As a cheese-lover, you may have often wondered how long your delicious cheese will last.
From hard to creamy to even stinky varieties, cheese is no doubt one of the most beloved food items out there and it can be heartbreaking when it turns bad unexpectedly.
But don’t worry! In today’s blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the shelf life of various types of cheese – including hard cheeses like Cheddar and Parmesan as well as so soft ones like Brie or Feta– and give you tips on how best to store them for optimum freshness.
So read on if you want to find out just how long does cheese really last – without having it spoil or go ‘off’.
What’s Cheese?
Cheese is a dairy product that is made from milk.
It can be made from the milk of cows, sheep, goats, or buffalo.
Cheese is a versatile food that can be used in a variety of dishes, from savory to sweet.
There are many different types of cheese, each with its own distinct flavor and texture.
Some of the most popular types of cheese include cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, and Parmesan.
Types Of Cheese
There are many different types of cheese, each with its own distinct flavor, texture and aroma.
Some of the most popular types of cheese include cheddar, mozzarella, brie, gouda and Swiss.
Cheddar is a hard, yellowish-white cheese that has a sharp, tangy flavor.
It is made from cow’s milk and is one of the most popular types of cheese in the world.
Mozzarella is a soft, white cheese that has a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
It is made from buffalo milk and is commonly used in pizzas and salads.
Brie is a soft, creamy cheese that has a mild, slightly nutty flavor.
It is made from cow’s milk and is often eaten as an appetizer or dessert.
Gouda is a hard, yellowish-brown cheese that has a sweet, nutty flavor.
It is made from cow’s milk and is commonly used in grilled sandwiches and soups.
Swiss cheese is a hard, pale yellow cheese that has large holes throughout.
It has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and is made from cow’s milk.
How Long Does Cheese Last in The Fridge?
Assuming that you’re talking about unopened, store-bought cheese, it should last for quite some time in the fridge.
Hard cheese, like cheddar or Swiss, can last anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks, while softer cheeses, like mozzarella or Brie, will only last for 1 to 2 weeks.
Of course, these are just rough estimates – ultimately, it all depends on how well you store your cheese.
If you keep it wrapped tightly in its original packaging (or in a resealable plastic bag), it will last longer than if you just leave it out on a plate.
And if you notice any mold growing on your cheese, it’s best to throw it out immediately.
So how can you tell if your cheese has gone bad? Generally speaking, if it smells funny or looks discolored, it’s time to get rid of it.
But if you’re not sure whether or not your cheese is still good to eat, the best thing to do is give it a taste test – a little bit of mold shouldn’t affect the flavor too much.
In short, with proper storage, most cheeses will last for at least a few weeks in the fridge.
But if you’re not sure whether or not your cheese is still good, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and throw it out.
Can You Freeze Cheese?
The answer to this question is a bit complicated.
In general, you can freeze cheese, but the texture and flavor will be affected.
Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmesan and Swiss, are the best candidates for freezing.
They will retain their flavor and texture better than softer cheeses.
That said, even hard cheeses will be crumblier and drier after being frozen.
So if you’re planning on using your cheese for cooking or grating over pasta, freezing is fine.
But if you want to enjoy a nice slice of cheese on a cracker or crusty bread, it’s best to eat it fresh.
There are a few exceptions to this rule.
One is ricotta cheese; it actually freezes quite well and can be used in recipes without any noticeable change in texture.
Click here to preview your posts with PRO themes ››
Another is cream cheese; while it doesn’t freeze as well as ricotta, it still maintains its smooth texture when thawed.
What are Some Signs that Cheese Has Gone Bad?
There are a few signs that cheese has gone bad.
The first is that the cheese has changed color.
If the cheese is no longer white or has started to develop black or green patches, it has gone bad.
The second sign is that the cheese has developed mold.
If you see any mold on the cheese, throw it away immediately.
Finally, if the cheese has a sour smell, it has probably gone bad and should be thrown away.
If you’re not sure whether or not the cheese is still good, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and throw it away.
Cheese can go bad quickly, so it’s important to check it regularly and make sure that it’s still safe to eat.
How to Store Cheese?
When it comes to storing cheese, there are a few things you need to keep in mind in order to ensure that your cheese stays fresh and delicious.
First of all, you’ll want to make sure that you store your cheese in a cool, dry place.
This could be the fridge, or even a root cellar if you have one.
The important thing is that the temperature is consistent, as fluctuating temperatures can cause the cheese to spoil more quickly.
You’ll also want to make sure that your cheese is wrapped tightly in either wax paper or cling wrap.
This will help to keep the cheese from drying out and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted flavors from other foods in your fridge.
If you’re planning on storing the cheese for more than a week or two, you may also want to consider vacuum sealing it.
This will give you the longest shelf life possible.
Finally, when it comes to hard cheeses like Parmesan or cheddar, you may want to store them in a special container that has holes in it.
This will allow the cheese to breathe and prevent it from becoming moldy.
With these simple tips, you can enjoy your cheese for weeks or even months.
Conclusion
So, how long does cheese last in the fridge? cheese can last for weeks or even months in the fridge, but it all depends on the type of cheese and how it is stored.
Hard cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan will last the longest, while softer cheeses like Brie and Camembert will need to be eaten more quickly.
If you’re not sure how long your cheese will last, be sure to check the packaging for guidance.
And remember, when in doubt, throw it out.
How Long Does Cheese Last? Does It Go Bad?
Ingredients
- Cheese
- Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
- Labels and markers
Instructions
- Store your product in an labelled container in a cool, dark place like the pantry or fridge.
- If your food is frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge before cooking.
- Make sure to look for signs that your food has gone bad before eating it.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!