All About Pecorino cheese
Your complete guide to pecorino cheese - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Pecorino cheese Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for pecorino 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 fridge2-4 weeks
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold (white, blue, green, or black fuzzy spots), particularly on cut surfaces. Excessive drying and hardening beyond its typical texture. Slimy or slick surface. Strong, acrid, ammonia-like, or overly sour smell (distinct from Pecorino's natural pungent aroma). Discoloration (darker spots not typical of the cheese).
How to Check
Visual inspection: Look closely for any mold growth, especially on cut edges. Check for unusual discoloration or sliminess. Smell test: A healthy Pecorino has a strong, sheepy, tangy aroma. An off-smell will be distinctly unpleasant, acrid, or yeasty. Touch test: The cheese should feel firm. If it's slimy or overly soft in areas, it's likely spoiled.
Storage Tips
To extend freshness, wrap Pecorino first in parchment or cheese paper, then tightly in plastic wrap or place in a sealed airtight container. This allows the cheese to breathe slightly while preventing excessive drying and absorbing fridge odors. For small, localized mold on hard cheeses like Pecorino, you can often cut off at least one inch (2.5 cm) around and below the moldy spot, ensuring the knife doesn't touch the mold. Discard the cheese if mold is widespread, deeply embedded, or if the cheese smells or looks otherwise off. Store in the cheese drawer or a less cold part of the refrigerator.
unopened fridge3-6 months (or until 'best by' date)
Signs of Spoilage
Bulging or damaged packaging, unusual discoloration visible through the packaging, strong sour or ammonia-like smell detectable through the packaging, visible mold (rare in unopened, properly sealed cheese).
How to Check
Visually inspect the packaging for any signs of compromise or expansion. Gently squeeze the package to check for excessive softness or liquid. Smell the package for any off-odors that don't match Pecorino's characteristic pungent aroma.
Storage Tips
Store in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Always adhere to the 'best by' or 'use by' date printed on the packaging. Once opened, transition to the 'opened fridge' storage method.
freezer3-6 months
Signs of Spoilage
Severe freezer burn (dry, discolored spots or patches). Strong off-odor upon thawing (though unlikely if frozen when fresh).
How to Check
Visual inspection: Check for signs of freezer burn. Upon thawing, perform a smell test; it should retain its characteristic aroma. Note that the texture will likely be more crumbly.
Storage Tips
Freezing can alter the texture of Pecorino, making it more crumbly. It's best suited for grating or cooking after thawing rather than slicing for a cheese board. For best results, grate the cheese or cut it into smaller, portion-sized blocks before freezing. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and finally place in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, removing as much air as possible. Thaw in the refrigerator. Do not refreeze once thawed.