How to Store Blue Cheese

How long can you store blue cheese?

Italy's bold Gorgonzola, England's buttery Stilton, France's elegant Roquefort and America's popular Maytag all share a single characteristic: Each has a unique flavor enhanced by the presence of an edible cheese mold.

Despite the fact that moldiness is part of the flavor of blue cheeses, you must take the same care in storing this type of cheese as with any other cheeses.

Blue cheeses will stay their best for longest when stored properly. You can store blue cheese after purchase for two months or more in the refrigerator.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    

   Although blue cheese is supposed to be moldy, not all types of mold are desirable or even safe to eat. Before you store your blue cheese, examine the surface to make sure that it does not show any black-colored mold. Black-colored mold on a blue cheese is a sign of spoilage. Immediately discard any spoiled cheese.

2. 
    

   The best container for storing blue cheese is the packaging in which you bought it. If you are uncertain about the sturdiness of the original cheese packaging, you can store a blue cheese in heavy plastic wrap or tinfoil instead. The elevated humidity level created by heavy plastic or foil covering will extend the life of the cheese.

3. 
    

   Blue cheeses are best stored at around 40 to 45 degrees, which is close to the temperature of the average home refrigerator. The texture of a blue cheese is vulnerable to the extremes of heat involved in freezing. You should avoid freezing these cheeses if possible. However, freezing a blue cheese does not alter the flavor and cheeses that have been frozen can still be used in cooking.

[Gardengates]

on 4/22/2009 Good tips for storing Blue cheese. I let mine dry out too often.