Cheese's Long Life: The Science Behind Its Durability

Cheese is a versatile and nutritious food product with a relatively long shelf life. The length of time cheese lasts depends on the type of cheese and how it is stored. Harder, aged cheeses tend to last longer than softer, less mature varieties due to their lower moisture content. Proper storage, such as wrapping cheese in breathable material and maintaining a safe fridge temperature, can also extend the shelf life of cheese. While cheese can develop some mold and still be safe to consume, it is important to inspect, smell, and sometimes taste the cheese to determine if it has gone bad.

Hard cheeses can be stored for longer than soft cheeses

Hard cheeses, such as Parmesan, Asiago, and Cheddar, can be stored for much longer than soft cheeses. This is because hard cheeses contain less moisture, which means they are less prone to spoilage from bacteria. In fact, hard cheeses can be left unopened and unrefrigerated for up to six months and still be good to eat. Once opened, hard cheeses will last three to four weeks in the fridge.

Soft cheeses, such as mozzarella, brie, and ricotta, on the other hand, will only last one to two weeks in the refrigerator. This is because they have a high moisture content, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive and cause spoilage.

When storing hard cheeses, it is important to wrap them in a breathable material such as cheese paper, butcher paper, or wax paper. This will help to prevent the cheese from drying out and becoming too hard. For longer-term storage, you can also wrap the cheese in plastic wrap or foil after the initial paper wrapping.

Soft cheeses should be stored in a similar way to hard cheeses, with a layer of parchment or wax paper followed by a loose layer of foil. Soft cheeses should not be wrapped in plastic wrap as this can cause them to become too moist and watery. Instead, a bell jar or cheese dome can be used to cover soft cheeses in the refrigerator, allowing them to breathe while still being protected.

Both hard and soft cheeses should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F or lower. At higher temperatures, the rate of bacterial growth increases, leading to a higher risk of spoilage.

The best way to store cheese is to wrap it in parchment paper

Cheese is a versatile and tasty food product with a relatively long shelf life. However, to ensure it lasts as long as possible, it is important to store it correctly. The best way to store cheese is to wrap it in parchment paper, or wax paper, and then place it in a plastic bag or a resealable container. This storage method is ideal because it allows the cheese to breathe while also preventing excess moisture from affecting the cheese.

Cheese should not be stored in plastic wrap because this can cause the cheese to dry out and harden. It can also cause the cheese to take on a plastic taste. Instead, parchment paper, or wax paper, is ideal for storing cheese as it allows for some airflow while also preventing dehydration.

When wrapping cheese in parchment paper, it is important to ensure that the paper is wrapped loosely, rather than skin-tight, to allow for airflow. Additionally, it is helpful to label the cheese with the variety and date it was purchased. This will help you keep track of how long you have had the cheese and when it may need to be discarded.

Once the cheese is wrapped, it should be stored in the refrigerator. The best place to store cheese in the refrigerator is in a crisper drawer, which maintains a cold, stable temperature. The cheese should be kept above raw meats, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination. It is also important to ensure that the refrigerator temperature stays below 40°F (4°C) to prevent the cheese from spoiling.

By following these simple steps and storing cheese in parchment paper, you can help extend its shelf life and maintain its freshness and flavour.

Cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life

Hard and semi-hard cheeses are the best types of cheese to freeze. These include cheddar, Swiss, brick cheese, blue cheese, mozzarella, and pizza cheese. Soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese, ricotta, and cream cheese, are not well-suited to freezing due to their high moisture content. Freezing soft cheeses can cause them to become dry and crumbly when thawed.

To freeze cheese, it is recommended to portion it into quantities that will be used in one go. Cheese can be frozen in its original packaging or wrapped in foil or cheese paper. It should then be placed in an airtight container or bag to prevent freezer burn. Cheese should be frozen as rapidly as possible to at least -9 °F (-23 °C) to prevent the formation of large ice crystals. Frozen cheese can be stored indefinitely but is best used within 6–9 months.

When thawing frozen cheese, it is best to do so in the refrigerator for 7–8 hours per pound. Shredded cheese can be added to dishes straight from the freezer without thawing. Frozen cheese is best suited for cooked dishes where changes to texture are less noticeable, such as sauces, pizzas, or grilled cheese sandwiches.

How to tell if cheese has gone bad

Cheese is a versatile and tasty food, but it's important to know when it's gone bad. Here are some ways to tell if your cheese has spoiled:

Sight

The visual appearance of the cheese can indicate spoilage. Look for any signs of mould, especially red or black mould. Some cheeses, like blue cheese, have beneficial mould throughout, which is the blue-green veining. However, if you see orange, rust red, blue, or green moulds that are centred around a definite spot and not shot through the cheese like veins, it's best to discard the cheese.

For soft cheeses like mozzarella, if you see slimy mould or pinkish, reddish ugly patches, it's best to throw them out. For soft- and washed-rind cheeses, if the rind looks questionable, slimy, weepy, and has a very bad smell, it's time to toss it.

Smell

Give the cheese a good whiff. If it has an ammoniated smell, like the strong odour of livestock urine, sharp or bitter, it's best to discard it. However, keep in mind that strongly flavoured cheeses will always have a strong smell, and as they age, their aroma will intensify. As long as the smell doesn't make you gag, the cheese is probably fine.

Taste

If the appearance and smell are acceptable, but you're still unsure, take a small bite. Cheese continues to ripen after purchase, so its taste and texture will change over time. If the small bite of cheese makes your tongue, lips, or cheek tingle or burn, spit it out immediately, rinse your mouth, and discard the cheese.

Other Signs

Some other signs of spoilage include dryness, a yeasty smell, and drastic changes in texture. If the cheese has passed its expiration date, it's best to use the tests above to determine if it's still usable.

Remember, your senses are usually the most reliable instruments to tell if your cheese has gone bad. Practising proper hygiene and food safety techniques is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses.

The type of cheese affects how long it lasts

The type of cheese you have will greatly influence how long it lasts. Harder, aged cheeses with low moisture content will last the longest. Examples include Asiago, Parmesan, Beaufort, Pecorino Romano, and Cheddar. These can last for four to six months in the fridge if stored correctly. Harder cheeses are less prone to spoilage from bacteria because they contain less moisture.

Semi-hard to semi-soft cheeses, such as Emmental, Gruyère, Havarti, Muenster, Gouda, and Edam, have a shorter fridge life of about two to four weeks after the expiration date. There is more moisture present in these cheeses, so they won't keep as long.

Soft, less mature cheeses like cottage cheese, cream cheese, ricotta, Brie, mozzarella, Neufchâtel, feta, Gorgonzola, and Camembert will go bad much more quickly. They should be eaten within one to two weeks of their expiration date. These cheeses have a high moisture content, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive and cause spoilage.

Additionally, the processing method, packaging date, exposure to heat, storage method, and "best by" date can also impact how long cheese lasts, regardless of its type.

Frequently asked questions