Dairy
Hard/Semi-hard cheese (aged)

Asiago CheeseShelf Life, Storage, and Spoilage Guide

Sourced from
USDA FoodSafety.govFDA

Pantry

Not Recommended

Not recommended

Refrigeration is required for safety and quality once purchased or opened.

Refrigerator

Opened: 3-4 weeks; Unopened: 6 months

Keep tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, foil, or parchment paper. Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator.

Freezer

6 months

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil or a freezer bag. Freezing may alter texture, making it more crumbly.

Signs of Spoilage

  • Sour or off-odor
  • Slimy or sticky texture
  • Significant discoloration
  • Mold (if widespread or on soft cheese; for hard cheese, cut off at least 1 inch around and below the mold)

Room Temperature Safety

Perishable foods, including cheese, should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If the ambient temperature is above 90°F (32°C), the limit is 1 hour.

The 'Danger Zone' for bacterial growth is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C).

Promptly refrigerate Asiago cheese after purchase and after each use to keep it out of the danger zone.

Expert Tips

Safe Handling

1

Always keep Asiago cheese refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below.

2

Prevent cross-contamination by using clean utensils and cutting boards when handling cheese.

3

If mold appears on hard Asiago cheese, cut off at least 1 inch around and below the moldy spot. Do not taste cheese with mold on it. Discard if mold is widespread or if it's a soft cheese.

Related Items

Comparisons

Parmesan Cheese (hard)
Pantry
Not recommended
Fridge
Opened: 3-4 weeks; Unopened: 6 months
Freezer
6 months
Cheddar Cheese (semi-hard)
Pantry
Not recommended
Fridge
Opened: 3-4 weeks; Unopened: 6 months
Freezer
6-8 months
Mozzarella Cheese (soft/semi-soft)
Pantry
Not recommended
Fridge
Opened: 1 week; Unopened: 2 weeks
Freezer
Not recommended