Cottage cheese is one of the most delectable grocery items out there, making a fine addition to many different types of savory dishes. This delicious dairy item is even a fine addition to sweet breakfast cereals, such as porridge with maple syrup and oatmeal with brown sugar. The cottage cheese product adds a wholesome flavor to nearly any savor meal, including Winter squash dishes and whole-grain dishes like Quinoa. When it comes to incorporating cottage cheese into your culinary routine, it is recommended that you verse yourself in the expiration dates relevant to this delicious dairy dish. How long does cottage cheese last? There are a few ways to check whether or not your cottage cheese is still good for use.
USDA Guidelines
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is a federal organization that develops and executes laws related to farming, forestry, and food. It is part of the government’s executive branch. It is this governing body that is responsible for developing guidelines about food perishability. The USDA has officially stated shelf life dates for each of the major types of dairy products offered on the market. Cottage cheese is known by USDA guidelines to have a shelf life of approximately 10 – 14 days. This refers to the time that the product can be consumed after it is initially opened.
Quick Look
There are checks that you can do at home to determine whether or not your cottage cheese is still good to eat. The first check that you can do is to visually inspect the product for signs of expiration. Cottage cheese should be completely white, without any specks of blue, black, or green. The latter are signs of mold and should be avoided at all costs. The product should be all white and if it is, possible that it is still safe to eat.
Scent Check
Another way to check your cottage cheese for edibility is to give it a quick scent check. When you open the cottage cheese container, the food should emanate a fresh dairy smell. This smell is similar to that of fresh milk or sour cream. Should your cottage cheese smell like this and it has not been opened for more than 10 to 14 days, then you are likely within the time frame when it is still safe to eat. However, your cottage cheese may give off a markedly sour smell. When dairy goes bad, it starts to smell sour like it is rancid. When you smell your cottage cheese, you should check to make sure that it doesn’t smell sour. If it does, you might as well take the container and throw it right into the trash because it is likely to cause health problems if eaten.
Cottage cheese is a wonderful addition to many meals that must be checked for freshness before being eaten. There are numerous ways to ensure that your cottage cheese is safe to eat, including following USDA guidelines, performing a visual check, and performing a scent check. There is no reason why your cottage cheese should last any longer than 10 to 14 days on the shelf after being opened. Additionally, your cottage cheese should be white without any specks of blue, black, or green. The cottage cheese should give off a fresh dairy smell with only a slightly sour smell. If it smells strongly sour, then it is recommended to dispose of the product and purchase fresh. Should you follow these guidelines before eating cottage cheese, you will be sure to stay in good health.
