All About Fresh mozzarella cheese
Your complete guide to fresh mozzarella cheese - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Fresh mozzarella cheese Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for fresh mozzarella cheese in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
opened in brine (fridge)3-7 days
Signs of Spoilage
Sour, yeasty, or ammonia-like smell; slimy or sticky texture on the cheese surface; visible mold (white, green, black); excessively cloudy or milky liquid that wasn't before.
How to Check
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Smell Test: Gently sniff the cheese and its liquid. It should smell fresh, milky, or neutral. Any sour, pungent, or off-odor is a sign of spoilage.
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Visual Inspection: Look for mold spots on the cheese surface or changes in the liquid's clarity.
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Touch Test: Gently touch the cheese. It should feel smooth and moist, not slimy, sticky, or overly firm/rubbery.
Storage Tips
To extend freshness, ensure the cheese remains fully submerged in its liquid. If the original liquid is discarded, replace it with fresh, lightly salted cold water or whey. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Change the water daily if not using original brine.
opened, drained (fridge)1-3 days
Signs of Spoilage
Drying out, hardening, yellowing on the surface, strong sour or off-smell, visible mold.
How to Check
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Visual Inspection: Look for dryness, cracking, or discoloration (yellowing) on the surface, and any mold growth.
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Smell Test: Check for any strong sour or unpleasant odors.
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Touch Test: The cheese will likely feel much harder and less pliable than fresh. If it's sticky or slimy, it's bad.
Storage Tips
This method is not recommended as it significantly reduces shelf life and quality. If you must store it this way, wrap it very tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to minimize exposure to air and prevent drying. Best to use it immediately.
unopened in brine (fridge)1-2 weeks past purchase, or until 'Best By' date
Signs of Spoilage
Bloated packaging (indicating gas production), cloudy or slimy brine (if visible through packaging), visible mold (white, green, or black spots), strong sour or yeasty odor (if package is compromised).
How to Check
Visually inspect the packaging for any signs of bloating or leakage. Check the liquid inside for unusual cloudiness or sliminess. Look closely for any mold growth on the cheese. If the package is compromised, smell for off-odors.
Storage Tips
Always prioritize the 'Best By' or 'Use By' date on the package. Store in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
freezer2-3 months
Signs of Spoilage
Freezer burn (dry, discolored spots or patches), excessive ice crystals (beyond normal frost), off-smell upon thawing, mushy or excessively crumbly texture after thawing.
How to Check
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Visual (frozen): Check for signs of freezer burn or unusually large ice crystals.
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Smell (thawed): After thawing, an off-smell is a clear sign of spoilage.
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Texture (thawed): While the texture will be different (softer, more crumbly) than fresh, it shouldn't be excessively slimy or gritty.
Storage Tips
To freeze: drain the mozzarella completely, pat it dry, and if it's a large ball, consider cutting it into smaller, usable portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. It's best used for cooked dishes like pizza, lasagna, or baked pasta where the textural changes are less noticeable. Do not refreeze once thawed.