BUCKHORN CLIFFS

Food · Supply

Hard Cheese

Hard Cheese: real shelf life 6-12 months when stored well (Refrigerated).

6-12 MONTHSWorks without power

Quick facts

Real shelf life
6-12 months
Label date says
3-6 months
Best storage
Refrigerated
Watch for
Slime, unwanted mold

How to check it

Cheese

Warning signs Unwanted mold, sour smell, sliminess, or discoloration (blue cheese excepted).

How to check Inspect for mold and discoloration, smell for off-odors, and feel for a slimy texture.

Notes from the field guide

  • Keep it (still safe): Hard cheeses, butter, margarine

Questions this answers

Tap a question for the short answer.

How long does hard cheese last?

Hard cheese really lasts 6 to 12 months when kept refrigerated, even though the label date usually says 3 to 6 months. Hard cheeses are on my keep list of foods that are still safe past the date.

How do I store hard cheese long term?

Keep hard cheese refrigerated. Stored that way its real shelf life runs 6 to 12 months, well beyond the 3 to 6 months the label suggests. Check it for slime and unwanted mold as it ages.

How do I tell if hard cheese has gone bad?

Look for unwanted mold and discoloration, smell it for sour or off odors, and feel the surface for a slimy texture. Any of those is a warning sign. Blue cheese is the exception on discoloration.

Keep going

Read nextSpotting SpoilageMost spoiled food fails one of a few sensory checks. Learn these signs once and you can judge almost any item, no expiration date required. When a food shows any red flag below, do not taste it to confirm.Food · Guide

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