Patrick Oconnell
Goat cheese is a delicious and creamy ingredient that can make any dish more delightful. However, it is a perishable food item and can go bad if not stored properly. While refrigeration is the best way to preserve goat cheese, one may wonder if it can stay fresh if kept sealed at room temperature. Well, the answer is not so straightforward. Several factors, including time, temperature, and packaging, influence the shelf life of goat cheese when left unrefrigerated.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated shelf life | A few weeks to a couple of months |
| Frozen shelf life | Longer than refrigerated |
| Unrefrigerated shelf life | A few weeks |
| Texture | Soft, young, and not always log-shaped |
| Rind | White or wrinkly |
| Vacuum-sealed shelf life | At least two months unopened |
| Vacuum-sealed signs of spoilage | Excess liquid, leakage, and off-colors |
| Signs of spoilage | Off smell, mold, discoloration, bacterial film, bitter or unpleasant taste |
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What You'll Learn
Vacuum-sealed goat cheese can last unopened for at least two months
Goat cheese is a versatile and delicious ingredient, but it can be tricky to know how to store it properly. Fresh goat cheese is typically soft, young, and not always log-shaped, and it has a shorter shelf life than aged goat cheese. It is important to note that goat cheese, like any other cheese, needs humidity and some room to breathe.
It is worth noting that fresh goat cheese is generally recommended to be consumed within seven days of purchase, and some sources suggest it may last up to two weeks if properly sealed and refrigerated. Beyond two weeks, the risk of bacterial growth increases.
If you are unsure whether your vacuum-sealed goat cheese is still good to consume, there are some telltale signs to look out for. Firstly, check for any discoloration or bacterial film on the surface of the cheese. Goat cheese should be white, and any noticeable yellowing or off-white tint is an indication that it has gone bad. Additionally, if the cheese has developed an off smell or appearance, or if there is any mold present, it should be discarded.
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Goat cheese can develop mould, which is a sign of spoilage
Goat cheese is a delicious and creamy treat, but it can be tricky to know when it's gone off. Fresh goat cheese is particularly challenging to judge as it can be soft and spreadable, and it doesn't have a clear expiration date. The good news is that if goat cheese does go bad, it's usually obvious.
Goat cheese that is properly sealed and refrigerated can last for a couple of months. However, if left at room temperature, the cheese will age faster and may spoil. The ideal temperature for ageing cheese is between 50º and 60º F (10º and 15.5º C), which is cooler than room temperature but warmer than a refrigerator.
To avoid spoilage, it is recommended to buy only the amount of goat cheese you plan to eat within seven days. Additionally, when purchasing goat cheese, look for one that feels firm and is not wrapped in plastic, as plastic wrap can cause unwanted mould. Instead, opt for cheese wrapped in wax paper or vacuum-sealed packaging.
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Goat cheese can be stored in the freezer to increase its shelf life
Goat cheese is a delicious treat, but it can be a challenge to make it last. The soft and creamy texture of goat cheese means it doesn't always disperse evenly throughout dishes like salads, and it can be a slimy mess if not consumed quickly enough. However, freezing goat cheese is a great way to increase its shelf life and ensure you always have some on hand.
Freezing goat cheese is a simple process. First, divide the cheese into portions if you want to freeze individual servings. Wrap the portions or the entire log in freezer-safe plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped cheese in a freezer-safe zipper top bag or add a layer of foil to protect it from freezer burn. It's a good idea to label the package with the date, so you know when it was frozen. Frozen goat cheese can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
When you're ready to use the frozen goat cheese, take it out of the freezer and let it thaw. Goat cheese thaws quickly and can even be cubed or crumbled while still partially frozen. Keep in mind that freezing may alter the texture of the cheese, making it less soft and creamy. However, this change in texture can be advantageous for certain recipes, such as grated goat cheese on roasted asparagus or stirred into pasta sauces.
While freezing goat cheese can extend its shelf life, proper storage practices are still essential. If you choose not to freeze your goat cheese, it should be refrigerated to slow down the aging process and maintain freshness. Room temperature storage will accelerate the aging process and increase the risk of spoilage. Additionally, always check the cheese for any signs of mold or an off smell, as these indicate that the cheese has gone bad and should be discarded.
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Goat cheese that has spoiled will have a strong or sour smell
Goat cheese is a versatile and delicious ingredient, but it can be tricky to know when it has gone bad. Fresh goat cheese is soft, young, and not always log-shaped, and it has a shorter shelf life than aged goat cheese. Aged goat cheese, on the other hand, is ripened over a longer period and can be quite firm, complex, and pungent.
Goat cheese, like all dairy products, can spoil if not stored properly. If you suspect your goat cheese has gone bad, it's important to trust your senses. Goat cheese that has spoiled will have a strong or sour smell, a sign that it has gone past its prime. This is due to bacterial growth, which can also cause discoloration and the presence of a bacterial film, a thin layer of clammy, slimy fluid on the surface of the cheese. If you see any mould on the cheese, discard it entirely.
To prevent spoilage, it is recommended to refrigerate goat cheese, especially if it is fresh and soft. Properly wrapped and refrigerated, goat cheese should last for weeks, if not a couple of months. Vacuum-sealed goat cheese can last for at least two months unopened, but once opened, it should be stored in a lidded plastic or glass container in the refrigerator. If you plan to store it for a longer period, freezing is an option, although this may alter the texture and taste.
It's important to note that the ideal aging temperature for cheese is between 50º and 60º F (10º and 15.5º C). Room temperature is above this range and will speed up the aging process, potentially leading to faster spoilage. Always check the best-by date and use your senses to determine if the cheese is still good.
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Goat cheese should be firm, not mushy
Goat cheese is a delicious and creamy delight, but it can be tricky to know when it's gone bad. Fresh goat cheese should be firm, not mushy. If you're buying fresh goat cheese, it's best to buy what you know you'll eat within seven days. This is because fresh goat cheese is just as perishable as milk, and the USDA recommends not keeping it longer than a week in the fridge. Beyond that, it's prone to bacterial growth.
Goat cheese that is going bad will usually develop an off smell and appearance. If you see any mould, discard it entirely. It's not unusual for mould to grow on cheese, but it's not desirable on goat cheese. If your fresh goat cheese has noticeably yellowed or acquired an off-white tint, it's past its prime. A bacterial film is another sign of spoilage; this appears as a thin layer of slimy fluid on the surface of the cheese.
Vacuum-sealed goat cheese can last a little longer. Unopened, it can be stored for at least two months. However, once opened, it should be taken out of the packaging and stored in a lidded plastic or glass container in the refrigerator. If you're storing a variety with a rind, avoid plastic wrap as this can cause mould. Instead, wrap it in wax paper and then in plastic and store it in the refrigerator.
Room temperature will speed up the ageing process, so it's best to keep your goat cheese in the fridge. If you're unsure whether your cheese has spoiled, your senses are the best way to tell.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the type of goat cheese. Soft and fresh goat cheese is good for up to a week, while sealed and unopened vacuum-sealed goat cheese can last for at least two months. However, refrigeration is recommended to preserve the cheese's qualities and prevent bacterial growth.
Fresh goat cheese that has gone bad will typically develop an off smell and appearance. Discoloration, the presence of a bacterial film, and mould are all signs that the cheese has spoiled and should be discarded.
Freezing goat cheese will likely extend its shelf life, but it may reduce or eliminate the qualities that make it appealing, such as its texture and flavour.
