Randy Chandler
Goat cheese is a delicious, underrated treat that is becoming more popular in American kitchens and restaurants. It is usually served fresh or ripened, and can be stored in a few different ways to maximize its shelf life. Knowing how to keep goat cheese fresh is essential to enjoying its creamy, tangy taste, as improper storage can lead to spoilage and wastage. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure you get the most out of your goat cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Refrigerate at all times |
| Shelf Life | 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator |
| Packaging | Tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminium foil |
| Vacuum-Sealed | Avoid excess liquid, leakage and off-colours |
| Rind | No separation between the rind and cheese |
| Freezing | Goat cheese can be frozen for up to 6 months |
| Mould | If mould appears, discard the cheese |
| Freshness | Firm, not mushy; no off-putting colours, smells or moulds |
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese can be frozen
To freeze goat cheese, it is best to do so as soon as possible after purchasing. If you freeze it promptly, you can expect to keep it for 1-2 weeks, just as if it were fresh. Wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or heavy-duty aluminum foil, ensuring it is well sealed and protected from air and moisture. Then, place the wrapped cheese in a freezer bag for added protection from freezer odours and burn. If you wish, you can also freeze the cheese in its original packaging, but only if it is unopened and well sealed.
When you are ready to use your frozen goat cheese, it is best to use it within a couple of months for the best flavour. Frozen cheese may become crumbly and is best suited to cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups, and casseroles. You can defrost the cheese in the refrigerator, and be sure to check for signs of spoilage before consuming.
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Fresh goat cheese should be firm, not mushy
Fresh goat cheese is a delightful treat, but it can be tricky to keep it fresh. When buying fresh goat cheese, it should be firm to the touch and not mushy. This is a sign of quality and that the cheese is not mostly water. If the cheese is already packaged, look for any signs of excess liquid or leakage. If you are buying the cheese in person, ask the cheesemonger if you can see and taste it before you buy.
Once you have bought your fresh goat cheese, you should plan to eat it within a few days. If you don't think you will get through it in time, you can freeze it. Freezing will preserve the cheese almost indefinitely, but it is best enjoyed within a couple of months to make the most of the flavour. If you are freezing, it is best to do so as soon as you get the cheese home and keep it in its original packaging if possible. If not, wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, or place it in a freezer bag.
If you are keeping your fresh goat cheese in the fridge, it should be eaten within one to two weeks. To maximise its shelf life, wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. Alternatively, you can first wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap. Always be sure to check for signs of spoilage before eating any goat cheese from the fridge. Look out for mould, an off smell, or a dried-out texture.
Remember, fresh goat cheese needs humidity and some room to breathe. If you have bought a vacuum-sealed cheese, remove it from the packaging and store it in a lidded plastic or glass container in the refrigerator. For varieties with a rind that didn't come in paper, wrap first in wax paper and then in plastic and store in the refrigerator drawer.
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Goat cheese should be wrapped tightly
Goat cheese is a delicious treat, but it can be a little tricky to keep fresh. One of the most important things to remember is that goat cheese needs to be wrapped tightly. This helps to keep the cheese from drying out and also prevents bacteria from growing.
When storing goat cheese in the refrigerator, always wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. This creates a barrier that keeps the cheese from drying out and protects it from absorbing flavours from other foods in the fridge. It's important to note that plastic wrap is not ideal for long-term storage as it can cause the cheese to suffocate and may affect its flavour. So, if you're using plastic wrap, be sure to change it every few days.
If you're storing opened goat cheese, it's best to transfer it to a new piece of wax paper or parchment paper, rather than keeping it in the original packaging, which can't be resealed. Roll the cheese up tightly in the wax paper, twisting the ends like a candy wrapper. Then, wrap it again in plastic wrap or aluminium foil before placing it in the fridge. This double-wrapping method helps keep the cheese fresh for longer.
For those who buy their goat cheese in bulk, freezing is a great option. To freeze goat cheese, wrap it tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap. You can also place it inside a freezer bag, ensuring that it is sealed tightly to keep out air. Frozen goat cheese can last for up to six months, but it's best to use it within a couple of months to enjoy its flavour at its best.
By following these simple tips and wrapping your goat cheese tightly, you can enjoy this delicious treat for longer without worrying about spoilage or waste.
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Goat cheese should be refrigerated
Goat cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient, but it's important to store it properly to keep it fresh and avoid waste. Here are some detailed tips to ensure your goat cheese stays fresh for as long as possible, with a focus on refrigeration:
Goat cheese, or chevre, is a popular ingredient with a tangy, creamy flavour. It can be served fresh or ripened, with aged goat cheese having a longer shelf life. To maintain its freshness, refrigeration is essential. When you get your goat cheese home, it's best to store it in the fridge, where it will last longer than at room temperature. Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature, so the refrigerator is the best place to keep your cheese.
When storing opened goat cheese in the refrigerator, it is important to use the appropriate wrapping. Firstly, transfer the cheese from its original packaging to wax or parchment paper. This ensures a tighter seal, preserving freshness. Then, cover the cheese with plastic wrap or aluminium foil, maximising the shelf life by creating an additional barrier against bacteria. Properly stored in this manner, fresh goat cheese will last about one to two weeks in the refrigerator.
It is crucial to regularly check the condition of your goat cheese before consumption. Look for any signs of spoilage, such as mould or an off-putting smell. If you notice any bright yellow or pink mould, discard the cheese. Additionally, if your goat cheese develops a sour taste or an overly goaty flavour, it is best to dispose of it. Remember, refrigeration slows down but does not stop the ageing process, so always check the condition of your cheese before eating it.
If you wish to extend the shelf life of your goat cheese beyond a couple of weeks, freezing is an option. Goat cheese can be frozen and will keep safe indefinitely if maintained at a constant temperature of 0°F. To freeze, wrap the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it inside a freezer bag. However, please note that frozen cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour, so it is better suited for cooked dishes.
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Goat cheese has a short shelf life
Goat cheese, or chevre, is a delicious treat, but it has a short shelf life. The creamy, tangy taste of goat cheese is a delight, but it can be a challenge to keep it fresh. The good news is that there are ways to extend its shelf life and enjoy this tasty cheese for longer.
Firstly, it is important to know what to look for when buying goat cheese. Fresh goat cheese should be firm, not mushy, and free of excess liquid or leakage. If the cheese is vacuum-sealed, check for any signs of discolouration or leakage. For varieties with a rind, ensure there is no separation between the rind and the cheese. If the cheese looks dried out, it has probably been sitting for a while.
Once you have purchased your goat cheese, it is important to store it properly to maximise its shelf life. Unopened goat cheese can be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, for up to two weeks. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to six months, although it is best to eat it within a couple of months to enjoy the full flavour.
When you open a package of goat cheese, it is best to move the leftovers to a piece of wax paper, as the original packaging cannot be resealed. Roll it up tightly and twist the edges. You can then wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator, where it will last for about a week. It is important to check for signs of spoilage, such as mould, strange smells, or a dried-out texture, before consuming any goat cheese from the fridge.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the delicious taste of goat cheese for longer and reduce waste by keeping it fresh!
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Frequently asked questions
Fresh goat cheese will last about 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. It's important to keep the cheese refrigerated at all times and check for signs of spoilage before eating.
To maximise the shelf life of fresh goat cheese, wrap the original packaging tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. For even better results, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then cover with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
Yes, you can freeze goat cheese. It will last up to six months in the freezer but it is best to eat it within a couple of months. Wrap the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it inside a heavy-duty freezer bag.
