano, or Parmesan, is a hard, dry cheese that many people grate and which does not need to be refrigerated. However, refrigeration can help hard cheeses last even longer.
Paleo Diet: Best Cheeses to Eat and Avoid
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$29.99 $32.99
Soft cheeses
Soft or runny cheeses like goat cheese, cottage cheese, or cream cheese need to be refrigerated for safety. These cheeses are called "fresh" cheeses, and are either not aged at all or only for a short amount of time, so they spoil faster.
While soft cheeses are generally considered perishable and require refrigeration, there are a few exceptions. Some soft cheeses, such as mozzarella, are packaged in brine or whey, which helps to preserve them and extend their shelf life. These types of soft cheeses can be stored at room temperature until they are opened, after which they should be refrigerated.
It is also worth noting that some soft cheeses, such as ricotta or mascarpone, have a higher moisture content and are more perishable than others. These types of soft cheeses should always be refrigerated and consumed within a few days of opening to ensure freshness and safety.
In summary, while most soft cheeses require refrigeration, there are a few exceptions, such as packaged mozzarella or unopened soft cheeses. However, for the most part, soft cheeses are perishable and should be kept refrigerated to ensure freshness and safety.
The Versatile Asadero Cheese: A Mexican Favorite
You may want to see also
Grated cheeses
While soft or runny cheeses like goat cheese, cottage cheese, or cream cheese need to be refrigerated, harder, drier cheeses can be stored outside of the fridge. This includes grated cheeses like Parmesan and Pecorino Romano, which have a very low water content, so they are less likely to spoil when left out. However, grated cheese will spoil faster than blocks of the same cheese.
Parmigiano Reggiano, or Parmesan, is a hard, dry cheese that is often grated. It does not need to be refrigerated, though refrigeration can help it last longer. Other hard, aged cheeses like aged gouda or cheddar cheese can also be stored in your pantry.
Processed cheeses like American cheese don't need to be refrigerated either, at least until you open them. Some common examples include canned cheese, squeezable cheese, and sealed loaves or blocks of American cheese. It's always best to check the food label for specific instructions on the product.
In general, hard cheeses like cheddar, block and grated Parmesan, and processed cheeses do not require refrigeration for safety, but they will last longer if kept refrigerated.
Cheese Buying Guide: Selecting the Perfect Cheese
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Examples of cheeses that don't need to be refrigerated include aged cheddar, aged gouda, Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, and processed cheeses like American cheese.
Cheeses that don't need to be refrigerated are typically hard and have very little moisture, which means they can last at room temperature.
Grated cheese will spoil faster than blocks of cheese, but hard cheeses like Parmesan do not require refrigeration for safety.
No, these processed cheeses do not need to be refrigerated until they are opened.
