What is the average shelf life of ricotta? How long does ricotta last in the pantry, refrigerator, or freezer? What is the best way to store ricotta to increase its shelf life? Find out the answers to these questions and more below.
Ricotta cheese is fresh, soft, and incurred cheese that is extremely perishable. Different types of ricotta cheese are prepared from milk, which has different levels of fat. The cheese also comes in small or large curd preparations. It is available in various flavors and can be mixed with fruits or vegetables. This cheese is famous among people who are on a diet and individuals who want to stay healthy, such as runners, weightlifters, and bodybuilders. It has a high protein content with low-fat levels.
Shelf Life of Ricotta
| Refrigerator | Freezer | |
|---|---|---|
| (Unopened) | 7-9 Days | 2-3 Months |
| (Opened) | 5-7 Days | 2-3 Months |
If stored properly, ricotta cheese lasts for around a week beyond the date printed on the product. Multiple factors are involved which influence the shelf life, such as its processing method, the type of cheese, and the packaging date. It also depends on what the storage method of the cheese is and whether it is exposed to heat or not. Its shelf life also depends on the best-by date.
If ricotta cheese is unopened and refrigerated, it will last for around 7-10 days past the printed date. If you open and refrigerate ricotta cheese, it will be edible for 5-7 days past the date printed on the container.
How to Store Ricotta Cheese:
When buying ricotta cheese, add it to your basket last so that it remains cold for a longer period of time. Most of the cheese comes in a container that saves it from moisture and also from other contaminants. Never keep ricotta cheese out at room temperature. Moreover, do not leave it out of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours. Do not contaminate ricotta cheese with utensils that have touched other products.
Store it correctly in a refrigerator at or below 38-40°F. This storage method allows ricotta cheese to last longer than the date printed on the container. Avoid storing it for longterm, as thawing results in separation of the product and less flavor.
How to Purchase Ricotta Cheese:
When you buy ricotta cheese, check whether the cheese has a consistent texture and a clean and perfectly classic smell. If the cheese is bad, spoiled, or rotten, then it will have an unpleasant smell, pockets of water, a yellowish color, and taste sour.
Always check the expiration date on the dairy product, along with the ingredients mentioned on the label.
Choose ricotta cheese that has a consistency that is firm, but not solid. It should comprise of a mass of moist, subtle, and delicate grains. It should neither be ripened nor salted.
How to Handle Ricotta Cheese:
All ricotta cheese should be stored appropriately in the container to use it longterm (2-3 months).
Purpose of Ricotta Cheese in Cooking:
This cheese is made from whole cow’s milk or skimmed milk. It is also made from the whey that is drained from other cheeses, such as mozzarella. The word ‘ricotta’ in ricotta cheese means ‘recooked’ or ‘reused.’
If you find any mold in ricotta cheese, you must discard it. 8 ounces of ricotta converts to 1 cup.
You can also substitute dry cottage cheese for ricotta, but it results in less flavor and more saltiness. Ricotta cheese is a wonderful source of calcium.
Ricotta is used in many Italian desserts, including cannoli and cheesecake.