Fresh goat cheese is a versatile and tasty treat, but how long does it last? Properly stored, fresh goat cheese will last about 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. To maximize its shelf life, wrap the original packaging tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or for even better results, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigeration. If you want to extend its shelf life even further, you can freeze fresh goat cheese, and it will maintain its best quality for about 6 months.
What You'll Learn
Fresh goat cheese lasts 1-2 weeks in the fridge
Fresh goat cheese is soft, young, and moist, and can range from creamy to crumbly in texture. It is usually packaged in a log shape. Once opened, fresh goat cheese will last about 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. To maximize its shelf life, wrap the original packaging tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For even better results, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
The exact answer to how long fresh goat cheese lasts depends on storage conditions. It is important to store goat cheese in the refrigerator at all times. If left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature, bacteria will cause the cheese to spoil.
Goat cheese that is going bad will develop an off smell and appearance. If mold appears on the cheese, discard it entirely. To further extend the shelf life of goat cheese, freeze it. However, frozen cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavor, and will be best suited to cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.
Properly stored, fresh goat cheese will maintain its best quality for about 6 months in the freezer, but it will remain safe beyond that time.
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Vacuum-sealed goat cheese can be stored unopened for 2 months
To ensure that your vacuum-sealed goat cheese lasts for the full 2 months, it is important to store it correctly. Goat cheese should be stored in the refrigerator at all times, and the ideal temperature for ageing cheese is between 50º and 60º F (10º and 15.5º C). Room temperature is above this range and will speed up the ageing process, so it is not recommended to store your cheese at room temperature. On the other hand, refrigerator temperature is below this range and will slow down the ageing process, making it the ideal storage location.
In addition to temperature, humidity is also a factor in storing goat cheese. Goat cheese needs some humidity and room to breathe, so it is not recommended to use plastic wrap as this can invite unwanted mould. Instead, you can use wax paper and then wrap it in plastic or aluminium foil before placing it in the refrigerator.
It is also important to note that once the vacuum seal is broken, the shelf life of the goat cheese will be significantly reduced. Opened goat cheese should be consumed within 5 to 7 days and should be stored in a lidded plastic or glass container in the refrigerator. If you need to store it for longer, you can freeze it, but this may affect the texture and flavour of the cheese.
By following these storage guidelines, you can ensure that your vacuum-sealed goat cheese lasts for the full 2 months and maintain its freshness, flavour, and texture.
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Goat cheese should be wrapped in wax paper and then plastic wrap
Fresh goat cheese will last about 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. To maximize its shelf life, it should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. For even better results, first wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
Wax paper is a type of paper that is coated in wax. It is breathable and prevents the cheese from drying out. It is also moisture-wicking, which means that it will help to keep the cheese fresh for longer. Wax paper is therefore ideal for wrapping cheese because it allows the cheese to breathe without drying out.
Some people prefer to use parchment paper instead of wax paper. Parchment paper is similar to wax paper, but it is coated in silicone rather than wax. It is also breathable and moisture-wicking, so it will have a similar effect on the cheese.
After wrapping the cheese in wax or parchment paper, it should be loosely wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in a plastic bag. This will help to maintain moisture without accelerating the growth of mould.
It is important to note that cheese should not be wrapped in plastic wrap directly, as this will cause it to go bad faster and may make the cheese taste like plastic.
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Goat cheese can be frozen and will last for 6 months
Goat cheese is a popular and versatile dairy product known for its soft texture and tangy taste. It is a favourite ingredient in various dishes, from salads to sauces and pizzas.
Goat cheese has a short shelf life, especially once the package has been opened. Soft goat cheeses are best consumed within one to two weeks of opening. However, freezing is an effective way to prolong the shelf life of goat cheese.
Freezing goat cheese requires careful handling to ensure that taste and texture are preserved. Firstly, wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap, followed by an additional layer of heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap. Alternatively, some sources suggest wrapping the cheese in wax paper or parchment paper, which allows the cheese to breathe while maintaining humidity levels, before placing it in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Then, place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or freezer bag to avoid freezer burn.
When stored properly, frozen goat cheese will maintain its best quality for about six months, although it will remain safe to consume beyond that time. It is important to note that the texture and taste of the cheese may change after freezing, becoming crumbly and less flavourful. Therefore, it is recommended to use thawed goat cheese in cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, casseroles, or baked meals.
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Goat cheese is best enjoyed within 7 days of opening
To maximise the shelf life of fresh goat cheese after opening, you can 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 is a versatile and irresistible cheese with a tangy flavour and creamy texture. It can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to grilled cheese sandwiches. However, it is important to note that goat cheese should not be treated as a bulk-buying item. Instead, it is best to buy what you plan to eat within a week.
Goat cheese is also highly perishable and should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If not stored properly, goat cheese can develop an off smell and appearance, and if mold appears, it should be discarded entirely.
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Frequently asked questions
Fresh goat cheese will last about 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. To maximize its shelf life, wrap the original packaging tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Unopened fresh goat cheese can be stored anywhere in your fridge for about two months, sometimes longer.
Once opened, fresh goat cheese will last for about 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator.
Fresh goat cheese will maintain its best quality for about 6 months in the freezer but will remain safe beyond that time.