A pungent, yet flavorful cheese, blue cheese makes a wonderful addition to any cheeseboard. It is also a fantastic ingredient in a French-inspired tart.
Some people balk at the mold that makes up the blue in the cheese, but it’s perfectly safe to eat.
It can also be difficult to determine if blue cheese is actually bad, as it has a moldy appearance.
Blue cheese may have mold, but that doesn’t mean it is safe to consume forever.
Here’s the bottom line: Like all cheeses, Bad things can happen to blue cheese.
Continue reading to learn how to keep it safe and when to check if blue cheese is still edible.
Bad Mold and Good Mold
Most people throw away moldy food immediately. So how come it’s okay to eat blue cheese, which is moldy by definition?
Penicillium is responsible for the growth of molds on blue cheese. Penicillium is safe to eat because it does not make mycotoxins like other molds. However, if bacteria grows on the cheese, and leads to molds, then it can become toxic. It is best to throw it out.
Blue cheese molds are blue-green and not fuzzy. You should look out for signs of bacteria such as fuzziness and different-colored molds.
Blue Cheese Shelf Life
A blue cheese package usually includes a date of expiration. This indicates that the cheese could be losing its quality. Although it is best to be cautious, you can still eat blue cheese for up two weeks following its expiration date.
Blue cheese, when compared to other cheeses has a longer shelf life. Blue cheese will last for 3-4 weeks if stored in a cool, dry place.
Blue cheese can be opened without affecting its shelf life.You can have one slice of blue cheese for several weeks and not worry about it. Proper storage is important.
Blue cheese can be frozen if it is not in use. It may change its texture or appearance when it is frozen, but once it has been frozen it can be eaten almost indefinitely.
Proper Storage Of Blue Cheese
Blue cheese can be preserved for a longer time by being properly stored. When it comes to blue cheese storage, there are some things you should remember.
First, Blue cheese must always be kept refrigerated It is best to store it in the fridge, unless you plan to freeze it. If you leave blue cheese outside on the countertop, it won’t last longer than a couple of days.
Blue cheese storage is not limited to storing it in the refrigerator. Blue cheese’s living cultures need to be able to breathe. It should be wrapped loosely in plastic wrap. This will cause rapid flavor loss.
But, blue cheese without wrapping is more likely to dry. If you received your blue cheese packaged, It is best to keep the package in its original wrap. You can also use foil, wax paper or parchment.
Blue cheese can be frozen in smaller pieces so you don’t have to open the entire thing. You can freeze it by wrapping the cheese in plastic wrap or baggies. You can freeze it, however the flavor and texture may be altered.
Does This Blue Cheese Make You Sick?
Blue cheese spoilage can be tricky to spot due to the pungent and moldy smell. However, if you know what to look for, you shouldn’t have any trouble making a judgment.
To be able tell if blue cheese has gone bad, it is important to know what blue cheese smells and looks like. The body of blue cheese must be consistent in color, with a white or cream-colored base that has greenish-blue veins throughout. The cheese should have a pungent smell, but it shouldn’t make you run for the toilet.
These are signs blue cheese may be bad. It is clear that blue cheese’s mold does not appear fuzzy. You should throw away any fuzziness. Also, any grey mold, black spots or shiny yellow or pink yeast spots are signs of spoilage.
Additionally, if blue cheese is tough and dry or slimy to the touch, it’s probably best to chuck it in the trash. And if the smell tickles your gag reflex, follow your body’s warning and don’t put it in your mouth. If all blue cheese does that, it’s probably not the snack for you.
Blue Cheese
- Blue cheese, like all cheeses can become spoiled.
- Blue cheese’s mold comes from an unusual culture that doesn’t produce mycotoxins like other molds.
- Blue cheese will last for approximately 3-4 weeks if it is stored well. Frozen blue cheese may keep almost indefinitely, but can be kept refrigerated.
- Refrigerate and wrap blue cheese in wax, foil or parchment.
- You should dispose of any blue cheese with fuzzy molds or other molds than bluish green.
- Your blue cheese should not have pink or yellow discoloration, slimy, dry or unpleasant odors.
While blue cheese may not be for everybody, many people love its complex and intense flavors. Before you lay out the blue cheese on your dinner party cheese board, check it for signs of spoilage – just because it’s already moldy doesn’t mean it can’t go bad.
