Patrick Oconnell
Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese with a long shelf life due to its low moisture content. It will continue to age in the fridge, but much more slowly than soft cheeses. Cheddar is added with a thermophilic culture that does little to influence flavour during manufacturing but is responsible for most of the flavour development over the next few years. Properly stored, unopened blocks of cheddar can last several months to a year or more past their 'best by' date when stored in the fridge. Once opened, exposure to air and potential bacterial contamination means the shelf life declines considerably. When stored in the refrigerator in a wrapper or airtight container, opened Cheddar cheese can last a few weeks to a couple of months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Will cheddar cheese continue to age in the fridge? | Yes, but much more slowly than at room temperature. |
| How long does cheddar cheese last in the fridge? | Unopened: several months to a year or more. Once opened: a few weeks to a couple of months. |
| How to store cheddar cheese in the fridge? | Remove the cheese from its plastic packaging. Wrap it loosely in a breathable material, such as wax paper or cheese paper. Put the cheese in a container with an airtight lid. |
| How to determine if cheddar cheese has gone bad? | Signs of spoilage include unintentional bitter flavor, fermented fruit taste, fizzy sensation on the tongue, mould, off colours, unusual textures, discolouration, and sour flavour. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar's ageing process in the fridge
Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese with a long shelf life. It has a lower moisture content than soft cheeses, which helps extend its shelf life. Once a package of cheese is opened, it starts to decline. Therefore, it is recommended to only buy cheese for the week ahead of you. When stored in the refrigerator in a wrapper or airtight container, opened Cheddar cheese can last for a few weeks to a couple of months. Unopened Cheddar cheese can last for several months to even a year or more past its 'best by' date when stored in the fridge.
Cheddar will continue to age, but much more slowly. The rate of ageing depends on the gas exchange value of the packaging. Paper packaging, for example, allows for a lot of air exchange, which lets the cheese continue to age and not get slimy. The ageing process is also influenced by the cultures used and the temperature at which the cheese is stored. A thermophilic culture is often added to Cheddar, which does little to influence flavour during the make, but it is responsible for most of the flavour development over the next few years.
Hard cheeses like Cheddar are more likely to be safe to eat past their expiration date if they are properly stored and show no signs of spoilage. Signs of spoilage include mould, off colours, unusual textures, and an off or sour flavour. White specks or crystallized patches on Cheddar are normal and safe to eat. These spots are most likely not mould but calcium lactate crystals, which form when the lactic acid in cheese combines with calcium.
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How to store cheddar in the fridge
Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese, which means it has a longer shelf life than soft cheese. To store cheddar in the fridge, follow these steps:
Firstly, remove the cheese from its original plastic packaging. Then, wrap the cheese loosely in a breathable material such as wax paper or cheese paper. You can also use parchment paper or baking parchment. Next, place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container with a lid. If you don't have an airtight container, a resealable plastic bag can be used, although it is not ideal. You can also use a sealed Tupperware box to prevent the cheese from making the rest of your fridge smell cheesy. Some people also recommend double-wrapping the cheese and placing it in a plastic container lined with a dampened kitchen towel or cloth.
Place the container at the back of the fridge, where the temperature is most constant. The ideal temperature for a fridge is around 5-6 degrees Celsius. If you are planning to serve the cheese, remove it from the fridge about an hour beforehand. This is because cheese is best enjoyed at room temperature.
To ensure your cheddar lasts as long as possible, you should only buy cheese for the week ahead of you. You can also try adding a sugar cube to the container, as this will absorb excess moisture and prevent the cheese from sweating.
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How long does cheddar last in the fridge?
Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese with less moisture content than soft cheeses like feta, ricotta, and mozzarella. This means that cheddar has a longer shelf life than soft cheeses. In general, soft cheeses will last about a week in the fridge, but their quality and taste will start to deteriorate before then.
Semi-hard cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, and Monterey Jack can be expected to last between two to three weeks in the fridge. To ensure cheddar lasts the full two to three weeks, it should be removed from its original plastic packaging and wrapped loosely in a breathable material like wax paper or cheese paper. It should then be placed in an airtight container and stored in the fridge.
Hard cheeses, which include aged cheddar, have very low moisture content, making it difficult for bacteria to grow and spoil the cheese. This means that once opened, a package of hard cheese can last about four weeks in the refrigerator. Unopened aged cheddar can last even longer, with some sources stating that it can be kept for up to a year in the fridge.
It is important to note that cheese will continue to age and spoil, even after it is packaged. The rate at which this happens depends on factors like the gas exchange value of the packaging, the aging temperature, and the cultures used in the cheese-making process. For example, cheddar often has a thermophilic culture added, which influences flavor development over time.
Signs that cheddar has spoiled include an unintentional bitter flavor, a fermented fruit taste, and a fizzy sensation on the tongue. If any of these signs are present, the cheese should be discarded.
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Signs of cheddar spoilage
Cheddar cheese is a versatile dairy product with a distinct flavour and texture. It is a popular choice for sandwiches, salads, and snacks. However, like all perishable foods, cheddar cheese can spoil over time. Proper storage and knowledge of spoilage signs are essential to ensure safe and enjoyable consumption.
Cheddar cheese should be stored in the refrigerator at temperatures between 35°F and 40°F (1.6°C and 4.4°C). It is best stored in its original packaging or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent moisture loss and contamination. Maintaining a consistent temperature in the refrigerator is crucial to prevent fluctuations that encourage bacterial growth.
- Mold growth: Mold is a telltale sign of cheese spoilage. Look for fuzzy or discoloured patches on the surface. Common mold colours include white, green, blue, or black. Even a small amount of mold indicates contamination, and the entire block of cheese should be discarded.
- Unpleasant odour: Cheddar cheese should have a pleasant, slightly tangy aroma. An unpleasant odour, such as sour, rancid, or ammonia-like smell, suggests spoilage. Trust your sense of smell, and if the cheese smells off, it's best to discard it.
- Discolouration: Cheddar cheese typically ranges in colour from pale yellow to deep orange. Dark spots, streaks, or patches indicate spoilage and may harbour harmful bacteria.
- Texture changes: Fresh cheddar cheese has a firm and smooth texture. If it feels slimy, sticky, or excessively hard, it is likely spoiled. As cheddar ages, the texture may also become crumbly or dry.
- Taste: While it is not advisable to taste cheese that shows signs of spoilage, a small bite can help confirm. A bitter, sour, or off-flavour indicates spoilage.
- Expiration date: Always check the expiration date on the packaging. While it may not always be accurate, it provides a guideline for freshness. Consuming cheese past its expiration date increases the risk of foodborne illness.
It is important to note that improper storage conditions, such as leaving the cheese at room temperature for extended periods, can accelerate spoilage. Additionally, freezing cheddar cheese can alter its texture, especially for young, semi-soft cheddars, making them grainy and crumbly.
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How to slow down cheddar ageing in the fridge
Cheddar cheese is a semi-hard cheese with less moisture content than soft cheese, which gives it a longer shelf life of two to three weeks in the fridge. However, if you want to slow down its ageing process, here are some tips:
Choose the Right Packaging
Remove the cheese from its original plastic packaging, as plastic is not breathable and can trap moisture, leading to mould growth. Instead, wrap it loosely in a pliable and breathable material such as wax paper or cheese paper. This allows the cheese to breathe while still being protected.
Store in an Airtight Container
Place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container. This helps regulate the humidity and prevents the cheese from drying out too quickly. The container should be large enough to allow some empty space, with a general guideline of 40% cheese and 60% empty space.
Maintain Consistent Temperature
Store the cheddar in the warmest part of your refrigerator to slow down ageing. Aim for a temperature between 10-15°C (42-55°F). A consistent temperature is crucial for even ageing.
Control Humidity
If the container feels too dry, you can add humidity by placing a wet paper towel in a corner. This helps maintain the right environment for the cheese to age slowly and develop its flavour.
Monitor and Remove Mould
Mould growth is natural during the ageing process, but if it becomes too heavy, simply brush or cut it off. Regularly monitor your cheese and wipe it down to prevent excessive mould from affecting the flavour and quality.
By following these steps, you can effectively slow down the ageing of your cheddar cheese in the fridge, allowing you to enjoy its flavour and texture for a more extended period.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cheddar cheese will continue to age in the fridge, but much more slowly than fresh cheese.
The length of time cheese lasts in the fridge depends on the type of cheese, the packaging, and the temperature. Hard cheeses like cheddar last longer than soft cheeses because they contain less moisture and are therefore less prone to spoilage from bacteria.
Unopened blocks of hard cheese like cheddar can last for several months to even a year or more past their "best by" date when stored in the fridge.
Once opened, exposure to air and potential bacterial contamination means the shelf life of cheddar cheese will decline considerably. When stored in the refrigerator in a wrapper or airtight container, opened cheddar cheese can last for a few weeks to a couple of months.
Signs that cheddar cheese has gone bad include mould (except for blue cheese, where the presence of blue mould is normal), off colours or unusual textures, a bitter or fermented fruit taste, and a fizzy sensation on the tongue.
