How long does it take for cheese to smell bad?

It's hard to give a precise time frame for when cheese starts to smell bad because it depends on many factors:

* Type of cheese: Some cheeses, like blue cheese, are intentionally aged to develop strong, pungent aromas. Others, like brie, become noticeably smelly faster.

* Storage conditions: Proper storage is crucial. Refrigeration slows down spoilage, while warm temperatures accelerate it.

* Moisture content: Higher moisture content cheeses (like mozzarella) spoil faster than drier cheeses (like cheddar).

* Mold growth: Mold can develop on cheese and produce unpleasant smells.

Generally, here's a rough guide:

* Fresh cheeses: Start to smell off within a few days to a week at room temperature.

* Semi-hard cheeses: May take a week or two at room temperature to develop an off smell.

* Hard cheeses: Can last for weeks or even months at room temperature before smelling bad.

Signs of spoilage:

* Strong, unpleasant odor: Not just a strong cheese smell, but a sour, rancid, or ammonia-like odor.

* Visible mold: A fuzzy or slimy growth on the surface.

* Slimy texture: The cheese feels slimy or sticky to the touch.

* Color changes: The cheese may become discolored or have a greenish tint.

* Taste changes: The cheese might taste sour, bitter, or unpleasant.

If you notice any of these signs, it's best to discard the cheese. It's not worth the risk of getting sick.