Midnight Moon Cheese: How Long Does It Last?

Midnight Moon is a semi-hard, ivory-coloured cheese made from goat's milk in Holland. It is aged for at least six months and has a nutty, buttery, and salty flavour with a hint of caramel sweetness. So, how long does it last? To find out the answer to this question, we must first determine what last means in this context. If last refers to the cheese's edibility, it can stay edible for up to 12 months if left uncut and stored properly in the refrigerator. On the other hand, if last refers to the cheese's optimal quality, the duration may vary depending on various factors, such as storage methods and temperature.

Midnight Moon cheese's shelf life is 12 months if uncut

Midnight Moon is a semi-hard, semi-firm, or firm cheese with a dense texture. It is made in Holland from goat's milk and aged for at least six months. The cheese is made into 9-pound wheels, with a 12-month shelf life if left uncut. To maintain the original condition of the cheese after cutting, it should be kept wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying. Additionally, to optimize the quality of Midnight Moon, it should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature between 32°–44.6°F.

The cheese has a black wax rind with a pale, ivory colour on the inside. It is known for its complex, nutty flavour with hints of caramel and a sweet, smooth finish. As the cheese ages, protein crystals form, giving the cheese a slight crunch within its otherwise dense and smooth texture. This characteristic is similar to that of a Gouda cheese, to which Midnight Moon® is often compared.

Midnight Moon pairs well with fresh fruits, dried fruits, nuts, cured meats, and crusty bread. It is also recommended to serve the cheese with fig jam and seeded crackers or bread. In terms of drinks, Midnight Moon goes well with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio. It can also be paired with a dirty martini, a classic old-fashioned, or hard kombucha.

Midnight Moon is produced exclusively for Cypress Grove in Holland. It has received numerous awards and recognitions, including gold medals at the International Cheese and Dairy Awards and the World Cheese Awards.

To optimise quality, keep cheese cold (32°–44.6°F)

To optimise the quality of Midnight Moon cheese, it is imperative to maintain a consistently cold temperature for the product. Specifically, the ideal temperature range to store this cheese is between 32° and 44.6° Fahrenheit. This temperature guideline is crucial for preserving the cheese's quality and extending its shelf life.

Midnight Moon cheese is a delicate product that requires careful handling to maintain its optimal condition. By keeping it within the recommended temperature range, you can ensure the cheese retains its desired texture, flavour, and overall quality. This temperature range helps slow down the natural ageing process of the cheese, preventing premature spoilage and maintaining its freshness.

Proper storage conditions are essential for any cheese, but especially for a specialty cheese like Midnight Moon. This cheese is crafted from goat's milk and carefully aged for at least six months to develop its distinctive characteristics. During this ageing process, the cheese transforms from a soft, young cheese into a semi-hard or firm cheese with a dense and smooth texture. It develops a complex, nutty flavour profile with hints of caramel and a sweet finish.

By adhering to the recommended temperature range of 32° to 44.6° Fahrenheit, you can effectively slow down bacterial activity and prevent premature spoilage. This temperature range helps preserve the cheese's moisture content, inhibiting the growth of unwanted microorganisms that can cause spoilage or affect its flavour. Therefore, maintaining a cold temperature is crucial to prolonging the cheese's freshness and ensuring it remains in prime condition for consumption.

Midnight Moon is a goat milk cheese aged for at least six months

Midnight Moon is a unique, award-winning cheese made from goat's milk. It is a firm, semi-hard, creamy, and crystalline cheese with a blushing, pale ivory colour and a mild aroma. This exclusive cheese is produced in Holland for the California cheesemaker Cypress Grove Chevre.

Midnight Moon is aged for at least six months, and this ageing process is key to its distinctive texture and flavour. As the cheese ages, protein crystals form, giving the cheese a slight crunch within its otherwise dense and smooth texture. The cheese is considered a "gateway goat cheese" due to its approachable and delicious flavour, which is quite different from fresh chevre.

The flavour of Midnight Moon is complex and nutty, with hints of brown butter and a sweet, smooth, caramel finish. The longer the cheese is aged, the more pronounced these flavours become. The cheese is also slightly salty, with a sweetness similar to that of Parmigiano Reggiano.

Midnight Moon is best stored in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped in plastic to prevent drying. It has a shelf life of 12 months if left uncut, and approximately 150 days once cut. To optimise its quality, it should be served at a temperature of 32°–44.6°F, and removed from the refrigerator about an hour before serving.

The cheese is made in Holland for the California cheesemaker Cypress Grove

Midnight Moon is a Gouda-style cheese made from pasteurized goat's milk. The cheese is made in Holland exclusively for the California cheesemaker Cypress Grove Chevre.

The story of how Midnight Moon came to be made in Holland for Cypress Grove dates back to over 20 years ago when Cypress Grove's founder, Mary Keehn, was approached by a Dutch cheese master at the New York Fancy Food Show. The cheese master had brought a sample of aged goat cheese made from his mother's goats' milk. Keehn was impressed by the health and happiness of the goats and the two discovered a shared love of animals and cheese. Over the years, Keehn and the cheese master worked on a unique recipe, aging the cheese for longer and adjusting the cultures. The preservative lysozyme, which is present in most cheeses of this type, was removed.

At the time, there were few aged goat cheeses being produced in the US, and nothing similar to Midnight Moon. The milk supply in the US was very limited, so it made sense to produce the cheese in Holland.

Midnight Moon is aged for at least six months and has a firm, dense, and slightly grainy texture with a black wax rind and a pale, ivory colour. The cheese is known for its complex and nutty flavour profile, with hints of caramel and a sweet, smooth finish. As the cheese ages, protein crystals form, lending a slight crunch. The ageing process contributes to the development of its unique crystalline texture.

It pairs well with dried fruits, nuts, and crusty bread

Midnight Moon is a creamy and crystalline goat's milk cheese, aged for at least six months. It is made in Holland exclusively for Cypress Grove. The cheese has a nutty, buttery, and salty flavour, with a caramel sweetness. Its aroma is mild.

Midnight Moon pairs well with dried fruits, nuts, and crusty bread. The cheese has a complex flavour profile, with a sweet, smooth finish. The caramel notes of the cheese will be complemented by dried fruits such as apricots, raisins, or apples. Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans will add a savoury crunch to the cheese. The crusty bread will provide a textural contrast to the smooth cheese, and its mild flavour will not overpower the cheese.

The cheese can also be served with fresh fruit and cured meats. It is recommended to be paired with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio. It can also be served with a dirty martini, a classic old-fashioned, or hard kombucha.

Midnight Moon has a black wax rind with a pale, ivory-coloured interior. It is a semi-hard cheese with a firm and dense texture. As the cheese ages, protein crystals form, lending a slight crunch to the otherwise smooth cheese.

Frequently asked questions