All About Gruyere cheese
Your complete guide to gruyere cheese - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Gruyere cheese Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for gruyere 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.
unopened in refrigerator2-4 months past 'best by' date, or 3-6 weeks if not vacuum-sealed and just wrapped by a deli
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold (fuzzy, green, black, or pink spots), strong ammonia-like or sour odor, slimy or excessively wet surface, significant discoloration beyond its natural rind.
How to Check
Visually inspect the entire surface for any mold growth. Perform a sniff test for off-odors; fresh Gruyere has a nutty, slightly sweet aroma. Check for any unusual sliminess or stickiness on the surface.
Storage Tips
Store in the coldest part of your refrigerator. While hard cheeses can last longer, always adhere to the 'best by' date as a primary guide. If bought from a deli, ensure it's tightly wrapped.
opened in refrigerator3-4 weeks
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold (fuzzy, green, black, or pink spots) beyond the natural rind, dried out or hardened edges, strong ammonia-like or sour odor, slimy or excessively wet surface, a bitter or unpleasant taste.
How to Check
Visually inspect for mold on the cut surfaces or edges. Note that small, isolated spots of surface mold on hard cheeses like Gruyere can sometimes be carefully cut away (at least 1 inch around and below the mold) and the rest of the cheese consumed, but discard if mold is extensive or deeply embedded. Sniff for any off-odors. Touch the surface for sliminess or excessive dryness. If in doubt, a small taste test can confirm bitterness or sourness.
Storage Tips
To extend freshness, wrap Gruyere first in parchment paper or wax paper to allow it to breathe, then in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Avoid wrapping directly in plastic wrap, as it can suffocate the cheese and promote mold. Change wrapping regularly if it becomes damp. Store in the cheese drawer or a less cold part of the fridge.
frozen2-3 months (for best quality)
Signs of Spoilage
Severe freezer burn (dry, discolored spots), strong rancid smell after thawing, significant crumbly or mushy texture degradation that makes it unusable even for cooking.
How to Check
Visually inspect for freezer burn before thawing. After thawing, check the smell for any rancidity. The texture will become more crumbly, which is normal, but it shouldn't be mushy or watery.
Storage Tips
Freezing will alter the texture of Gruyere, making it more crumbly and less suitable for slicing or eating plain. It's best to grate or cut the cheese into smaller portions before freezing for easier use in cooking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator. Best used for cooking, such as in gratins, sauces, or soups.