Kamil Perry
Goat cheese is a delicious treat, but it can be tricky to know when it's gone bad. Its distinctive smell and soft, spreadable texture can make it challenging to determine whether it has gone off or not. While some signs of spoilage are obvious, others are more subtle. For example, the presence of a bacterial film or mould on the surface of the cheese is a clear indication that it should be discarded. On the other hand, the development of a tough crust on the outside of the cheese may be less apparent, but it indicates that the cheese has dried out. Additionally, the ideal temperature for storing goat cheese is between 10° and 15.5° Celsius, and room temperature is typically higher than this, accelerating the ageing process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ideal aging temperature | 50º to 60º F (10º to 15.5º C) |
| Refrigeration | Goat cheese should be kept refrigerated at all times |
| Packaging | Goat cheese should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil |
| Vacuum-sealed packaging | Provided that there aren't any mold spores inside, it will last a long time |
| Mold | If there is mold on the cheese, discard it entirely |
| Bacterial film | A thin layer of slimy fluid that adheres to the surface of the cheese; if present, discard the cheese |
| Smell | A sharp or acrid smell, or an ammonia note, indicates spoilage |
| Best-by date | This is a good starting point, but it is not an expiration date |
| Fresh, soft goat cheese | Usually good for up to a week in the refrigerator, some sources say up to 2 weeks |
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese storage
Goat cheese, or Chevre, is a creamy, tangy, delicious cheese. It is a soft, young, fresh cheese that is usually white in colour. Goat cheese can be vacuum-sealed or wrapped in wax paper.
Storage
Goat cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, ideally in the cheese drawer. It is best to buy only what you will eat within seven days.
Goat cheese needs humidity and some room to breathe. It should not be wrapped in plastic wrap, as this can cause unwanted mould. Wax paper is a better option. If you have vacuum-sealed goat cheese, make sure there are no mould spores inside the packaging. The ideal ageing temperature for cheese is between 50º and 60º F (10º and 15.5º C). Room temperature is above this and will speed up the ageing process.
Signs of Spoilage
Goat cheese going bad does not always mean it has become dangerous to consume. However, some moulds produce toxins, so it is better to be safe than sorry. If you see any mould on your goat cheese, discard it. If the cheese has yellowed and developed a tough crust on the outside, it has dried out in the fridge. If the cheese has a sharp or acrid smell, it has probably gone bad.
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Vacuum-sealed goat cheese
Goat cheese is a versatile and delicious product with a distinctive aroma and flavour. It can be vacuum-sealed for freshness and longevity, but how long does it last?
If the vacuum-sealed goat cheese is not opened, it can be stored at room temperature for several weeks, or even months, in an unheated room. However, refrigeration will prolong its life, and it is recommended to refrigerate the cheese if you plan to keep it for a long time.
Once the vacuum seal is broken, the cheese should be removed from the packaging and stored in a lidded container in the refrigerator. If mould appears on the cheese, it should be discarded, as mould filaments are likely to have spread throughout the entire product. A sharp or acrid smell is also an indicator that the cheese has spoiled and should be thrown away.
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Goat cheese shelf life
Goat cheese is available in two styles: fresh and aged. Fresh goat cheese is soft, moist, and young, with a creamy to crumbly texture depending on its moisture level. Aged goat cheese, on the other hand, is ripened over a longer period, resulting in a slightly firmer texture that ranges from soft-ripened to hard. It tends to have a more robust flavour and is ideal for melting or slicing.
The shelf life of goat cheese depends on its type and how it is stored. Fresh cheeses will stay fresh for about five days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The "Best By" date on the packaging indicates peak flavour and quality, but the cheese can still be consumed after this date. Aged goat cheeses can be stored in the refrigerator for several months if properly wrapped and stored. The ideal temperature for aging cheese is between 10° and 15.5° C, and room temperature will accelerate the aging process.
To extend the shelf life of goat cheese, it is important to wrap it correctly to avoid transferring odours and flavours between different cheeses and to prevent microbial contamination. Well-aged cheeses can be stored in the middle of the refrigerator between 4° and 6° C, while fresh cheeses should be stored in the top of the refrigerator between 0° and 4° C to slow down the ripening process.
Some goat cheeses, particularly dry and semi-hard varieties, can be frozen to prolong their shelf life. However, freezing is not recommended for fresh or ripened goat cheeses as it can alter their texture and flavour. Frozen cheese should be consumed within two months, as freezing does not completely halt the ripening process.
It is important to inspect goat cheese for signs of spoilage before consumption. Moulds can grow on cheese, and while some are beneficial and safe, others can be harmful. Blue cheese is the only type of cheese that should show blue or green mould. If other types of mould are present, the cheese should be discarded. Bacterial film, characterised by a thin layer of clammy, slimy fluid on the surface or pooled in the packaging, is another indication of spoilage. Additionally, if the cheese has developed a sharp or acrid smell, it has likely gone bad.
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Signs of spoilage
Goat cheese is prone to spoilage due to its high moisture content and signature pungent aroma. Here are some signs that your goat cheese has gone bad:
Visible signs of spoilage
A common sign of spoilage in goat cheese is the presence of mould. While mould is necessary for the creation of certain cheeses, such as Blue Cheese, Brie, and Camembert, it does not belong on goat cheese. If you spot any fuzzy, blue, or green mould on your goat cheese, it has gone bad and should be discarded. Additionally, if you notice a thin, slimy, mucus-like layer on the surface of the cheese, this is a bacterial film, and the cheese should be thrown out.
Odour
Goat cheese has a distinctive, pungent aroma even when fresh. However, if the cheese develops a sharp, acrid, or ammonia-like smell, it has likely gone bad. The change in odour indicates that the cheese is approaching or has surpassed its spoilage point.
Texture
Goat cheese is soft and spreadable when fresh. However, if it has dried out in the refrigerator, it may develop a tough crust and become crumbly. While this cheese may not be pleasant to eat, it is not necessarily dangerous, and you can still use it in cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, or casseroles.
Best-by dates
Checking the best-by or use-by date on the packaging is a good starting point. However, these dates are estimates of flavour quality, and the cheese may still be safe to consume beyond these dates. Fresh, soft goat cheese is typically good for about one to two weeks when properly refrigerated and sealed.
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Freezing goat cheese
Goat cheese is a soft and creamy cheese that can be challenging to store. It has a distinctive "funk" that sets it apart from other cheeses, and its freshness can be difficult to ascertain. Freezing goat cheese is an excellent way to prolong its life. Here is a comprehensive guide to freezing goat cheese:
Preparing Goat Cheese for Freezing
Goat cheese can be frozen in portions or as a whole log. It is advisable to divide the cheese into desired portions before freezing, as this makes it easier to thaw and use. Wrap the portions or log in freezer-safe plastic wrap. This layer of protection helps prevent freezer burn and maintains the cheese's quality. You can then place the wrapped cheese in a freezer bag or add another layer of protection by wrapping it in foil.
Storing in the Freezer
When storing goat cheese in the freezer, it is essential to remove as much air as possible from the packaging. Squeeze out the excess air before sealing the freezer bag. Label the package with the date, as this helps you keep track of how long the cheese has been frozen. Goat cheese can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thawing and Using Frozen Goat Cheese
Goat cheese thaws quickly, and you can even cube or crumble it while it is still partially frozen. It is recommended to take it out of the freezer a little ahead of when you need it. Frozen goat cheese can be grated, similar to hard cheeses like Parmesan. However, note that frozen goat cheese may not be suitable for recipes that require a soft and creamy texture, such as spreads or bruschetta.
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Frequently asked questions
Fresh, soft goat cheese is usually good for up to a week in your refrigerator, and some sources say it may last up to 2 weeks. However, if your goat cheese has taken on a sharp or acrid smell, it's approaching the point of no return. If there is mould on your goat cheese, discard it entirely, unless it is white mould from brie.
To maximise the shelf life of fresh goat cheese after opening, wrap the original packaging tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. For even better results, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then cover with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
Goat cheese should be kept refrigerated at all times. Room temperature is above the ideal ageing temperature for cheese and will speed up the ageing process.
