How long can each type of cheese be left out of the refrigerator?
Hard cheeses can last up to 8 hours outside the refrigerator, while soft cheeses should be stored for a maximum of two hours.
Cheese boards are a classic after-dinner treat, perfect for lunchtime snacks or festive appetizers. Like all perishable foods, cheese spoils, and bacterial growth can make it unsafe. Some cheeses already have mold, but that doesn't make them immune to harmful bacteria.
Hard cheeses, such as Parmesan, Gouda, and Cheddar, are less conducive to bacterial growth because they have less moisture. Since bacteria prefer warm, humid environments, the harder the cheese, the longer it takes for them to multiply. That's why they can remain out of the refrigerator for up to 8 hours.
Soft cheeses, such as Camembert, Brie, or Gorgonzola, spoil much faster due to their higher moisture content under the rind. If you include them on your cheese board, refrigerate them as soon as you finish and don't leave them out for more than two hours.
Some very fresh cheeses, like mozzarella, shouldn't even be refrigerated, because their texture and flavor change. If there's mozzarella on the board, it's best to eat it right away.
Temperature also plays a role. Cheese tastes best at room temperature, and it takes between 20 and 30 minutes to reach that temperature. Room temperature is usually between 20 and 23 degrees Celsius, so cheese spoils faster in warmer weather. To avoid this, serve small portions and only take out what you're going to eat right away.
When finished, wrap the cheese in special cheese paper and store it in the refrigerator, because this keeps it fresh longer.
