I have an unopened package of mozzeralla cheese that is a month past it's "Best By" date, is it safe to eat? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What is the sign of mozzarella being old?
It's vacuum sealed, and the cheese looks fresh. Is a month a big deal?
Best Answer
Mozzarella costs what, $4 tops? Weigh up that cost versus food poisoning and you have your answer. As always, if in doubt, throw it out.
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Can you use unopened expired mozzarella cheese?
Unopened and refrigerated: Up to three weeks beyond the use-by date, depending on refrigeration temperature, or, according to some experts, up to 70 days after the production date. Unopened and frozen: Between four and six months after the use-by date. Thaw in refrigerator and use within seven to 28 days after opening.How long after expiration date can you eat mozzarella cheese?
Always keep mozzarella refrigerated. You can store fresh mozzarella in the liquid it comes in, make brine yourself, of wrap it in plastic wrap. Fresh mozzarella lasts for up to a week past its date, and for three days to a week after opening.Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Using only 2 Ingredients | Mozzarella Cheese Without Rennet
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Answer 2
So long as it's been kept properly (refrigerated), it should be safe to eat. But it will have a different flavor than you're likely expecting. Not much, for just a month. But cheese flavors evolve as the cheese ages. "best by" dates on cheeses are mostly about flavor changes, not spoilage.
You can abuse this to a limited extent, if you'd like. You can age cheese at home and (for example) create sharp cheddar from mild cheddar. However, the flavors evolve better in larger pieces of cheese; an 8oz piece aged for 90 days won't taste the same as a 40lb block aged for 90 days. Many cheeses also require specific temperatures for the cultures to age properly, which home environments can't control as well.
If there is mold growing on the cheese, or other "ick" factors, you likely want to toss it. Tiny bits of cheese mold can be removed from a piece and leave good cheese behind; but heavy mold growth on a small piece isn't going to be salvageable.
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