How long you can REALLY keep cheese in the fridge for (and some last for more than a MONTH after you’ve opened them)

Hard cheeses like Parmesan last the longest: up to six weeks once opened 

They last even longer before they've been opened: up to six months

Semi-hard cheeses such as Gouda last up to three weeks once opened 

Soft cheeses have the shortest shelf life, and last for two weeks once opened 

One of the staples of any Christmas spread is a cheeseboard which features all your favourites.

But when they go back in the fridge after being half eaten, you can easily forget how long they have been there and when they need to be finished off by.

Now experts have revealed the shelf life of every type of cheese - and some of them last much longer than you think.

HARD CHEESES

Most families will be creating an indulgent cheeseboard at some point over the festive period. This one features Stilton, Brie, a semi-hard cheese such as Gouda, chutney, grapes, olives and pickles

Hard cheeses include Parmesan, Pecorino and Cheddar to name a few, and these last the longest

These cheeses will last the longest at up to six weeks in the fridge once opened, according to Tasting Table.

Before you open the packet though, they can last between four and six months, and up to eight months if you freeze them. 

SEMI-HARD CHEESES


These include Gruyere, Gouda (pictured), Emmental, and Edam

They can last up to three weeks once opened in the fridge, according to shelf life guide Still Tasty.

Before you open the packet, they will last two months if you store them in the freezer.

But even if one of these cheeses grows mould, simply cut it off about an inch thick around it and discard. Then the cheese is still safe to eat.

SOFT CHEESES

Soft cheeses include feta, Camembert and brie (pictured)

Soft cheeses must be eaten fairly quickly because harmful bacteria such as listeria thrives in them because of their moisture. 

Therefore they must be eaten within two weeks once opened.

Once they grow mould, don't eat as it could cause a stomach upset.

Tasting Table says you can keep soft cheeses in the freezer, but it may affect the texture.