Ah, Swiss Cheese—who can resist its nutty flavor and iconic holes? But you may have found yourself wondering, “How long does unopened Swiss cheese last?” Read on to learn the answer and some fascinating facts about the international cheese superstar.
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Swiss Cheese: A Quick Overview
What is Swiss Cheese?
Swiss cheese is a type of cheese made with cow’s milk noted for its iconic holes, creamy and nutty flavor, and distinctive yellow-tan color. Genuine Swiss cheese comes from Switzerland and is made according to the European Union’s Swiss Cheese AOC designation, meaning it must be produced according to traditional recipes and methods.
How is Swiss Cheese Made?
The cheese is produced with the same process used since the 16th century. The milk is separated into curds and whey, and the curds are placed into round molds and cooked before being soaked in brine for several days. The molds are then removed while the cheese is stored in the same brine for up to nine months. During the storage process, holes form due to lactic acid bacteria.
How Long Does Unopened Swiss Cheese Last?
The answer to this all-important question is…it depends! Typically, unopened Swiss cheese stored properly can last up to three weeks or, in the case of specialty cheeses, up to three months. But feel free to use your nose as a guide! If it smells off, then it’s probably time to toss it.
After opening, however, the clock is ticking. Be sure to securely wrap your cheese and store it in the refrigerator (between 33 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit) for best results. Unopened Swiss cheese will last around a week, while opened cheese can last from two days up to one week if stored correctly.
Be sure to keep your cheese sealed if you’d like to break out the fondue pot or bake a cheesy dish. Otherwise, the cheese will go bad much faster.
So, while it may seem intimidating to try and keep track of cheese’s expiration date, you can rest easy knowing that unopened Swiss cheese can usually last up to three weeks if stored properly. If it’s a fancy cheese, that time frame can even stretch out up to three months. Just remember to check for bad smells and store it in the fridge—and you’ll be ready to enjoy this Swiss superstar for the foreseeable future!