How Long Can Cheese Stay in Your Fridge for
Food Storage - How long can you keep...
CHEDDAR CHEESE, SOLD IN WRAPPED CHUNK OR BLOCK - OPENED
Freezer
6-8 months (best quality)
Tips
- How long does a chunk of cheddar cheese last once opened? The exact answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep the cheese refrigerated at all times.
- To maximize the shelf life of a chunk of cheddar cheese after opening, wrap the original packaging tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil; for even better results, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then cover with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
- How long does a chunk of cheddar cheese last in the refrigerator once opened? Properly stored, an opened chunk of cheddar cheese will last for about 3 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator.
- Is an opened chunk of cheddar cheese still safe after the "sell by" date or "best by date" on the package? Yes - after the cheese is opened, it will typically remain safe to use for 3 to 4 weeks, even if the "sell-by" or "best by" date on the package expires.
- If a chunk or block of cheddar cheese has mold on it, is it still safe to eat? Yes - cut away at least 1 inch around and below the moldy area (do not touch mold with the knife) and re-cover the cheese in fresh wrap.
- Note: if mold appears in a package of shredded, sliced or crumbled cheddar cheese, the entire package should be discarded.
- To further extend the shelf life of cheddar cheese, freeze it; when freezing, place the cheese in the freezer before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has elapsed.
- To freeze a chunk or block of cheddar cheese: Cut the cheese into portions no larger than 1/2 pound each, and wrap tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place inside a heavy-duty freezer bag.
- How long does a chunk of cheddar cheese last in the freezer? Properly stored, a chunk of cheddar cheese will maintain best quality for about 8 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
- The freezer time shown is for best quality only - cheddar cheese that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
- How long does a chunk of cheddar cheese last after being frozen and thawed? A chunk of cheddar cheese that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before using; a chunk of cheddar cheese that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be used immediately.
- Frozen cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavor; the thawed chunk of cheddar cheese will be best suited to cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups and casseroles.
- How can you tell if an opened chunk of cheddar cheese is bad or spoiled? Cheddar cheese that is going bad typically will develop a very hard texture, will darken in color, will develop a strong smell and mold may appear; see instructions above for how to handle mold on a chunk of cheddar cheese.
Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here
Today's Tips
How Long Can Cheese Stay in Your Fridge for
Source: https://www.stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/16743