Shelf Life Tips
- How long does an unopened chunk of Colby cheese last? The exact answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep the unopened chunk of cheese refrigerated at all times.
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An unopened chunk of Colby cheese may be kept in its original packaging when refrigerating; to maximize the shelf life, do not open the package until ready to use.
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Properly stored, an unopened chunk of Colby cheese will last for about 1 to 2 months in the refrigerator.
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Is an unopened chunk of Colby cheese still safe after the ? sell by date or "best by date" on the package? Yes -the unopened Colby cheese will typically remain safe to use for about 1 to 2 months, even if the "sell-by" or "best by date on the package expires.
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If an unopened chunk or block of Colby 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.
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Note: if mold appears in a package of shredded, sliced or crumbled Colby cheese, the entire package should be discarded.
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To further extend the shelf life of Colby cheese, freeze it; when freezing, place the cheese in the freezer before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has elapsed.
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To freeze an unopened chunk or block of Colby 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.
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How long does an unopened chunk of Colby cheese last in the freezer? Properly stored, it will maintain best quality for about 3 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
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The freezer time shown is for best quality only - Colby cheese that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
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How long does an unopened chunk of Colby cheese last after being frozen and thawed? An unopened chunk of Colby cheese that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before using; an unopened chunk of Colby cheese that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be used immediately.
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Frozen cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavor; the thawed chunk of Colby cheese will be best suited to cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups and casseroles.
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How can you tell if an unopened chunk of Colby cheese is bad or spoiled? Colby 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 an unopened chunk of Colby cheese.
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