How Long Cheese Lasts in the Refrigerator, According to Experts
Our detailed guide will help you determine if your cheese is past its prime.
Whether you prefer the tangy bite of feta or the nutty notes of gouda, eating a good cheese is a real treat. Even the process of buying cheese is an exhilarating experience, with so many varieties and flavors to choose from. At home, storing it properly will enhance its shelf life, and the refrigerator is a great place to do this. But how long do different types of cheese last in the fridge? We asked cheese experts to provide specific time frames for different types of cheese, from soft cheeses like mozzarella to hard cheese favorites like aged cheddar. Also, the signs to look for to tell if cheese is past its prime.
Meet Our Expert
Janet Fletcher, founder of Planet Cheese, cheese educator, and author of Cheese & Wine and Cheese & Beer
Gordon Edgar, cheesemonger at Rainbow Grocery Cooperative in San Francisco and author of Cheddar: A Journey to the Heart of America’s Most Iconic Cheese.
Related: How to Store Cheese So It Stays Fresh and Delicious for as Long as Possible, According to Experts
Bryan Gardner
Moisture and Shelf Life
When it comes to how long cheese will last in the refrigerator, shelf life will depend on its moisture content, says Janet Fletcher, founder of Planet Cheese, cheese educator, and author of Cheese & Wine and Cheese & Beer. Moisture is needed for bacterial growth—so cheeses with higher moisture levels have a shorter shelf life. In contrast, cheeses with lower moisture levels will last longer, as they lack the ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.
But moisture is just one piece of the puzzle; storage method matters, too. "Good cheese is expensive, and you don't want to waste a crumb. Storing it properly can dramatically extend its refrigerator life," says Fletcher. Proper storage should allow the cheese to "breathe" and release moisture while protecting it from low humidity in the fridge, she says.
That said, a wedge starts to decline the moment it's cut off the wheel, and no cheese will get better in the fridge, says Fletcher. So, try to only buy cheese for the week ahead of you, recommends Gordon Edgar, cheesemonger at Rainbow Grocery Cooperative in San Francisco and author of Cheddar: A Journey into the Heart of America’s Most Iconic Cheese.
However, when life gets busy (or the fridge becomes disorganized), knowing how long different cheeses last in the fridge—and the best ways to store them—will help you get the most out of your cheese.
Soft Cheese
Soft cheeses (think ricotta, feta, mozzarella) have a high moisture content, making them more perishable than harder cheeses.
Shelf Life
In general, soft cheese will last one week in the fridge, but the quality and taste will be at its prime before that time is up.
Storage
Since the shelf life of soft cheese is so short, proper storage is key for getting the most out of the product. For cheese sold in brine, like feta or fresh mozzarella, keep it in the liquid and make sure the container's lid is secure. For blue cheese, you can wrap them in foil, says Edgar.
Soft-ripened cheese (or "semi-soft" cheese) like Brie has a delicate rind, so it needs more care than other soft cheeses, says Edgar. Wrapping it in cheese paper is best (he recommends the brand Formaticum), but you can also use parchment paper and keep it in an airtight container, he says.
Semi-Hard Cheese
Semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyère, Comté, aged Manchego, and Monterey Jack, contain less moisture than soft cheese.
Shelf Life
With less moisture than soft cheese, semi-hard cheeses have a slightly longer shelf life of two to three weeks in the fridge, says Edgar.
Storage
To ensure your semi-hard cheese lasts the full two to three weeks, follow these steps for properly storing them in the fridge, as shared by Fletcher:
Remove the cheese from its plastic packaging.
Wrap it loosely in pliable yet breathable material, such as wax paper or cheese paper.
Put the cheese in a container with an air-tight lid.
Hard Cheese
Hard cheeses include aged cheddar, aged Gouda, and Parmigiano Reggiano.
Shelf Life
Hard cheeses are low in moisture, making it difficult for bacteria to flourish. Thus, once opened, a package of hard cheese can last a long time—about four weeks in the refrigerator, according to Edgar. (Unopened packages will last about six months, per the experts at the USDA.)
Storage
Storing hard cheese in the refrigerator requires the same steps as semi-hard varieties:
Remove the cheese from its plastic packaging.
Wrap it loosely in cheese paper or wax paper.
Put the cheese in a container with an air-tight lid.
Related: Yes, You Can Freeze Extra Cheese—Here's How to Do It
Signs Cheese Has Gone Bad
The most obvious sign of spoilage is visible, unintentional mold, says Edgar. For semi-soft to hard cheese, you can simply cut underneath the mold and use as usual. "However, I'd throw out high moisture [cheese] with visible unintended mold because it can spread quickly in a high moisture environment," he says. Other signs you should toss cheese include an unintentional bitter flavor, fermented fruit taste, and a fizzy sensation on the tongue.
Read the original article on Martha Stewart.
