How Long Does a Chunk of Appenzeller Cheese Last Once Opened?

Shelf Life Tips

• How long does a chunk of Appenzeller cheese last once opened? The exact answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep the cheese refrigerated at all times.
• To maximize the shelf life of a chunk of Appenzeller cheese after opening, wrap the original packaging tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil; for even better results, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then cover with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
• Properly stored, an opened chunk of Appenzeller cheese will last for 3 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator.
• Is an opened chunk of Appenzeller cheese still safe after the ? sell by date or "best by date" on the package? Yes - after the cheese is opened, it will typically remain safe to use for 3 to 4 weeks, even if the "sell-by" or "best by date on the package expires.
• If a chunk or block of Appenzeller cheese has mold on it, is it still safe to eat? Yes - cut away at least 1 inch around and below the moldy area (do not touch mold with the knife) and re-cover the cheese in fresh wrap.
• Note: if mold appears in a package of shredded, sliced or crumbled Appenzeller cheese, the entire package should be discarded.
• To further extend the shelf life of Appenzeller cheese, freeze it; when freezing, place the cheese in the freezer before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has elapsed.
• To freeze a chunk or block of Appenzeller cheese: Cut the cheese into portions no larger than 1/2 pound each, and wrap tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place inside a heavy-duty freezer bag.
• How long does a chunk of Appenzeller cheese last in the freezer? Properly stored, it will maintain best quality for about 6 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
• The freezer time shown is for best quality only - Appenzeller cheese that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
• How long does a chunk of Appenzeller cheese last after being frozen and thawed? A chunk of Appenzeller cheese that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before using; a chunk of Appenzeller cheese that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be used immediately.
• Frozen cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavor; the thawed chunk of Appenzeller cheese will be best suited to cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups and casseroles.
• How can you tell if an opened chunk of Appenzeller cheese is bad or spoiled? Appenzeller cheese that is going bad typically will develop a very hard texture, will darken in color, will develop a strong smell and mold may appear; see instructions above for how to handle mold on a chunk of Appenzeller cheese.

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