Ricotta is a fresh cheese product made from milk whey, generally from sheep or cows, with a soft and grainy consistency. As it is a perishable food, it is important to know how it can be stored correctly.
Adequate storage keeps the product’s nutritional and organoleptic properties intact and means that the food can be consumed safely. Here’s how long ricotta lasts in the refrigerator, including salted ricotta and ricotta in vacuum packaging.
How long does ricotta last?
First of all, we’ll look at how long fresh ricotta lasts in the refrigerator, for example ricotta sold loose and portioned. In this case, it can be stored for 2 to 3 days, but in some circumstances, if it is well packaged, it could last longer, even up to 4 to 5 days.
In any case, you should always respect the expiration date indicated on the food product label. Storage times can be longer if the ricotta is vacuum-sealed in a protective atmosphere. How long does vacuum-sealed ricotta last? As long as it is kept sealed, it lasts up to 2 to 3 weeks, while once the packaging has been opened, it will last a maximum of 4 to 5 days.
Vacuum-sealed smoked or salted ricotta can last longer as the seasoning process reduces the product’s water content and extends its shelf life. With salted ricotta, for example, the product’s shelf life is less than 12 months, generally up to 3 to 4 months but it depends on the individual food and the storage methods.
How can you store ricotta?
To find out how to make ricotta last, you need to know how best to store it. Ricotta is usually kept in the refrigerator at a temperature of around 4°C. The packaging must be intact, but after it has been opened, it needs to be closed properly or you can use a container with a hermetic seal.
To prevent food waste, you can also freeze ricotta, you just need to portion it out, put it in specific freezer-safe containers and label them with the date of freezing. This process allows you to store ricotta for up to 1 to 3 months, after which it will start to lose its nutritional and organoleptic properties.
Now we’ll look at how to store salted ricotta, a product that must always be kept in the refrigerator, in its packaging or wrapped in baking paper, on the lowest shelves. It is also important to be careful when leaving it at room temperature, for example while you are eating it, and reduce the time it is exposed to high temperatures.
How to store vacuum-sealed ricotta
Vacuum packing is a process that removes oxygen from inside the packaging, extending the shelf life of food products. As we have seen, vacuum-sealed ricotta lasts longer than fresh ricotta or conventionally packaged ricotta, even lasting up to 2 to 3 weeks, but it should be kept in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4 to 5°C.
Obviously, the packaging must always be intact so it provides an optimal barrier effect and prevents exposure to the air from outside. Once opened, if the ricotta is not all eaten, it should be placed back in a suitable container and consumed within 2 to 3 days.
How to tell whether ricotta has gone bad
When ricotta starts to go bad, there are some signs that should not be underestimated if you want to prevent contamination and health risks. The most common signs that ricotta is no longer suitable for consumption are:
- Mold on the surface;
- Brown or black patches;
- Color changes since the time of purchase;
- An unpleasant odor, which is different from usual;
- An acidic taste.
In these cases, it means that the ricotta has gone bad and should not be consumed, otherwise it could cause stomach ache, diarrhea and vomiting.
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