Frederic Melton
Freezing goat cheese is a great way to extend its shelf life, but it's not always recommended due to potential changes in texture and taste. Freezing goat cheese for one to two months is recommended for the best quality. When freezing, it's important to pack the cheese well in plastic wrap and an airtight bag to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality. Freezing is especially suitable for hard and semi-hard cheeses, as soft cheeses have a higher moisture content that affects their texture after thawing. However, some people choose to freeze soft goat cheese without salting beforehand and drain the liquid upon thawing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Possibility of freezing fresh goat cheese | Yes |
| Texture after freezing | Changes |
| Taste after freezing | Changes |
| Recommended freezing period | One to two months |
| Freezing method | Plastic wrap, then placed in an airtight bag |
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What You'll Learn
Freezing goat cheese: the impact on texture and taste
Freezing goat cheese can impact its texture and taste. Freezing is an option to extend the shelf life of goat cheese, but it can affect the texture and taste of the food. Goat cheese has a high moisture content, which means that its texture will be altered by freezing. Hard cheeses with lower moisture contents, such as Parmesan and Cheddar, tend to freeze better. Creamier cheeses, such as Brie and goat cheese, are better bought and consumed fresh to maximize taste and texture.
If you are determined to freeze goat cheese, it is recommended to use it in cooked dishes as the texture and flavor will not be as appealing. Freezing goat cheese for one to two months is recommended for the best quality. To freeze goat cheese, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container to reduce the risk of freezer burn. Goat cheese can be cubed or crumbled when it’s still quite frozen, and it thaws quickly.
One way to freeze goat cheese is to cut it into slices, stack the slices with parchment paper between them, and wrap them in bundles. This helps reduce bulk and cut down on plastic wrap needed. You can then open and remove a single slice as needed and wrap the rest back up.
Some cheeses that freeze well without major changes to their texture include goat cheese, Havarti, feta, and Boursin.
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Packing and storing goat cheese in the freezer
Goat cheese can be frozen, but it is important to note that the texture and flavour of fresh and ripened goat cheese can be altered by the thawing process. Dry goat cheeses and semi-hard cheeses, on the other hand, can withstand freezing and thawing quite well.
When packing goat cheese for freezing, it is important to wrap the cheese properly. This can be done by using wax or parchment paper, and then placing the wrapped cheese in an airtight container, preferably made of glass. Plastic containers tend to soak up odours, so it is best to avoid using them. Squeeze out any extra air from the container before storing it in the freezer.
It is also possible to freeze meals and culinary preparations containing cooked goat cheese without any issues.
Frozen goat cheese should be consumed within one to two months for the best quality. It is recommended to take the cheese out of the freezer a little ahead of time to allow it to thaw, but goat cheese thaws quickly and can even be cubed or crumbled when still quite frozen.
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How long can you freeze goat cheese for?
Yes, you can freeze goat cheese to extend its shelf life. However, it is worth noting that freezing goat cheese can alter its texture and taste. The high moisture content in goat cheese means that its texture will change when frozen.
If you do decide to freeze your goat cheese, it is recommended to do so for one to two months for the best quality. To prepare your goat cheese for freezing, wrap the cheese in plastic and then place it in an airtight bag. This will help to prevent freezer burn and preserve the quality of the cheese.
You can also freeze goat cheese in portions. To do this, freeze the cheese in a log shape, then cut it into slices and separate the slices with parchment paper before wrapping them up again. This will help reduce bulk and make it easier to remove a single portion when needed.
When you are ready to use your frozen goat cheese, it is best to use it in cooked dishes as the texture and flavor will not be as appealing as fresh goat cheese.
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Soft goat cheese vs hard goat cheese
Goat cheese is a versatile dairy product with a wide range of textures, aromas, shapes, and aging periods. It is produced using goat milk, and the milk's high water content gives it a characteristic supple texture. The taste of goat cheese varies from mild and light to tangy and creamy, with a full-bodied flavor developing upon aging.
Soft goat cheese, also known as fresh goat cheese, is a popular variety with a high moisture content, resulting in a soft, spreadable texture similar to cream cheese. It is often sold in logs and has a tangy, creamy, and slightly citrusy flavor. This type of goat cheese is best kept refrigerated due to its higher moisture content, which also promotes bacterial growth if left at room temperature. Soft goat cheese is perfect for those new to goat dairy, as its mild and light taste makes it a great introduction to the unique flavor of goat milk products.
On the other hand, hard goat cheese is obtained through a longer aging process, typically aged for 3 to 4 weeks. This aging period results in a drier texture and a more intense, full-bodied flavor. Hard goat cheese is often pressed and molded, and the amount of draining done to the curd contributes to the final texture of the cheese, with more draining producing a drier product. Examples of hard goat cheese include Añejo, a firm, aged Mexican cheese, and Majorero from Spain, which is similar to Manchego and protected under European Law with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.
Both soft and hard goat cheeses can be frozen to extend their shelf life. Freezing goat cheese is a great way to take advantage of sales and avoid waste, as it can be thawed without significant changes to its texture. When freezing, it is recommended to remove excess air from the packaging and store it in the freezer. The cheese can be taken out of the freezer a little ahead of time, and it will thaw quickly, even allowing for cubing or crumbling while still partially frozen. For optimal quality, it is suggested to freeze goat cheese for one to two months.
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Thawing goat cheese
The preferred method is to thaw the cheese slowly in the refrigerator overnight or over the course of 2 days. This will allow the cheese to retain some of the moisture in its packaging, giving it a better texture and preserving its original flavors. If you are worried about air getting into your packaging, place the cheese in the vegetable drawer to keep other food smells out.
If you are in a hurry, you can thaw the cheese on your countertop, which will take 2.5-3 hours. However, the cheese may be a little firmer when it is ready to be used.
For the fastest option, unwrap the cheese and microwave it in 30- to 45-second increments until it is completely thawed. If you are eating the cheese on its own, slicing it for sandwiches, or using it to garnish a dish, this is the best method to return the cheese to its former texture.
Once the cheese is thawed, it is recommended to use it as quickly as possible. Goat cheese will start to go bad if left out for more than 4 hours. When cheese starts to spoil, it will start to smell, change color, and taste sour or bitter.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can freeze fresh goat cheese. It is recommended to consume it within one to two months for the best quality.
To freeze fresh goat cheese, wrap the cheese in plastic, place it in an airtight bag, and squeeze out the extra air before storing it in the freezer.
Frozen goat cheese thaws quickly and can be cubed or crumbled when it's still quite frozen. It is recommended to use the cheese in cooked dishes as freezing may affect its texture and taste.
