Goat Cheese: How Long Does It Really Last?

Goat cheese is a versatile dairy product with a soft texture and tangy taste. Its shelf life depends on several factors, including its type, packaging, storage conditions, and whether it has been opened. Generally, unopened goat cheese can retain its peak quality for a few weeks past the printed date when stored correctly in the fridge. However, once opened, it is more susceptible to quality loss and should be consumed within one to two weeks. Proper storage involves wrapping the cheese in wax paper and placing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Freezing is an option for longer storage, but it may affect the texture and flavour of the cheese upon thawing.

Goat cheese storage methods

Goat cheese is a versatile dairy product with a soft texture and tangy taste. Its shelf life is influenced by factors such as type, packaging, storage conditions, and whether it has been opened. Here are some storage methods to keep your goat cheese fresh for as long as possible:

Refrigeration

Goat cheese should be stored in a refrigerator to maintain its quality and safety. The ideal temperature range is between 34°F and 40°F (approximately 4°C), which is typically the average setting of a refrigerator. Storing it in the less cold part of the fridge, such as a vegetable drawer, can help avoid freezing.

Packaging and Wrapping

Proper packaging and wrapping are crucial for maintaining the freshness of goat cheese. Here are some guidelines:

• Vacuum-sealed packaging is ideal as it prevents the growth of microbes and contaminants.
• If vacuum-sealed packaging is unavailable, wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper. This allows the cheese to breathe while retaining moisture.
• Once wrapped, place the cheese in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag before storing it in the refrigerator.
• For semi-hard and semi-soft cheeses, you can also use plastic wrap or aluminium foil, although these may not preserve the cheese's quality as effectively.
• Always label the container with the current date to keep track of its freshness.

Freezing

Freezing is an effective method to extend the shelf life of goat cheese. Here's how to do it properly:

• Divide large quantities of cheese into smaller portions.
• Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil.
• Place the wrapped cheese in a freezer bag or an airtight container to avoid freezer burn.
• Label the container with the date before placing it in the freezer.
• To thaw frozen goat cheese, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly, which can take several hours or a full day, depending on the portion size.
• Consume thawed goat cheese within a few days for the best quality.

Storage Duration

The storage duration for goat cheese varies depending on its type and whether it is unopened or opened:

• Unopened soft goat cheese can last up to two months in the refrigerator.
• Once opened, soft goat cheese should be consumed within one to two weeks.
• Unopened semi-hard and semi-soft goat cheeses can remain at peak quality for a few weeks past their printed expiration dates when kept refrigerated.
• Hard goat cheese has a longer shelf life and is optimal for grating.

Signs of Spoilage

It is important to regularly check goat cheese for any signs of spoilage:

• Smell: Fresh goat cheese should have a clean, mildly tangy scent. Any sour or off-putting odours indicate spoilage.
• Texture: The texture should be consistent with its type, whether creamy or firm. Excessive dryness, sliminess, or the presence of mould indicate that the cheese is no longer fresh.
• Taste: The flavour profile should be tangy and savoury. A sour or bitter taste is a sign that the cheese is past its prime.

How to identify spoiled goat cheese

Goat cheese is highly perishable and can go bad within 1-2 weeks if not stored properly. It is important to check for signs of spoilage before consuming it. Here are some detailed ways to identify if your goat cheese has gone bad:

Check the expiry date

Goat cheese is best consumed before the expiry date. If it's past the expiry date, it's likely gone bad. However, if the cheese is unopened and properly stored, it can last 1-2 months past the sell-by date.

Look for mold

Mold is one of the most obvious signs of spoiled goat cheese. At first, you may notice small spots of fuzzy mold. It can be white, green, blue, grey, or black. As the cheese continues to spoil, the mold will grow and eventually cover the entire surface. Some molds are harmless, but it's best to discard the cheese to avoid any potential risks.

Smell the cheese

Goat cheese has a distinct 'goaty' smell, which is normal. However, if you notice a strong ammonia-like odour, that's a red flag. It indicates that protein breakdown has begun and bacteria are growing.

Check the texture

Fresh goat cheese should have a creamy, moist, and soft texture. If it becomes dry, gritty, crumbly, or slimy, it's likely a sign of spoilage. A slimy texture throughout the cheese is often caused by mold or bacterial growth.

Taste the cheese

Goat cheese has a range of flavours, from mild to tangy, tart, or sharp. However, it should never taste unpleasant or bitter. An unpleasant or bitter taste is a clear sign of spoilage.

Additional tips for identifying spoilage in goat cheese with an external rind

For goat cheeses with an external rind, such as Crottin or Humboldt Fog, the rind can provide some additional clues. The rind should be an off-white or greyish colour. If the rind darkens, changes colour, or becomes sticky or slimy, it's an indication of spoilage.

In summary, to identify if your goat cheese is still fresh and safe to eat, look for the following signs:

• No visible mold
• No dark spots or discolouration
• Creamy, moist texture without dry or slimy spots
• Mild, tangy aroma without an ammonia smell
• Bright, white colour without browning
• Clean, off-white rind without sliminess or stickiness
• Sharp, tangy, tart taste without bitterness

Goat cheese packaging

The packaging of goat cheese is an important factor in preserving its quality and freshness. Proper packaging can extend the shelf life of goat cheese, maintaining its flavour and texture. Here are some key considerations for goat cheese packaging:

Vacuum-Sealed Packaging:

Vacuum-sealed packaging is an ideal option for goat cheese as it eliminates air from the package, preventing the growth of microbes and contaminants that can cause spoilage. This method helps maintain the quality and freshness of the cheese. It is worth noting that vacuum-sealed goat cheese can be stored anywhere in the fridge, and typically has a shelf life of up to two months.

Wax or Parchment Paper:

When using wax or parchment paper, the cheese should be wrapped in a way that allows it to breathe while retaining moisture. Wax paper is particularly effective at maintaining humidity levels. This type of packaging is suitable for aged goat cheeses and can help extend their shelf life.

Airtight Containers or Resealable Plastic Bags:

Once the goat cheese is wrapped in wax or parchment paper, it should be placed in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. This additional layer of protection helps prevent the absorption of other flavours in the refrigerator and maintains the optimal humidity level for the cheese.

Freezer Bags for Long-Term Storage:

For those who wish to store goat cheese for an extended period, freezing is an option. It is recommended to use heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Freezing can alter the texture of the cheese, making it more suitable for cooked dishes.

Aluminium Foil or Plastic Wrap:

For semi-hard and hard goat cheeses, aluminium foil or plastic wrap can be used for storage. However, these options may not preserve the cheese's quality as effectively as wax or parchment paper.

Cheese Paper:

For aged goat cheeses, cheese paper is recommended for wrapping before placing them in an airtight container or bag.

Storage Location in the Refrigerator:

When storing goat cheese in the refrigerator, it is best to avoid the coldest parts, such as the back and bottom shelves. Instead, opt for a more stable, humid environment like the vegetable crisper drawer. Maintaining a consistent temperature between 34°F and 45°F is crucial for preserving the quality of the cheese.

Labelling and Tracking:

Proper labelling is essential for both opened and unopened packages of goat cheese. For unopened packages, always note the expiration date provided by the manufacturer. Once the package is opened, immediately label it with the current date. This tracking system helps ensure food safety and optimal freshness.

Goat cheese shelf life

The shelf life of goat cheese depends on a variety of factors, including its type, packaging, storage conditions, and whether it has been opened.

Unopened Goat Cheese

Unopened goat cheese can generally retain peak quality for a few weeks past its printed date when stored correctly in the fridge. The ideal temperature for storing goat cheese is between 34°F and 45°F. It should be stored in the less-cold part of the fridge, such as a vegetable drawer, to avoid freezing.

Opened Goat Cheese

Once goat cheese is opened, the exposure to air can influence its rate of spoilage. Soft goat cheeses are particularly susceptible to quality loss and are best consumed within one to two weeks of opening. Storing opened goat cheese involves wrapping it in wax or parchment paper and then placing it in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the refrigerator.

Freezing Goat Cheese

Freezing is a viable option for those interested in longer storage durations. It can extend the shelf life of goat cheese for several months, but there may be potential changes to its texture and flavour upon thawing. To freeze goat cheese, wrap it tightly in wax paper, then place it in a zip-top bag or airtight container. Label the container with the date and place it in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw the cheese in the refrigerator overnight to preserve its texture and flavour.

Signs of Spoilage

To check if your goat cheese has spoiled, there are several indicators to look out for:

• Smell: Fresh goat cheese should have a clean, mildly tangy scent. Any sour or off-putting odours can be a sign of spoilage.
• Texture: The texture should be consistent with its type, whether creamy or firm. If the texture appears excessively dry, slimy, or shows evidence of mould, it's no longer fresh.
• Taste: The flavour profile should be tangy and savoury. A sour taste, differing significantly from its original flavour, indicates it's past its prime.

Goat cheese types

Goat cheese, or any cheese made from goat's milk, is a popular fixture on the culinary world's cheese boards and platters. There are myriad types and styles of goat cheese, from soft and spreadable to hard and sliceable, and it can be stored in much the same way as cow's milk cheese.

Goat cheese has a naturally tangier, fresher taste than cow's milk cheese. This is because the fat in goat's milk differs from that of a cow's, resulting in a more homogenized mixture. Goat's milk fat is made up of short-chain fatty acids, whereas cow's milk fat is made up of long-chain fatty acids, which cause the cream to separate and rise to the top.

Goat cheese is also lower in lactose than cow's milk cheese, and the fat structure may be better for those with digestive issues. It is also higher in vitamin A, and a good source of animal protein, phosphorus, and calcium.

Fresh vs. Aged Goat Cheese

Fresh goat cheese, the most popular type sold in the U.S., is often soft and spreadable, with a high moisture content. It is usually refrigerated. Crumbled goat cheese is another popular type of fresh goat cheese, which has been drained of some of its moisture.

Aged goat cheese is pressed hard for a minimum of 10 days, and as the moisture dries, the cheese gets harder. Not all aged goat cheese is hard, however. Some have a fluffy middle and gooey exterior.

Types of Aged Goat Cheese

There are many types of aged goat cheese, including:

• Blue goat cheese: Made by mixing blue mould into the curds, this type of cheese has a sharper, earthier, more pungent flavour than its cow counterpart.
• Brie goat cheese: More subtle and refreshing than cow's milk brie.
• Cheddar goat cheese: This variety has the sharpness and fruitiness of regular cheddar, but with a distinctive goaty tang.
• Goat gouda: Produced exclusively in Holland, this variety is sweet with caramel overtones.
• Tomme goat cheese: A variety made only in France, though U.S. cheesemakers are creating tomme-style goat cheese. It is spreadable, washed, rinsed, aged, and made with raw milk.

Frequently asked questions