And now I've found several packs of raclette cheese in the fridge that were hidden by a giant 1kg tub of Lurpak butter 2 packs expired the end of January, and one on the 6th Jan. Now I'm not fussy, if it looks and smells ok and ain't got fuzzy bits growing on it, I'll eat it. I doubt I'll be able to tell with the odour if it's off or not as it pongs anyway, but was thinking of having a raclette fest at the weekend to use it up. What's the longest time you've eaten your vacuum packed cheese after its use by date?
So now that I'm back in merry old England, I did pack up our belongings with various goodies that I know I would miss from Switzerland.
It's cheese so as long as it's not gone mouldy. Even if it has, scrape it off and eat. Option 3 may be ask grumpygrapefruit. But to answer your question, I had raclette on Sunday which had a use date of 8 Jan, but like yourself, I'd been in the UK for a few weeks.
If the packaging hasn't been opened then you'll be fine.
And if it's a block, and it's been opened and has become a science experiment, then I'd just cut the mould off even if it had been opened.
I think my record for vacuum packed cheese is something very close to 3 years.
Cheese doesn't go "off". Mostly, they have been matured from 3 months to 3 years, usually at 10 - 12 degrees, to get to the state where the cheesemaker would like you to enjoy it - ie, how he thinks it'll be at its best. Beyond that it'll develop into, usually, a stronger flavoured cheese. That could be very tasty, or it could be too strong for you. But it won't hurt you. And if there is any mould on the surface, just scrape it off.
I would though, be more careful of soft, raw milk blue cheeses - but hard or semi hard cheeses like Raclette you will have no problem.
Thanks all....Raclette night this weekend for us
If you have a cat, put it in the food dish.
If the cat eats it, its OK!
How are you finding life back in blighty by the way? And don ́t worry about the cheese, "Mindesthaltbar" doesn ́t mean "becomes toxic by" Enjoy your well matured Raclette.
It seems to keep indefinitely in the freezer, too, although there is some compromise of texture and it is best grated for tarts rather than sliced for table top grill meals. That's been our solution when we've found some left in the fridge after the weather has turned too spring-like to imagine wanting a raclette meal in the next few months. I might be able to exceed the 3 year record because our freezer is like a bottomless pit, but not sure.
The rules are different for stuff which has been in the freezer.
Original vacuum packaging: indefinite.
Ziplock/tupperware: put into freezer in any year starting "201".
Cardboard box: 1-4 years (depends on how hungry one is).
The cheese should be fine ... have a nice meal
My American OH is the one who trashed a deodorant stick the day after the "Use before..." date. Needless to say she drew some flak from me, but she steadfastly refused to use it any longer. After all, you never know.
When she is here in Switzerland, I am the chef, although she is a mighty good cook too. I often treat her to meals made of stuff that's way beyond those silly dates. Of course I gleefully tell her afterwards. Interestingly enough, she often admits it tastes even better.
I am waiting for the day when thumb tacks and pan lids will sport a "Use before..." date.
Indeed you don't. To be really sure, best get rid of things at least a week before the use before date. After all, you never know.
Probably not the deodorant though
What really annoys me is they put short dates on stuff that frequently lasts much longer but still sell lettuce that's gone bad before you even get it home.
They need a different date for "if we left it in the sun and then kicked it across the warehouse".
So my cat is in the food dish. How do I stop it jumping out again?
Do you mean to say my single jar of marmite will only be a lifetime supply if I happen to die prematurely?
I had marmite 3 years beyond sell-by. It was fine, if a little foamy.
No idea why the cat has to bath in it but you know, I used to test meat on my cat. She was a great judge. I trusted her thoroughly.
On the other hand I learnt the hard way that tires should have such a date
Our cat ate mice and spat out the gall bladder.
I'm sure this is a good example, but hopefully not one I'm not going to have to use any time soon.
Not too bad to be honest, thanks. I'm back at work here whereas I only worked every now and then in Switzerland, so that's keeping me occupied. I'm flying back next Monday though to do the apartment handover. Hoping my cleaners have done a good job
Source
I do not believe they actually did scrap the labels but anyway a useful bit of information