Can Burrata Go Bad? – AnswerCatch

Key Takeaways:

Burrata is a fresh cheese with a notoriously short shelf life of only 2-5 days when refrigerated.
It will develop mold and smell sour when it goes bad due to bacteria growth.
To extend its shelf life, freeze Burrata if it won’t be eaten within 5 days.
Never leave Burrata out at room temperature for over 24 hours.
Always buy the freshest Burrata and eat it as soon as possible after purchase.

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Introduction

Burrata is a deliciously creamy cheese that has become popular around the world in recent years. This fresh Italian cheese features an outer shell of mozzarella that encases a lush, smooth interior of stracciatella and cream. The rich, indulgent texture and subtle, milky flavor of Burrata make it a favorite for cheese boards, salads, pastas, and more.

However, as a fresh cheese, Burrata has a notoriously brief shelf life. Proper storage is essential to enjoy Burrata at its peak while avoiding waste. This article will comprehensively evaluate the shelf life of Burrata, signs of spoilage, and best practices for storage to maximize freshness. Discover everything you need to know to safely store Burrata and identify when it has gone bad. With this guide, you can confidently purchase, store, and enjoy Burrata cheese.

Understanding the shelf life of delicate Burrata allows you to serve and appreciate it when it is freshest and most flavorful. Learning proper techniques for storage, freezing, and identifying spoilage empowers you to reduce waste. With the valuable information in this article, you can become a Burrata storage pro.

How Long Does Burrata Last When Refrigerated?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, fresh Burrata will generally last for 2-5 days past the sell-by date printed on the packaging. The shelf life can vary slightly based on factors like the cheese’s quality and age at purchase. But on average, expect refrigerated Burrata to remain fresh for about 2-3 days after opening.

It is essential to store Burrata in the coldest part of your refrigerator, at a temperature of 35-40°F. The cooler environment helps slow bacteria growth that causes the cheese to spoil. Keep the Burrata tightly sealed in its original container or wrap it airtight with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

If you purchase Burrata from a cheese counter where it is cut to order, it will have a shorter shelf life of just 1-2 days. Self-service Burrata packed in brine may keep for up to 5 days when unopened. But once exposed to air, its shelf life drops to 2-3 days.

While refrigeration extends the shelf life, Burrata should be consumed as soon as possible after purchase for ideal flavor and texture. The delicate stracciatella filling can start to break down, causing watery pockets.

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Does Burrata Go Bad Faster at Room Temperature?

Yes, Burrata will go bad significantly faster if left at room temperature. The warmer conditions allow bacteria and mold to multiply rapidly, spoiling the cheese. Burrata left out for over 2 hours is considered unsafe to eat.

If kept at room temperature, Burrata should be consumed within 24 hours of opening. To play it safe, the opened cheese should be refrigerated again after 1 hour at room temp. Once cut into or exposed to air, Burrata deteriorates quickly without refrigeration.

Leaving Burrata cheese unrefrigerated overnight is especially problematic. Bacteria counts can reach unsafe levels within this timeframe. For the best quality and safety, always store Burrata sealed in the fridge.

How Can You Tell If Burrata Has Gone Bad?

There are a few clear signs that indicate your Burrata has spoiled and is no longer safe to eat:

Mold growth – You may notice fuzzy white or blue-green mold forming on the surface. This is a sure sign of spoilage. Discard the cheese immediately.
Sliminess – Fresh Burrata should feel creamy. If it feels excessively slimy, that indicates bacteria overgrowth.
Sour smell – Burrata that has gone bad will have a distinctly sour, unpleasant odor. Some describe it as acidic or fermented.
Discoloration – The white surface may turn yellowish or brownish. Dark spots can also appear, signaling mold growth beneath the surface.
Unexpected texture – Bad Burrata can have a dry, crumbly texture rather than a smooth, lush feel. If you detect any grittiness or chalkiness, discard it.
Whey separation – Fresh Burrata has a creamy interior. Excess watery whey pooling around the cheese signals spoilage.

Trust your senses. If your Burrata shows any odd textures, colors, smells, or flavors, it has likely spoiled and should not be eaten. When in doubt, throw it out.

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How Can You Extend the Shelf Life of Burrata?

To make your Burrata last longer, the best option is freezing it. While this does impact the cheese’s texture slightly, it allows extended storage for up to 2 months.

Here is a simple process to freeze Burrata:

Start with fresh, unopened Burrata as close to the sell-by date as possible.
Open the container and drain off any liquid. Pat the cheese dry with paper towels.
Wrap the Burrata tightly in plastic wrap, squeezing out excess air. Then place it in a freezer bag, press out extra air, and seal.
Label the bag with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before using. Enjoy within 5 days.

The freezing process stops bacteria growth that causes spoilage. Thawed Burrata will have a slightly denser, chewier texture but retains its flavor wonderfully. The outer shell may peel away, so handle the cheese gently after defrosting.

What Is the Best Way to Store Burrata?

To optimize Burrata’s short shelf life, follow these storage guidelines:

Keep Burrata refrigerated at all times in the coldest part of the fridge, ideally at 35-40°F. Do not store it in the door.
If the cheese comes in a brine-filled pouch, keep it sealed until ready to use. Once opened, drain the liquid before sealing the Burrata in an airtight container.
Tightly wrap cut Burrata in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight food storage container, pressing out excess air. Prevent exposure to air which can dry it out.
Consume Burrata within 5 days of opening and 2 days of cutting for peak quality. Discard immediately if moldy or slimy.
When freezing, wrap in plastic wrap then place in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

With proper refrigeration and air-tight storage, you can safely keep fresh Burrata for 2-5 days. Freezing extends its shelf life significantly. But for the true Burrata experience, always eat it as fresh as possible!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Burrata Shelf Life

How long can unopened Burrata sit at room temperature?

Unopened, store-bought Burrata can be left at room temperature for 1-2 hours. After that, it’s best to refrigerate it to slow bacteria growth. Do not keep unopened Burrata unrefrigerated for more than 4 hours.

Does Burrata expire?

Yes, Burrata does expire and has a relatively short shelf life. An unopened package can be sold up to 14 days after it was made. Once opened, it lasts just 2-5 days when refrigerated. “Sell by” and “use by” dates on the label indicate the maximum recommended freshness.

Can you freeze Burrata cheese?

Freezing extends Burrata’s shelf life. It can keep in the freezer for 1-2 months when properly wrapped. The texture may become dense and chewy after thawing but the flavor remains good. Let it defrost overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

What happens if you eat expired Burrata?

Eating Burrata past its prime can lead to food poisoning. As Burrata ages, bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli can grow to dangerous levels. Consuming spoiled Burrata can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other foodborne illness symptoms. Always discard expired soft cheeses.

Can you eat moldy Burrata?

No, you should never eat Burrata with mold on it. Mold signifies colonies of bacteria or fungi growing, contaminating the cheese. Consuming moldy soft cheeses can lead to serious gastrointestinal issues or even toxicity. Always discard Burrata immediately if you see any fuzz, spots, or discoloration.

Storing Burrata Properly Lets You Enjoy Its Delicate Taste

Burrata is a real treat for cheese lovers, but its freshness fades quickly after just 2-5 days. Keeping Burrata properly refrigerated, tightly sealed from air, and frozen for extended storage allows you to appreciate its lush, creamy texture and subtle milky flavors. Monitor your Burrata for any signs of sliminess, mold, sour smells, or textural changes that signal it has spoiled. Follow the guidelines in this article to reduce waste and enjoy Burrata at its peak. With the right storage, you can keep this prized cheese fresh and experience Burrata the way it was meant to be savored.

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