How Long You Can Store Ricotta Cheese In The Fridge And Freezer (2024)
nikki munoz
·2 min read
Ricotta cheese can be used in a plethora of versatile ways: topped on pizzas,stuffed into ravioli, or even integrated into desserts. Because of this, it's a good cheese to have on hand in your kitchen. However, if you're going to have it around, you need to know how long ricotta lasts in the fridge and the freezer.
One key detail to keep in mind is whether the package of ricotta cheese has been opened or not. Unopened ricotta will last about two weeks in the fridge, while opened ricotta will last just a week. As for the freezer, you can store ricotta for up to three months. When it comes time to thaw it, put it in the fridge overnight or until it reaches the right consistency.
Whether you choose to store it in the fridge or freezer, you'll need to transfer it to an airtight container (if it didn't already come in one). This helps keep the ricotta fresh and prevents any odors from other foods in the fridge from being absorbed into the cheese. It also helps to keep the ricotta toward the middle of the fridge, away from the door — this is because anything stored on the door is more susceptible to fluctuating temperatures. Speaking of temperatures, the perfect temp for ricotta to be stored at is between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, which is what your fridge should be set to already.
Whether you store your ricotta cheese in the fridge or freezer, you'll want to label it with the date to make sure you don't accidentally try to use it after its freshness window has elapsed. On top of that, it's also a good idea to know what to look out for when checking if the ricotta has gone bad. To start with, look out for any sort of odor. Ricotta doesn't have much of a smell to it, so if it smells foul or off in any way, then it's time to throw it out.
Additionally, look for any change in the ricotta's appearance. If it's growing mold, you'll have to throw the whole thing out. While you can cut the moldy parts of hard cheeses off and still safely eat the rest, soft cheeses — ricotta included — don't have the same benefit, according to the USDA. Finally, if you sample the ricotta, and it doesn't taste as it should in any way, then it's best to stay on the safe side and throw it out.
Freezing ricotta cheese can be hit or miss, but generally, you can freeze ricotta cheese safely for up to two months, sometimes even three if you're lucky. In comparison, store-bought ricotta lasts one to two weeks when stored in the fridge, while homemade ricotta only lasts about two days.
Use a permanent marker to label the ricotta cheese with a “use by” date that is 2 months in the future. If using a plastic bag, partially seal the bag then use a straw to suck out all air from the bag. Freeze. Place the cheese in the freezer and freeze for up to 2 months.
To start with, look out for any sort of odor. Ricotta doesn't have much of a smell to it, so if it smells foul or off in any way, then it's time to throw it out. Additionally, look for any change in the ricotta's appearance. If it's growing mold, you'll have to throw the whole thing out.
Stir the ricotta with a spoon so that the cheese will freeze more evenly. Remove the cheese from the container and press it down with a layer of paper towels to drain. Wrap the cheese in plastic wrap, either as a whole or in individual portions using an ice cube tray (the latter is easier for thawing).
This perishable product should be kept at a cold temperature (around 35-40°F) for slowing. Avoid letting it sit at room temperature to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth. Bonus tip: Ditch the original packaging and use airtight containers or plastic wrap.
To freeze cheese, portion, wrap, and pack it in an airtight container before rapidly freezing it. Use it within 6–9 months. Frozen cheese should be thawed in the refrigerator and is best used in cooked dishes.
While mold can be cut off hard cheese (allowing you to eat what's left), the same doesn't work for ricotta, as mold gets into soft cheese below the surface, meaning you may still get sick even if you get rid of the visible moldy parts. Mold on ricotta can be green, blue, or soft pink.
Soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese, cream cheese and ricotta, with mold should be discarded. The same goes for any kind of cheese that's shredded, crumbled or sliced. With these cheeses, the mold can send threads throughout the cheese — contaminating more than you see.
Compared to most cheeses, ricotta is a healthier choice because it contains less salt and fat - 10 per cent fat, of which 6 per cent is saturated. It's light and creamy with a slightly grainy texture and delicate flavour that can be used on its own or in sweet and savoury dishes.
If you're really in a hurry, you can microwave cheese to thaw it. Keep in mind, harder cheeses (like cheddar or provolone) are better for freezing and thawing than softer cheeses (like ricotta or brie), since soft cheese tends to sweat and melt when defrosted.
Take a Whiff. Unlike many cheeses that naturally have a pronounced odor, ricotta cheese has almost no odor. Ricotta is a mild, soft cheese that tastes and smells mostly of milk. If you notice a sour or fermented odor, throw discard it.
Yes, you can freeze ricotta cheese in its original store-bought container, even after opening it. Because ricotta tends to be sold in large quantities, but recipes typically only require a small amount, freezing the excess can help prevent waste and preserve it for future use.
Place a mesh strainer over a bowl, lining the strainer with cheese cloth.Place ricotta in cheese cloth, cover with seran wrap, and place in fridge to drain overnight. The next morning your ricotta will have much less liquid, restoring it to the right consistency.
“Yes, you can freeze ricotta. Fresh mozzarella can be frozen as well. No need to freeze our feta and the hard cheeses such as Atwells Gold (our asiago), Cheddar, and Divine Providence (our Gouda).” You can also freeze milk, eggs and butter.
Cover ravioli with towel to prevent drying. Repeat with remaining dough. At this point, ravioli can be frozen: place ravioli on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and freeze completely. Transfer to a freezer bag, press out as much air as possible, and store in freezer for up to 2 months.
Introduction: My name is Duane Harber, I am a modern, clever, handsome, fair, agreeable, inexpensive, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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