Kamil Perry
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. However, it has a shorter shelf life than other types of cheese. So, how long does goat cheese stay good after opening? When properly stored, fresh goat cheese will last about one to two weeks in the refrigerator. To maximize its shelf life, it should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or placed in an airtight container. Additionally, it should be stored in the coldest part of the fridge to keep it fresh for longer. Goat cheese that is going bad will usually have an off smell or appearance, and if mold appears, it should be discarded.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shelf Life | 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator |
| Storage | Refrigerate in a covered container |
| Packaging | Remove original packaging, wrap in wax or parchment paper, then plastic wrap or aluminum foil |
| Freezing | Yes, for up to 6 months |
| Signs of Spoilage | Mold, sour taste or smell, discoloration, strange texture |
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese storage methods
Goat cheese, or "chevre", is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a soft, white cheese with a tangy flavor and a creamy texture. Fresh goat cheese has a high moisture content, which means it has a shorter shelf life than harder, drier cheeses. To ensure that your goat cheese stays good for as long as possible, follow these storage methods:
Storing Unopened Goat Cheese
If you have an unopened package of goat cheese, it can be stored in the refrigerator for about two months. The ideal temperature for storing cheese is between 50° and 60°F (10° and 15.5°C). Room temperature is higher than this and will speed up the aging process. To store your unopened goat cheese, wrap the original packaging tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For even better protection, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
Storing Opened Goat Cheese
Once your goat cheese is opened, it should be consumed within about five to seven days. To store it, remove the cheese from the original packaging and wrap it in wax or parchment paper. Then, place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Do not wrap it tightly in plastic wrap as it needs to breathe. The vegetable drawer in your refrigerator is a good place to store goat cheese as the temperature is similar to that of a cave, which is the perfect storage location for cheese.
Storing Goat Cheese Long-Term
If you want to store your goat cheese for longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavor, so it is best suited for cooked dishes. Properly stored, frozen goat cheese will maintain its best quality for about six months but will remain safe to eat beyond that.
Signs That Goat Cheese Has Gone Bad
Goat cheese that is going bad will develop an off smell and appearance. If you notice any mold on the cheese, discard it entirely. It should also be thrown away if it tastes very sour.
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How long does unopened goat cheese last?
The shelf life of unopened goat cheese depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, storage conditions, and packaging.
Fresh goat cheese that is unopened and vacuum-sealed can last for about two months or sometimes longer when stored in the refrigerator. The vacuum-sealed packaging helps to extend the shelf life by removing air and slowing down the growth of bacteria. It is important to note that the “Best By” date on the packaging is not an expiration date but an indication of when the cheese is at its peak flavor and quality. The cheese can still be consumed after this date, but it may not be as fresh or flavorful.
Aged goat cheese, on the other hand, tends to have a longer shelf life than fresh goat cheese due to its firmer texture and more developed flavor. However, it should be stored in a stable and humid environment, such as a vegetable crisper drawer, rather than the coldest part of the fridge.
To maximize the shelf life of unopened goat cheese, it is crucial to maintain proper storage conditions. This includes keeping the cheese refrigerated at all times, wrapping it properly in wax or parchment paper, and using airtight containers to prevent the absorption of unwanted smells.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that freezing is an effective way to extend the shelf life of goat cheese. When properly stored in heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic freezer wrap, or a freezer bag, frozen goat cheese can maintain its best quality for about six months and remain safe even beyond that time.
In summary, the shelf life of unopened goat cheese can vary depending on the type of cheese and storage conditions. Fresh, unopened goat cheese can generally last for about two months or longer when vacuum-sealed and stored in the refrigerator, while aged goat cheese can have a longer shelf life due to its firmer texture. Proper storage techniques, such as refrigeration, airtight containers, and freezing, can further extend the shelf life of unopened goat cheese.
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How to identify spoiled goat cheese
Fresh goat cheese is soft and spreadable, with a distinctive funk that sets it apart from other cheeses. It is stark white in colour, with a bright, tangy flavour. Goat cheese has a short shelf life, so it is best to buy only what you will use within a week of opening it.
To maximise the shelf life of fresh goat cheese after opening, wrap the original packaging tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. For better results, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating. Properly stored, fresh goat cheese will last about one to two weeks in the refrigerator.
To identify spoiled goat cheese, you will need to rely on your senses. Goat cheese that is going bad will develop an off smell and appearance. If your fresh goat cheese has yellowed noticeably and acquired an off-white tint, it has probably gone bad. This is the most common colour change, but in some cases, goat cheese may show vivid yellow, orange, or pink hues. If you notice any mould on the cheese, discard it entirely.
If your goat cheese has taken on a sharp or acrid smell, it has probably gone bad. You may even detect a nostril-searing ammonia note, which is a clear sign of spoilage. Goat cheese that is still safe for consumption shouldn't have a strong or sour odour; rather, it should smell fresh and milky, with a characteristically "goaty" smell that is mild and musky. If your goat cheese tastes very sour, throw it away.
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Freezing goat cheese
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in several dishes, including salads, pizzas, soups, and roasted vegetables. However, its high moisture content means that it only lasts about a week in the refrigerator after opening. Freezing is an effective way to extend the shelf life of goat cheese. Here is a guide to freezing goat cheese:
Preparing Goat Cheese for Freezing
To prepare goat cheese for freezing, it is important to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn and preserve its quality. First, divide the goat cheese into portions if desired. You can choose to freeze an entire log or portion-sized parts. Then, wrap the goat cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap. Alternatively, you can place it inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure to squeeze out any extra air from the bag before sealing it. If you are storing the goat cheese for the long term, it is a good practice to label the packaging with the date and aim to use it within 3 to 6 months.
Using Frozen Goat Cheese
When using frozen goat cheese, it is important to plan ahead. Take out the desired amount of goat cheese from the freezer a little earlier than needed, as it thaws quickly. Frozen goat cheese can be grated, cubed, or crumbled, even when it is still quite frozen. It is important to note that the texture of the cheese may change upon freezing, becoming crumbly and less flavorful. Therefore, frozen goat cheese is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, casseroles, and stuffed vegetables. It can also be used in salads, but it may not have the same soft, creamy, and spreadable texture as fresh goat cheese.
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Goat cheese recipes
Fresh goat cheese will only stay good for around one to two weeks after opening, so it's best to use it up quickly! Here are some delicious goat cheese recipes to help you do that:
Baked Goat Cheese
This is a super easy and versatile recipe. Simply slice the goat cheese into rounds and arrange them in a preheated cast-iron pan. Cook on high for one minute, then drizzle with honey and add crushed red peppers to taste. Bake at 400°F for 17-20 minutes or until golden. Top with chives for a delicious appetizer.
Goat Cheese on Eggs
Crumble goat cheese over fluffy scrambled eggs or use it to make deviled eggs. You can also add it to an omelet with your favorite vegetables. For a heartier option, try a spinach and goat cheese quiche.
Goat Cheese on Salads
Goat cheese is a great addition to salads. Try crumbling it over a hearty salad with Brussels sprouts, garlic, and chicken, or a Mediterranean-inspired salad with grilled plums, balsamic reduction, and tangy goat cheese.
Goat Cheese on Pasta
Goat cheese can be used in a variety of pasta dishes. Try it with eggplant, shallots, chives, dill, parsley, cherry tomatoes, and spinach, or with shrimp, kalamata olives, and artichokes. For a real treat, use goat cheese as a filling in ravioli or lasagna.
Goat Cheese Appetizers
Make some goat cheese balls by mixing the cheese with honey and a little salt, then rolling it in chopped toasted pecans and cranberries. You can also upgrade your charcuterie board by adding some goat cheese, or try baking it with honey and crushed red peppers for a warm, creamy dip.
Remember to enjoy your goat cheese within a week of opening to ensure it's at its best!
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Frequently asked questions
Fresh goat cheese will last about 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Aged goat cheese should be stored in a more stable, humid environment, like a vegetable crisper drawer.
For optimal freshness, wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper, then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating. For even better protection, wrap the cheese in aluminium foil after the plastic wrap. You can also place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container.
Goat cheese that has gone bad will develop an off smell and appearance. If there is any mould on the cheese, discard it entirely.
