Frederic Melton
Goat cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient, but it's not always easy to tell if it has gone bad. Sealed goat cheese can last for about two months if unopened and vacuum-sealed, and should be stored in the refrigerator. However, once opened, goat cheese has a shorter shelf life than other cheeses and should be consumed within one to two weeks. To maximize the shelf life of opened goat cheese, it should be removed from its original packaging and stored in a lidded container in the refrigerator. Additionally, it is important to look out for signs of spoilage, such as bacterial film, mold, or an unpleasant odor, as these indicate that the cheese should be discarded.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vacuum-sealed goat cheese expiration | About two months |
| Goat cheese with a broken seal | Quickly loses freshness, flavor, and texture |
| Goat cheese storage location | Vegetable crisper drawer or refrigerator |
| Goat cheese storage temperature | Between 50º and 60º F (10º and 15.5º C) |
| Goat cheese with bacterial film | Discard the cheese |
| Goat cheese with mold | Discard the cheese unless it's white mold from Brie |
| Goat cheese with a strange smell | Do not consume |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Vacuum-sealed goat cheese lasts for about two months unopened
Vacuum-sealed goat cheese will last for about two months if left unopened. However, it is important to note that this is not an exact science, and the cheese may last longer or shorter than this timeframe. The shelf life of vacuum-sealed goat cheese depends on various factors, including the storage conditions and the quality of the seal.
To maximise the shelf life of vacuum-sealed goat cheese, it is crucial to store it in the refrigerator at all times. The ideal temperature for ageing cheese is between 50º and 60º F (10º and 15.5º C). Room temperature is higher than this range and will accelerate the ageing process, potentially causing the cheese to spoil more quickly.
When purchasing vacuum-sealed goat cheese, it is essential to inspect the packaging for any signs of damage or leakage. Excess liquid or off-colours on the packaging may indicate that the cheese has been compromised and is no longer safe to consume.
Once the vacuum-sealed goat cheese is opened, it should be removed from its original packaging and stored in a lidded glass or plastic container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain the cheese's freshness, flavour, and texture. It is also important to note that opened goat cheese has a shorter shelf life than other types of cheese, so it should be consumed promptly.
While vacuum-sealed goat cheese can last for about two months unopened, it is always important to use your senses to determine if the cheese has spoiled. If the cheese has developed an off odour or flavour, it should be discarded, regardless of the "Best By" date. Additionally, if there is any sign of mould on the cheese, it is crucial to dispose of it entirely, as moulds can produce toxins that are harmful to consume.
Cheeseburgers: A Dangerous Treat for Dogs
You may want to see also
Goat cheese should be stored in a humid environment
Goat cheese is a versatile and delicious food with a distinct tangy flavour and creamy texture. It can be stored for a relatively long time if unopened and vacuum-sealed, but once opened, it quickly loses its freshness, flavour, and texture.
For unopened, vacuum-sealed goat cheese, it is best to store it in the refrigerator, where it can last for about two months or sometimes longer. It can be kept anywhere in the fridge, except for the coldest part, which is usually the back and bottom shelves.
Once the seal is broken, the cheese should be removed from its original packaging and stored in a lidded plastic or glass container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain its freshness and flavour. Aged goat cheeses should be brought to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving to soften the milk fat and ensure maximum flavour.
Additionally, it is important to note that the "Best By" date on goat cheese packaging is not an expiration date but an indication of peak flavour and quality. The cheese can still be consumed after this date, but it may not meet freshness standards.
Cheese Mites: Are They Harmful to Your Health?
You may want to see also
Goat cheese has a Best By date, but it's not an expiration date
Goat cheese is a delicacy enjoyed by many, but it can be tricky to know how long it lasts. The good news is that goat cheese has a "Best By" date on the packaging, but this is not an expiration or food safety date. Instead, it indicates the period during which the cheese will be at its peak flavour and quality.
The "Best By" date is a helpful guideline, and you can still consume your goat cheese after this date. However, it may not meet the same freshness standards. As with all foods, it is essential to use your common sense and instinct when deciding whether to consume cheese past its "Best By" date. If there is an off odour, flavour, or significant changes in texture or colour, it is best to discard the cheese.
Proper storage is crucial to prolonging the lifespan of goat cheese. Fresh, unopened, and vacuum-sealed goat cheese can be stored in the fridge for about two months or sometimes longer. Aged goat cheese, on the other hand, should be stored in a more stable and humid environment, like a vegetable crisper drawer, to maintain its quality.
Additionally, once the seal is broken on goat cheese packaging, it is essential to reseal it correctly. Goat cheese is delicate and quickly loses its freshness, flavour, and texture once exposed to air. Therefore, it is recommended to shop for cheese more frequently and consume it within a shorter period to ensure the best taste and quality.
In summary, while goat cheese has a "Best By" date, it is not an expiration date. With proper storage and vigilance, it is possible to enjoy goat cheese even after this date, as long as it shows no signs of spoilage and is consumed safely.
Easy Cheese: Is It Unhealthy?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Bacterial film and moulds are signs of goat cheese going bad
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient with a unique flavour and creamy texture. However, it is a fresh product and can spoil, so it's important to know the signs of goat cheese going bad.
Fresh goat cheese is usually good for about a week in the refrigerator and should be properly sealed and stored at a food-safe temperature. The presence of a bacterial film is a sign that goat cheese has spoiled. Bacterial film is a thin layer of slimy fluid that adheres to the surface of the cheese and can also pool in the packaging. It resembles a thin mucus and indicates that the cheese should be discarded.
Moulds are another sign of goat cheese going bad. While moulds are responsible for the creation of famous blue cheeses, their presence in goat cheese indicates spoilage. Discolouration is another sign of spoilage. Fresh goat cheese should be snowy white, and if it has yellowed noticeably or acquired an off-white tint, it is past its prime. In some cases, goat cheese that has been forgotten in the fridge may show vivid yellow, orange, or pink hues, which are signs of spoilage.
Goat cheese that is unopened and vacuum-sealed can be stored in the fridge for about two months. Aged goat cheeses should be stored in a more stable, humid environment, such as a vegetable crisper drawer. Once opened, goat cheese should be removed from its original packaging and stored in a lidded glass or plastic container in the refrigerator.
Fat-Free Cheese: Healthy or Harmful?
You may want to see also
Goat cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in appetizers, salads, cooking, and on cheese boards. It has a unique flavor and texture that can enhance the taste of a dish. However, storing it properly is essential to maintaining its freshness and quality.
Goat cheese, like all cheese, is susceptible to spoilage due to bacteria and mold. To prevent this, it is crucial to store it in a cool environment, such as a refrigerator, to slow down bacterial growth. Additionally, wrapping the cheese correctly is vital. Using the original packaging or re-wrapping it with wax or parchment paper helps maintain humidity and protects the cheese from drying out or absorbing odors from the fridge.
While goat cheese can be stored in the refrigerator, freezing is an option to extend its shelf life. Freezing goat cheese can be beneficial if you have more than you can consume within its fresh shelf life. However, it is important to note that freezing can alter the texture and flavor of the cheese. The thawing process can particularly affect the texture and flavor of fresh and ripened goat cheeses, so freezing is generally recommended for dry and semi-hard goat cheeses.
If you choose to freeze your goat cheese, it is important to follow proper procedures. First, wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap to reduce the risk of freezer burn. Then, place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container for further protection. Frozen goat cheese can last in the freezer for about one to two months. When you're ready to use it, thaw it under refrigeration, and consider using it in cooked dishes as the texture and flavor may be slightly altered.
In summary, freezing goat cheese can be a viable option to extend its shelf life, but it may not be the best choice if you want to preserve the original texture and flavor. Proper wrapping, storage, and temperature control are crucial to maintaining the quality of goat cheese, whether in the refrigerator or freezer.
Mozzarella and Cholesterol: A Healthy Balance?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Fresh, unopened and vacuum-sealed goat cheese can be stored in the fridge for about two months, sometimes longer.
If there is any excess liquid, leakage, or off-colors, discard the cheese. If there is a slimy bacterial film or mold on the cheese, it has gone bad and should be discarded.
Sealed goat cheese should be stored in the refrigerator. Avoid storing it in the coldest part of the fridge, which is usually the back and bottom shelves.
Yes, sealed goat cheese should be stored in the refrigerator at all times to maximize its shelf life.
