Shelf life of cheese at room temperature or in the refrigerator

Cheese is a popular dairy product, eaten alone or as part of other dishes. If the storage is not organized correctly or the temperature regime is not observed, the cheese can quickly deteriorate. At home, many housewives store it in the refrigerator. Many people are interested in whether this product can be stored in the freezer? In this article we will figure out how to store cheese in the refrigerator and freezer.

How to preserve cheese longer?

Too low temperatures negate all the beneficial properties of cheeses, and heating irrevocably changes the structure, so correctly chosen, i.e. the optimal temperature for storing cheese is already half the success.

Ideal cheese storage conditions:

• temperature: 6-10 degrees;
• humidity: 80-90%;
• ventilation.

The cellar fully corresponds to this parameter. Naturally, not everyone has such a storage place, so most people put the cheese in the refrigerator. It is important to know that the worst places for this are shelves in the door and close to the freezer.

In undamaged packaging, cheese can be stored for as long as indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging.

Attention! The shelf life of cheese indicated on the packaging by the manufacturer is approximate and means that after its expiration, the taste properties of the product may differ from the original ones. As the cheese makers themselves say, you shouldn’t immediately throw the product in the trash, since with almost 100 percent probability you can safely add 3-4 days to the expiration date.

Signs of cheese spoilage

This product is obtained as a result of the vital activity of microorganisms, so they say that it ripens. Usually, stores sell already ripened cheese, but microorganisms can develop in it during storage. As a result of the accumulation of protein breakdown products, a rancid taste or excessive pungency may appear. In some varieties, milkstone forms in the form of white dots during storage. This precipitates calcium salts. In addition, pink spots may form on the surface of the cheese - this is a sign of the development of yeast microflora. Dark spots often form, indicating mold growth. White spots and a putrid odor are a sign of the development of putrefactive microflora. If the packaging is damaged, the cheese begins to dry out and lose weight. After freezing, most types of cheese crumble and their taste deteriorates.

Cheese is one of the most common and beloved food products by many housewives. It is used as food on its own or as part of a wide variety of dishes. And some housewives do not think about the fact that this fermented milk product requires special storage conditions. After all, if you do not take into account the expiration date of cheese, this will not only spoil its taste, but can also lead to poisoning. To avoid this, you need to understand how to properly store this product, how long it can remain fresh and whether it is possible to increase the period of its safe use.

Sometimes it is recommended to preserve hard cheese longer by placing a piece of refined sugar or a few pasta in the package next to it. Semi-hard cheese has a slightly shorter shelf life. It is better suited for sandwiches than for preparing hot dishes. Therefore, it is important to take into account, for example, the shelf life of Lambert cheese, a very popular variety.

How long does cheese last in the refrigerator and what is the best way to store it?

It all depends on the variety. Hard and semi-hard varieties retain their beneficial properties for about three months, and soft cheese is stored for no more than three weeks. The shelf life of cheese in the refrigerator also depends on the method of packaging the product.

In a refrigerator

Many modern refrigerator models have a “freshness zone” - this is an ideal place to store cheese. If there is no such area, the best place would be a pull-out container for storing vegetables and fruits located at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment, or a shelf above it. The shelf life of cheese in the refrigerator directly depends on the storage method.

Storage in closed containers

Cheese is best stored in parchment and foil; in extreme cases, you can use paper towels. For dishes, choose ceramic, glass or wooden containers with a lid or plastic containers with holes for air circulation. But cling film or bags do not allow the cheese to “breathe.”

Storage in open packaging

In an open container, cheese quickly weathers and loses not only its appearance, but also becomes unfit for consumption. Cheese has a pronounced aroma, which can affect the smell of other products and vice versa - absorb “neighboring” aromas.

In portions

Sliced ​​at the factory and packaged in small plastic containers (usually the film lid has sticky edges for reusable use), the cheese can be stored for up to 3 days.

If you buy a wheel of cheese and cut it at home yourself, and then pack it in an airtight container, then in this form the product will be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

It is important to remember that cheese cut into portions spoils faster than a large piece or head.

General rules and recommendations

Each type of cheese has its own storage recommendations. However, we can highlight universal rules that relate to the quality storage of any fermented milk product:

• Cheese placed in the refrigerator must breathe. Therefore, you should not buy fermented milk products if they are cut into pieces and wrapped in cling film. In such packaging the shelf life of the cheese will be reduced. Due to lack of air in the product, bacteria and mold will begin to actively multiply. This will affect the properties of the product and its taste.
• Immediately after purchasing a fermented milk product, wrap it in parchment paper and only then place it in a bag or container. This way the cheese will not get a hard crust and dry out.
• The best place for storage is the refrigerator shelf, which is located near the compartment for fruits and vegetables. Do not place cheese on the refrigerator door or near the freezer. Temperature changes will adversely affect the storage of the product.
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• If the cheese begins to become moldy, do not rush to throw away the entire piece. Just cut off the mold and package the remaining product according to all the rules.
• You can preserve the properties and freshness of the product without a refrigerator or freezer. We will look at how to do this correctly below.
• In order for the cheese to retain its taste for a long time and not become moldy, it must be stored at a temperature of 6-8 degrees and an air humidity of 90%. Since this is almost impossible at home, it is better to buy a special cheese bowl made of plastic or ceramic for storing cheese.
• Do not store different types of cheese next to each other. They have different microflora, which will contribute to rapid spoilage of food.
• If there is a crust on the cheese, do not remove it. It will retain the aroma and taste for a longer time.

There is a recommendation that you should not eat cheese immediately after you take it out of the refrigerator. If it sits at room temperature for a while, it will taste better.

Pros and cons of freezing cheese

Freezing is also a very common way to store food. You should be aware that not all types of this product can be stored this way. Hard and semi-hard varieties can be exposed to low temperatures.

But this storage method is extreme and is used only if it is not possible to eat the cheese before the expiration date. The main disadvantage of freezing is that low temperatures negatively affect the taste of the product. Frozen cheese is not suitable for fresh consumption, but is suitable for frying or baking.

There is an advantage to this type of storage: the freezer will keep the cheese for up to six months.

Important! The only variety on which freezing has absolutely no negative effect is Parmesan. And soft cheeses are not frozen at all, because when defrosted they become like rubber.

How to freeze?

1. Each piece of cheese must be wrapped in parchment or foil, and only then put in the freezer.
2. The sliced ​​cheese should be carefully placed in a container and sprinkled with starch or flour.
3. You can grate the cheese on a fine grater, add a small amount of flour or starch and freeze in a glass jar with a lid. In this case, the container must be shaken periodically to prevent the cheese from freezing in a lump.

Storage in a cellar or basement

Cheese is a food that is quite easily digestible by the human body. Thanks to rennet, milk coagulates and thus cheese is obtained. In its composition, it is very similar to cottage cheese, but cheese has a little more vitamins, minerals, proteins and fats.

It happens that there is a lot of cheese, and you simply cannot eat it within the 10 days allowed for storage. It can be frozen in the freezer in several ways:

1. Can be frozen in large pieces . To do this, you need to wrap it in foil.
2. You can grate the cheese and then use it for casseroles and pizza. To prevent the crumbs from sticking together, they need to be sprinkled with flour and shaken several times during the freezing process.
3. If you plan to use frozen cheese for hot sandwiches, then the cheese slices (each separately) must be wrapped in foil .

As already mentioned, all varieties with the exception of brine can be kept in the freezer. This is one of the long-term ways to prevent the appearance of fungi. The method is practiced in catering establishments - cafes, canteens and restaurants. However, not all experts consider this method optimal.

Incorrect packaging. Cheeses for sale are offered in vacuum packages. If consumed immediately after purchase, vacuum or plastic packaging should be removed. For further storage, wrap it in special breathable paper.

Is it possible to store cheese without refrigeration?

Yes. There are two ways to preserve the beneficial and tasteful properties of your favorite product if for some reason it is not possible to use the refrigerator.

1. Wrap the cheese in parchment, place in a tightly sealed container and place it in a container of cold (ideally ice) water. To prevent the container from floating, you need to place a weight on top of it.
2. You can prepare a strong saline solution, soak a cotton or linen cloth in it, squeeze and wrap each piece of cheese. Store in a cool, dark place, re-wetting the cloth with the solution once a day.

Important! You cannot store cheese outside the refrigerator in a plastic bag or cling film: this promotes the formation of mold and will have the exact opposite effect: instead of increasing the shelf life, the cheese will spoil much faster.

How long does cheese last without refrigeration? It all depends on the conditions created and the type of cheese. As a rule, such storage has a significantly shorter period than in a refrigerator.

Advantages of vacuum packaging of cheese

Almost everyone has a desire to experience new taste sensations, which is why we see new cheese products appearing on the market. International flavors, hot cheeses and cheddar cheeses are just a few of the new products. And with growing demand, cheese makers must look for better ways to package and store these cheeses. Vacuum packaging is an excellent option for preserving and transporting cheese.

Many people think that the refrigerator is the only place where you can increase the shelf life of a product. However, vacuum sealing is one of the best packaging methods for preserving freshness today, and is also one of the easiest to use. In a vacuum, bacterial growth stops and the cheese can stay fresh much longer. The shelf life of cheese under normal conditions is one to two weeks in regular bags and containers, but the use of vacuum packaging extends this length to four to eight months.

ADVANTAGES OF VACUUM PACKAGING CHEESE

Do you use expired food for cooking at home?

Yes, the main thing is to process it if it is meat or expired kefir for pancakes.

27.47%

No, it is very dangerous and not useful.

35.14%

If the products have fungus or mold, then we throw them away; if they are a couple of days past their expiration date, we use them for food, even without heat or other treatment.

37.39%

Voted: 2479

Manufacturers use vacuum packaging for many reasons. Keeping cheese fresh is a top priority, along with maintaining the integrity of the product. Vacuum packaging cheese does both of these things, but what other benefits can vacuum packaging provide for cheese makers? Below we will look at just a few reasons why manufacturers choose vacuum packaging for their cheese products.

Best before date

Protecting any food product from spoilage is critical, as is preserving flavor and appearance, and vacuum packaging does this very well. Extends shelf life - as mentioned earlier, cheese lasts well for 4 to 6 months. And this is an obvious advantage for retailers.

Appearance

Visually appealing - packaging allows the consumer to see most of the product being purchased. Foil, containers and other types of packaging often hide the actual appearance. Transparent and hermetically sealed packaging allows the consumer to be confident in the quality and freshness of the product.

Product safety

Along with improving the appearance of the cheese, vacuum packaging protects it from dust, pests, moisture and any other environmental pollutants that could damage or spoil the cheese.

Fast packing

If you have a vacuum sealer, vacuum sealing is a very fast and efficient way to package and preserve cheese.

A single-chamber vacuum packer is suitable for farms and small producers; for large production volumes, you can choose from us two-chamber vacuum packers with high operating speed and the ability to pack large volumes of products.

Switching to vacuum packaging is not a difficult process, we recommend working with a professional to find the best vacuum sealer to suit your packaging needs.

Protecting any food product from spoilage is critical, as is preserving flavor and appearance, and vacuum packaging does this very well. Extends shelf life - as mentioned earlier, cheese lasts well for 4 to 6 months. And this is an obvious advantage for retailers.

Soft varieties

Soft cheese is stored for only a couple of days. And if the package is opened, it begins to dry out after 20-25 hours. Food foil, cellophane or parchment will help slow down the spoilage process. For the same purpose, you can place the opened piece in a small enamel container.

But in case of darkening or moldy spots, the cheese is completely eliminated.

How to store different types of cheese?

It is a mistake to believe that simply putting the product in the refrigerator is enough. Not everyone knows how long cheese can be stored and how to do it correctly.

• Hard and semi-hard varieties

Wrap in parchment, foil or paper towel and store in a loosely sealed container.

• Soft cheese

Pack tightly.

• Pickled cheese

It should only be stored completely immersed in brine in a cool room, preferably in the refrigerator. You can prepare the brine yourself if it is not possible to use the one in which the cheese was originally located.

• With mold

Store in a tightly closed container, since the specific smell of such cheese can affect the aroma of neighboring products.

• Home

Storing homemade (not prepared in a factory) cheese is allowed only in glass or enamel containers.

Storage methods without refrigeration

Without refrigeration, the fermented milk product can be stored for about a week. And only hard. It is wrapped in fabric (not synthetic, but entirely made of natural fibers) soaked in a concentrated saline solution. Place in the darkest and coolest place.

Every day the material is moistened with freshly prepared water and rock salt.

During winter, dairy products can be stored outside. It is wrapped in foil and taken out to the balcony. But do not forget that at this time of year frosts are often replaced by thaws. This means that the product is either saturated with water or it turns into ice. As a result, the consistency and taste of the cheese suffer.

Shelf life of cheeses

What do these periods mean?

For food products, Russian legislation establishes two deadlines:

• suitability;
• storage

1. Shelf life refers to the period during which a product can be used for its intended purpose. It is prohibited to consume food after this period. It is designated either by a specific date or period.
2. Shelf life is the period during which the product is stored without losing its qualities. At the end of the test, the product remains usable, but changes some qualities.

Products may indicate both terms or only one. To regulate the quality of cheese and other cheese products, a number of GOSTs have been adopted in Russia. Separate documents have been developed for the following types:

• rennet;
• Russian cheese;
• fused;
• semi-solid;
• soft cheeses.

There is also GOST R 52686-2006 “Cheeses. General technical conditions". Cheeses have different expiration dates depending on the type, variety, and packaging. They are installed by the manufacturer in accordance with the specifications for a specific type of product. This period is counted from the date of manufacture of the product.

Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 720 of June 16, 1997 approved a list of goods with long periods of use, which after a certain period of time pose a danger to the health and life of consumers. Cheeses are also listed, among others. This means that after the expiration date the product cannot be used.

Secrets to extending the shelf life of cheese

Connoisseurs of different types of cheese know how to keep cheese fresh longer, and willingly share life hacks that help you enjoy the taste of your favorite product for as long as possible:

• Dried cheese, unlike moldy cheese, can be eaten by simply cutting off the hard crust.
• If you dip a dried piece of cheese into warm milk, then after an hour and a half it will become soft again. This “reconstituted” product is suitable, for example, for baking.
• There is no need to get rid of the cheese rind; it is necessary for storing cheese and is also edible.
• You can get rid of high humidity in the place where cheese is stored by placing a piece of sugar nearby.
• You can extend the shelf life of hard cheese by greasing the cuts with olive oil.
• If you keep the cheese at room temperature for 25-30 minutes before eating, its aroma and taste will become brighter.
• For mold cheeses it is better to have a separate knife.
• Cheese that is pre-cut and wrapped in film (this option is often found in supermarkets) has a shorter shelf life, and it is impossible to track the actual date of packaging.
• The larger the piece of cheese, the better it is stored.

Despite the fact that cheese can be stored quite well, it is better to buy it in quantities that can be quickly consumed. A fresh product is many times tastier and healthier than one left in the refrigerator, even under ideal storage conditions.

In the freezer

Sometimes there is a need to extend the shelf life because immediate use is not planned. Then you can resort to freezing.

• You should know that when frozen, some properties are lost. Possible crumbling. The original aroma is missing;
• It is not recommended to serve a product that has been frozen. Best used in cooking;
• You can grate it before placing it in the freezer. This will make it easier to use after defrosting;
• Soft varieties become watery;
• The product can be stored frozen for 2-3 months.

How long is the shelf life?

As for individual types and varieties, the expiration dates are as follows.