Does Gouda Cheese Go Bad?

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Gouda cheese is a type of hard Dutch cheese named after Gouda, where it was produced and traded. It is one of the oldest cheeses in the world that is manufactured on larger scales. As the cheese is made using unpasteurized milk so it can go bad if not stored properly.

Every one of you wants to store your cheese for a longer time as it is such an ingredient that you can use in almost all of your salty and spicy recipes. Continue reading this article as it has the details regarding the spoilage duration, shelf life, and storage of Gouda cheese.

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How to Store Gouda Cheese

If you’re wondering how to make your favorite cheese last longer, then we have some useful tips for you as you might know that dairy products don’t tend to last longer after you opened their package. They need to be stored properly and early.

The Gouda cheese has a lower water quantity than soft cheese for being a type of hard cheese. This peculiarity aids in the longer shelf life. See the following effective ways to keep your Gouda cheese fresh for longer periods.

Keep in Container

If not stored properly, the cheese may dry out, so keep it in a dry and clean container, i.e., a clean box. You can also cut the cheese into small pieces if the block is too large.

Proper Temperature

Don’t place that container at a temperature below 36 F. Keep it outside only if the climate is cold and place it away from sunlight.

Refrigerate it

As refrigerators are meant to store things for longer, so there is no best way to store your Gouda cheese other than refrigerating it. However, don’t place it uncovered there as the air from other stuff may contaminate it.

Freeze it

Freezing can be the best option to maximize the shelf life of your Gouda cheese. As we mentioned above, that harder cheese lasts comparatively longer than softer cheese. All you need is to take some proper measures and refrigerate it.

The freezer time that is usually mentioned on the cheese bar is carefully marked, considering the quality. However, the trick is you can store it more than this mentioned time.

Can You Freeze Gouda Cheese

First of all, after opening and cut using the cheese as much as you wanted, wrap it back in the original packaging. In case you discarded that packaging, you can use air-tight plastic wrap, wax or parchment paper, or aluminum foil. If the cheese block is massive, then cut it into smaller chunks for your convenience. Put these chunks in a freezer bag, and don’t forget to squeeze the air out before doing so.

Place this cheese bag or container and store it properly inside the freezer. If you keep it constantly frozen at 0°F, it can remain fresh and tasty for 2-3 months easily.

How Long Does Gouda Cheese Last

The shelf life of dairy products is different at different temperatures and conditions. There is no chance of keeping your Gouda cheese unspoiled if you keep it outside in a warmer climate. Besides, the colder climate can keep it safe from spoilage for 2-3 weeks.

If kept in the refrigerator (which is better), your cheese tends to last for about a month. Above all, freezing is best, increasing the shelf life of cheese to a couple of months or more. The best thing is, you will not be noticing the difference in taste as well. Don’t forget to wrap the Gouda cheese in a heavy-duty plastic or freezing bag so that it may not start producing crystals inside while freezing.

Within two or even three months of freezing, you can take the required amount of cheese out, melt it in the oven and relish the taste as you just bought it from the grocery store.

How To Tell If Gouda cheese Is Bad

Although Gouda cheese is a type of hard cheese and not liable to spoilage within shorter durations, if you are not storing it as the techniques mentioned above, it can get bad quickly. Intaking mold or spoiled cheese can result in an upset stomach, so you must look for the cheese’s signs going bad before eating it. Here are the indications directing a bad or spoiled cheese.

Mold appearing: Gouda cheese that is losing its shelf life will start darkening, and eventually, molds will appear all over it. However, you can still use the cheese by cutting the molds separating them from the clear part. However, if you see molds inside, then throw the entire block away.
Unpleasant smell: The spoiled Gouda cheese will develop a strong smell, indicating that your cheese is bad.
Dry texture: The un-fresh cheese dries out, which is not as such regarded as bad. You can sue it, but it would not be tasty.