Can you freeze Ricotta Cheese?

PollyO, the best Ricotta in my opinion is on sale this week at one of the supermarkets but I don't need it at this time. Can I freeze the unopened container and if so, for how long?

Can you freeze Ricotta Cheese?

I thought you couldn't but Google says otherwise:

To freeze, tightly seal original package and place in freezer; if freezing for longer than 2 months, place package inside a heavy-duty freezer bag in order to prevent freezer burn. When ricotta is thawed, there may be some liquid at the top of the container; simply stir it back into the cheese.

Re: Can you freeze Ricotta Cheese?

Technically you can however, I wouldn't. Gross.

How Freezing Affects Ricotta

Soft types of cheese like ricotta do not tend to freeze well because they contain a lot of moisture. The moisture inside ricotta turns to ice when you freeze it. The ice crystals that form inside tear into ricotta’s structure and damage it. When you thaw ricotta, you will likely notice a funky texture. This is because there is commonly a separation between the curds and whey. This separation leaves the product watery and unpleasant to eat directly for many palates. You can try to reconstitute the curds back into the whey (watery portion) by giving the ricotta a good stir. However, this often will still leave an undesirable texture.

Freezer burn is also a concern with ricotta. Freezer burn occurs when moisture is drawn out the product and evaporates in the cold freezer air and refreeze on the product surface. Freezer burn causes ice crystals to form on the surface that can be scraped away. However, after freezer burn sets in, the texture and taste will likely be altered to the point of being disgusting for most tastes. Remember, freezer burn can potentially be deterred by properly sealing the product, reducing freezing times, and keeping the product at appropriate freezer temperatures without fluctuations.

Freezing Ricotta

Can you freeze Ricotta Cheese?

I would not. Read what Hofstra posted above.

Re: Can you freeze Ricotta Cheese?

Not worth it for the few cents you'll save, IMO. Though I've frozen baked ziti and it doesn't bother me then.