Like olives, cilantro and licorice, cottage cheese is a food that some people love while others hate. You probably have a container of cottage cheese on hand all the time if you are a fan. It can be used to make your favorite dishes, or as savoury snacks. It’s frustrating to discover that you’ve not eaten it all before it expires, and you’re left wondering is this cottage cheese safe to eat.
How long does cottage cheese last in the fridge?
Cottage cheese is a soft cheese, so it does not last as long. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that cottage cheese kept at a safe temperature of below 40o F should be eaten within two weeks if it is unopened and one week if opened.
It doesn’t necessarily mean that you should throw it away the moment it expires. You may have more time before it really spoils if it has been kept in the coolest area of your refrigerator.
After expiration, how long does cottage cheese last?
There is no specific number of days after the expiration date that cottage cheese can be eaten. However, it should not exceed 7-14 days. This date will usually appear on the label as “sell by,” or “use by,” and “best when used before.” This range depends on several factors: was it kept in the refrigerator immediately following purchase? Has it been sealed or opened already? Cottage cheese kept in a sealed container can last up to two weeks.
What are the signs that cottage cheese has been spoiled?
You can use your nose and eyes to determine if your cottage cheese is safe or not. If you are brave enough, you could also do a taste test.
Appearance
Fresh cottage cheese is usually semi-creamy with curds that are fairly uniform. Cottage cheese that is past its prime can have a grainy consistency and even start to appear watery.
On the lid, the sides and the inside of the container or the top of the cottage-cheese can form mold spots. These look grayish green or black. Mold on soft cheeses is more difficult to remove than it is with hard cheeses.
Smell
Smell the cottage cheese. It should smell sour or rancid.
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You can tell if cottage cheese has gone bad by tasting it. If you smell and see that the cottage is still good, but the expiration date is long past, a small sample will help. It’s easy to detect bad cottage cheese because it has a distinct sour flavor. Not the mild tang that this cheese is famous for but a bitter taste that will make you want to spit it out.
What causes cottage cheese to become watery?
Cottage cheese curds separate from whey as it ages or is exposed to high temperatures. This creates a thick, soupy texture. It’s also the stuff that you see floating on top of yogurt. This is simply leftover milk water and a product of cheese production. It may contain minerals and nutrients but it is also a sign that the cottage cheese has spoiled if it comes with an off texture, taste or smell. You can stir the cottage-cheese if it otherwise tastes, looks and smells fine.
Is it possible to use a cottage cheese that has expired?
You can use expired cottage cheese that is still edible, but not rotten or spoilt. It may be that the taste is slightly off. If this is the case, it’s best to avoid eating the cottage cheese plain. However, it can be used in other recipes, like in scrambled or baked eggs.
Bottom Line
You’ll want to use it if you like the taste, smell and appearance. If not, throw it out. Recap: If the cottage cheese looks, tastes and smells good and it’s not too old, use it. But if you smell it or it makes you gag and it doesn’t look like it was a failed science experiment, throw it out.
You can use cottage cheese in many recipes.
It’s a good addition to any diet. And because it is lower in saturated fats than other cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese makes a wonderful substitute. These EatingWell favorites make great use of these cute curds.
What are the best brands? Check out our tested and proven cottage cheeses.
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