Is it safe to eat raw cheese?
Quick Answer
Yes, but with caution
Raw cheese, made from unpasteurized milk, can be safe to eat if properly produced and aged. However, it may also carry harmful bacteria like E.coli or Listeria, especially if it’s not handled or stored correctly.
What Is It?
Raw cheese is cheese made from milk that has not been pasteurized. The pasteurization process kills bacteria, but also some of the beneficial enzymes and bacteria that give cheese its flavor.
Historical Context
Raw cheese has been made for thousands of years, long before pasteurization was invented. Many traditional cheese recipes call for raw milk.
Why It Can Be Risky
While raw cheese can be delicious and nutritious, it also carries some risks.
- Potential presence of harmful bacteria like E.coli or Listeria
- Increased risk of foodborne illness, especially for people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, elderly, and children
Safe Method?
To safely eat raw cheese, ensure it has been properly aged, usually for 60 days or more, at a temperature of at least 35°F. This aging process helps to kill off harmful bacteria.
Safe Alternatives
If you’re concerned about the risks of raw cheese, consider eating pasteurized cheese or cheese made from pasteurized milk.
Storage Tips
Store raw cheese in the refrigerator at a temperature below 40°F’, ‘Wrap the cheese in wax paper or cheese paper to allow it to breathe’, ‘Avoid storing raw cheese with strong-smelling foods, as it can absorb the odors
Preparation Tips
Before eating raw cheese, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture.