Andy Montoya
Goat cheese is a soft cheese that is often stored in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage. While goat cheese can develop mold, it is generally not safe to consume moldy cheese, as it may cause foodborne illnesses. The presence of certain types of mold, such as blue, orange, red, or green mold, can indicate spoilage and potential health risks. Additionally, other signs of spoilage in goat cheese include a strong or unpleasant smell, a changed texture, and an unpleasant taste. Proper storage and timely consumption are crucial to ensure the safety and quality of goat cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Goat cheese shelf life | 7-10 days in the fridge after opening the package |
| Goat cheese with mold | If the cheese has mold, it is best to throw it away |
| Goat cheese smell | Goat cheese has an earthy, grassy farm-type smell |
| Goat cheese texture | Goat cheese is soft like cream cheese, cottage cheese, and cheddar cheese |
| Goat cheese storage | Goat cheese should be stored in a refrigerator and sealed in an airtight container |
| White mold goat cheese | White mold goat cheese is produced by adding a blend of culture, yeast, and rennet to a vat of milk |
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What You'll Learn
How to identify if goat cheese has gone bad
Goat cheese is a soft cheese, and like other soft cheeses such as cream cheese, cottage cheese, and cheddar cheese, it is best kept refrigerated. This will help to keep bacteria and mold at bay. If left at room temperature, goat cheese should not be kept out for more than two hours, as bacterial growth can occur beyond this point.
Goat cheese has a distinctive "goaty" smell, which is mild and musky, and faintly animal-like. When fresh, there should be nothing unpleasant about its smell. However, when goat cheese has gone bad, this smell will change noticeably. It may smell musty or moldy, or have a sharp, unpleasant pungency.
The look of the cheese is also a good indicator of whether it has gone bad. Goat cheese that has gone bad may have a change in color, turning a vivid yellow, orange, or pink. It may also have mold growing on it, which can be any color other than blue or green, as these molds are known to be safe. The cheese may also appear slimy, which is an indication that it is bad and should not be eaten.
The texture of the cheese may also change. Bacterial film is a thin layer of clammy, slimy fluid that can form on the surface of the cheese. This is an indication that the cheese has gone bad and should be discarded.
It is important to note that consuming spoiled goat cheese can lead to foodborne illness, with symptoms including sweating, shivering, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Therefore, it is best to err on the side of caution and discard any goat cheese that exhibits any of the above signs of spoilage.
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The health risks of consuming spoiled goat cheese
Goat cheese is a soft cheese that requires refrigeration to prevent spoilage. Consuming spoiled goat cheese can lead to foodborne illnesses, food poisoning, and other health risks. The health risks associated with consuming spoiled goat cheese include:
Foodborne Illnesses
Leaving goat cheese unrefrigerated for an extended period can cause bacterial growth, leading to foodborne illnesses. It is recommended to discard the cheese if it has been left out for too long or exhibits signs of spoilage, such as a strong smell, changed texture, or visible mold.
Food Poisoning
Consuming spoiled goat cheese can result in food poisoning, with symptoms including sweating, shivering, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever. The presence of harmful bacteria, such as E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, or Brucella, can exacerbate these symptoms.
Listeriosis
Listeria monocytogenes, a type of bacteria commonly found in unpasteurized dairy products, can cause Listeriosis, a serious infection. Individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and newborns are particularly vulnerable to this infection, which can lead to fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. In severe cases, Listeriosis can progress to meningitis.
Allergic Reactions
Allergies to certain molds are common, and consuming moldy goat cheese can trigger allergic reactions characterized by itching, swelling, rashes, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
Health Risks for Pets
Spoiled goat cheese poses health risks not only to humans but also to pets, especially those with sensitive digestive systems. Dogs and cats may experience gastrointestinal issues and other health problems due to the bacteria and toxins present in spoiled goat cheese.
To minimize the health risks associated with consuming spoiled goat cheese, it is essential to practice safe food handling and proper storage. Always check for any signs of spoilage, such as changes in color, smell, or texture, and discard questionable cheese. By following these precautions, you can safely enjoy goat cheese as part of your diet.
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The ideal storage conditions for goat cheese
Goat cheese is a soft cheese, and like other soft cheeses such as cream cheese, cottage cheese, and cheddar cheese, it is best to keep it refrigerated. The ideal temperature for storing goat cheese is between 4 °C and 10 °C, which can be found in the vegetable drawer of a refrigerator. This temperature range mimics the atmosphere of a cave, where goat cheese is typically matured.
Goat cheese should be stored in an airtight container or wrapped in wax or parchment paper to prevent bacteria and mold growth. The original packaging can be reused, or the cheese can be placed in a glass container. It is important to note that plastic containers may soak up odors. Additionally, goat cheese should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours, as bacterial growth can occur beyond this point, leading to spoilage.
The shelf life of goat cheese depends on the type of cheese and how it is stored. Fresh goat cheese, which is soft and young, will typically last for about five days after opening if stored in an airtight container. Unopened and vacuum-sealed fresh goat cheese can be stored in the fridge for about two months or longer. Aged goat cheese, which is ripened over a longer period and has a firmer texture, can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three months if packaged and two to three weeks if unpacked.
To determine if goat cheese has gone bad, use your senses. Signs of spoilage include a strong, off smell, changed texture, or visible mold. If the cheese looks slimy or has been left out for a long time, it is best to discard it to avoid foodborne illness. It is important to note that consuming spoiled goat cheese can pose severe health risks, including digestive issues, food poisoning, and in severe cases, the presence of harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, or Brucella.
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Goat cheese with white mould
Goat cheese, like all cheese, is susceptible to mould. While some moulds are safe to consume, such as those in blue cheese, others can be harmful and cause foodborne illnesses. Therefore, it is generally advised to avoid eating mouldy cheese.
White mould goat cheese has a smooth ivory-coloured interior and a thin, refined rind that gradually thickens as it ages. Its flavour is described as earthy, with notes of fresh mushrooms and a tart finish. Varieties like Chèvre d’Argental are known for their soft and creamy texture and mild flavour, while Goat Camembert and Brie offer a sharper taste.
When it comes to storing goat cheese, it is important to keep it refrigerated in a sealed container. Proper storage can help prevent bacterial growth and mould formation. Goat cheese should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours, as it may spoil and lead to foodborne illnesses. Freezing goat cheese can extend its shelf life but may alter its texture, making it more crumbly.
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The process of making white mould goat cheese
Goat cheese is known to grow mold, and it is not recommended to eat it if mold is present. However, white mold goat cheese is a specific variety of goat cheese that is produced with a blend of culture, yeast, and rennet added to a vat of milk. Here is a detailed step-by-step process of making white mold goat cheese:
Step 1: Adding the Culture, Yeast, and Rennet
The first step in making white mold goat cheese is to add a blend of culture, yeast, and rennet to a vat filled with goat's milk. This mixture is crucial for developing the desired texture and flavor of the cheese. The yeast is specifically added to the mixture to foster a velvety and smooth consistency.
Step 2: Curd Formation and Draining
Once the culture, yeast, and rennet are combined with the milk, the mixture is left to form a curd. This process typically takes several hours. After the curd is formed, it is cut and carefully drained of whey, separating the solid curds from the liquid.
Step 3: Molding and Aging
The drained curds are then poured into designated molds, which give the cheese its distinctive shape. The cheese is left to dry completely, and any remaining traces of whey are drained. At this stage, the cheese is lightly coated in brine to prevent the growth of unwanted mold. The brine also helps to preserve the cheese and enhance its flavor. The cheese is then left to age for a minimum of 3-4 weeks. During this aging process, the characteristic white coating of the cheese develops.
Step 4: Ripening and Flavor Development
As the white mold goat cheese ages, it ripens from the center to the rind, creating a smooth ivory-colored interior. The rind, which is initially thin and refined, gradually grows thicker over time. This aging process is crucial for developing the earthy and mushroom-like flavors that white mold goat cheese is known for. The complex nature of goat's milk, combined with the aging process, results in a cheese that balances contrasting flavors in a harmonious way.
Step 5: Texture and Flavor Variations
White mold goat cheese can vary in texture and flavor depending on the specific production methods and aging time. Some varieties, like Chèvre d'Argental, are known for their soft and creamy texture with mild and delicate profiles. Others, such as Goat Camembert and Brie, offer a sharper flavor followed by a tart finish. The aging process and the conditions under which the cheese is kept greatly influence the final texture and flavor profile of the cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to tell if goat cheese has gone bad is by its appearance, smell, and texture. If the cheese is mouldy, slimy, or has spots, it is likely to be bad. If it smells strange, pungent, or sour, it has probably gone bad. If the cheese has turned yellowish or brownish, or has black spots, it is no longer safe to eat.
If you see mould on your goat cheese, it is best to throw it away. It is not worth the risk of consuming cheese with mould on it as it could lead to a foodborne illness.
To prevent mould from growing on your goat cheese, store it properly in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Goat cheese should be stored below 40°F and should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours.
