Goat Cheese: How Long Does Sealed Freshness Last?

Goat cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient, but how long does it last when sealed? Well, it depends on a few factors. Firstly, it's important to distinguish between fresh and aged goat cheese. Fresh goat cheese is soft, young, and moist, while aged goat cheese is ripened over a longer period and has a stronger flavour. The type of cheese will impact its longevity. Secondly, the storage conditions are crucial. Goat cheese should always be refrigerated to maximise its shelf life.

Sealed goat cheese should be stored in the fridge

Fresh, unopened and vacuum-sealed goat cheese can be stored anywhere in your fridge for about two months, and sometimes longer. Vacuum-wrapped goat cheese from the grocery store can be kept unopened for at least two months. However, once opened, it should be removed from its original packaging and stored in a lidded plastic or glass container in the refrigerator. It will then stay fresh for about five days.

Aged goat cheese should be stored in a more stable, humid environment, such as a vegetable crisper drawer. It should not be stored in the coldest part of the fridge, which is usually the back and bottom shelves.

To further extend the shelf life of goat cheese, you can freeze it. Wrap the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour, so it is best suited to cooked dishes.

It will last for about two months

If you've got your hands on some sealed goat cheese, you can expect it to last for about two months. This assumes that the cheese is stored correctly, in the fridge, and that the seal is intact.

Goat cheese is a versatile and tasty ingredient, but it's important to know how to store it properly to make the most of its shelf life. Sealed goat cheese can be stored anywhere in your fridge, and it will last for about two months. However, once the packaging is opened, the cheese will quickly start to lose its freshness, flavour, and texture.

The delicate flavour and texture of goat cheese mean that it has a shorter shelf life compared to other cheeses. To maximise the shelf life of opened goat cheese, it's important to reseal it correctly. Remove the original packaging, and for aged cheeses, wrap them in wax or parchment paper before storing them in the refrigerator. Fresh cheeses should be stored in an airtight container and are best enjoyed within about five days.

The storage temperature also plays a crucial role in preserving goat cheese. The ideal temperature for ageing cheese is between 50° and 60° F (10° and 15.5° C). Room temperature is above this range and will accelerate the ageing process, while refrigerator temperature will slow it down.

Additionally, it's important to check the best-by date on the packaging. This date is an estimate of how long the cheese will retain its peak flavour and quality, but it doesn't indicate food safety. Goat cheese can still be consumed after this date, but it may not meet freshness standards.

It can be frozen to extend its shelf life

Goat cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient, but it can be expensive and it doesn't last long. Luckily, it can be frozen to extend its shelf life.

Freezing goat cheese is a great way to preserve this creamy and tangy dairy product and ensure you always have some on hand. It's also an effective way to save money by stocking up when it's on sale. The process is simple and only requires a few basic supplies: plastic wrap or beeswax wrap, and a freezer-safe resealable plastic bag.

Before freezing, consider how you typically use goat cheese and portion it accordingly. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, aiming to minimise the amount of air trapped inside. Then, place the wrapped portions in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Finally, label the bag with the date and store it in the freezer. Frozen goat cheese can last for up to 6 months, although it may start to lose its flavour after 3 months.

When you're ready to use your frozen goat cheese, thaw it in the refrigerator for the best results. It can also be cubed or crumbled while still frozen and added to recipes.

By freezing goat cheese, you can enjoy this delicious ingredient for longer and reduce food waste. It's a simple and effective way to preserve one of your favourite foods!

Goat cheese is susceptible to mould

Goat cheese is a delicious and versatile product with a distinct flavour and creamy texture. However, it is a delicate food that requires careful storage and handling. One of the biggest challenges when it comes to preserving goat cheese is its susceptibility to mould.

Mould growth on goat cheese is influenced by several factors, including the original composition of the milk, the season, the humidity, and the temperature during production and storage. Even with the best practices, sometimes a little bit of luck is needed to prevent mould!

Goat cheese is particularly vulnerable to mould because of the nature of the milk itself. Goat's milk contains smaller and finer fat molecules than cow's milk, which means it is naturally homogenized and more digestible. However, this composition also creates an ideal environment for mould to develop.

To control mould growth, cheesemakers often add specific types of yeast and mould cultures to their cheeses. For example, Geotricum, a type of yeast, helps form a wrinkly cream-coloured rind. Meanwhile, Penicillium Candidum, a type of mould, creates the fluffy white rind commonly seen on Brie or Camembert. These additions help tip the balance in favour of desirable moulds and prevent the growth of unwanted ones.

Despite these efforts, mould can still develop on goat cheese, especially after the package has been opened. To minimize mould growth, proper storage is essential. Fresh, unopened, and vacuum-sealed goat cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for about two months or longer. Once opened, it should be removed from the original packaging, correctly resealed, and consumed within five days. Aged goat cheeses should be stored in a humid environment, like a vegetable crisper drawer, and brought to room temperature before serving.

It's best to buy only what you need for a week

When it comes to goat cheese, it's best to buy only what you need for a week to ensure freshness and reduce waste. Fresh, unopened and vacuum-sealed goat cheese can last for about two months in the fridge, while opened packages should be consumed within five days to a week.

Goat cheese is highly perishable, and its delicate flavour means that once opened, it has a shorter shelf life than other cheeses. The key to maintaining freshness is correct storage and prompt consumption. Goat cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, with an ideal temperature range of 50º to 60º F (10º to 15.5º C). Room temperature is above this range and will accelerate the aging process, so it is not recommended to store goat cheese outside the fridge.

When purchasing goat cheese, it is advisable to choose cheese made from all-natural, fresh milk. The colour should be white, and the texture firm, not mushy. Avoid goat cheeses with off colours like yellow or pink, or a mushy texture.

Once the package is opened, proper resealing is crucial. Remove the cheese from the original packaging, and for aged cheeses, wrap it in wax or parchment paper before placing it in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator. Fresh cheeses should be stored in an airtight container and consumed within five days to a week.

It is important to inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage regularly. Spoiled goat cheese may exhibit colour changes, the presence of sticky slime, or the growth of blue, green, yellow, or pink mould. Additionally, trust your senses; if the cheese has a sharp, acrid, or ammonia-like smell, or tastes nasty, it is best to discard it.

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