Andy Montoya
Goat cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient, but it can be tricky to know when it has gone bad. With a naturally challenging aroma, it can be hard to tell when it has soured. Fresh goat cheese is particularly difficult to judge as the soft and spreadable kind can quickly dry out in the fridge, or develop mould. To avoid this, it is recommended to only buy what you can eat within seven days, and to wrap any opened cheese in wax or parchment paper, and then cover with plastic wrap or aluminium foil before refrigerating.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Keep goat cheese refrigerated at all times. |
| Packaging | Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For better results, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then cover with plastic wrap before refrigerating. |
| Shelf Life | Fresh goat cheese will last about 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. |
| Mold | If mold appears on the goat cheese, discard it entirely. If the cheese is hard, cut around the mold about an inch in each direction. |
| Smell | Goat cheese takes on a sharp or acrid smell when it's going bad. |
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What You'll Learn
Refrigerate goat cheese at all times
Fresh goat cheese is highly perishable, with a shelf life of about one to two weeks in the refrigerator. It is recommended to refrigerate goat cheese at all times to maximize its shelf life. The exact shelf life depends on the storage conditions, and proper storage can make all the difference in preserving the cheese's quality and freshness.
Goat cheese is a soft cheese, and unlike hard cheeses, it is more susceptible to mold and bacterial growth. To prevent this, it is crucial to keep goat cheese refrigerated at all times. Refrigeration significantly slows down the growth of bacteria and mold, giving you more time to enjoy your cheese before it spoils.
When storing goat cheese, it is essential to use the right type of wrapping. Avoid plastic wrap as it can trap moisture and encourage the growth of mold. Instead, opt for wax or parchment paper, which allows the cheese to breathe. Wrap the cheese tightly in this paper and then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the refrigerator. This double-wrapping technique will help keep the cheese fresh for longer.
Additionally, always remember to refrigerate goat cheese promptly after purchasing it. Even before opening, it should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain its quality. Once opened, ensure that the cheese is well-wrapped and returned to the refrigerator as soon as possible. By following these simple but important steps, you can significantly extend the life of your goat cheese and enjoy it for as long as possible.
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Wrap goat cheese in wax paper, then plastic wrap
Wrapping goat cheese in wax paper and then plastic wrap is a great way to keep it fresh and prevent spoilage. This method helps maintain the quality and prolongs the shelf life of the cheese.
When wrapping goat cheese, it is essential to start with a clean and dry surface. Cut a piece of wax paper that is slightly larger than the cheese, ensuring it can fully cover it. Place the cheese in the centre of the wax paper and bring the sides up, wrapping the cheese completely. The wax paper provides a breathable layer that helps regulate moisture and prevents the cheese from drying out.
Then, take a piece of plastic wrap and wrap the cheese again. This additional layer creates a barrier against air and moisture, helping to keep the cheese fresh for longer. Make sure to press out any air bubbles and seal the plastic wrap tightly.
Finally, store the wrapped goat cheese in the refrigerator. This combination of wax paper and plastic wrap will help maintain optimal conditions, preventing the growth of bacteria and mould. With this method, you can expect your goat cheese to stay fresh for about 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Remember, even with proper wrapping and storage, it is essential to regularly check your goat cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as discoloration, slimy texture, or unusual odours. If you notice any of these indicators, it is best to discard the cheese.
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Avoid plastic wrap if possible
Goat cheese is perishable and the USDA recommends not keeping it longer than a week in the fridge. Beyond that, it is prone to bacterial growth and mould.
To avoid mould, it is best to avoid plastic wrap. Plastic wrap invites unwanted mould, so it is best to avoid it if possible. Cheese needs to breathe, and plastic wrap can suffocate it. Plastic wrap can also cause condensation, which can lead to mould. Instead, opt for wax or parchment paper, which will allow the cheese to breathe and stay fresh for longer. If you do use plastic wrap, make sure to wrap the cheese tightly to prevent air pockets, which can cause mould.
If you are storing goat cheese, it is also important to keep it refrigerated at all times. To maximise shelf life, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
Additionally, it is important to look out for signs of spoilage, such as discoloration, a bacterial film, or a sharp or acrid smell. If the cheese has any of these indicators, it is best to discard it.
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Freeze goat cheese to extend its shelf life
Goat cheese is a delicious, creamy, tangy treat. However, it is often sold in large quantities, which can be challenging to consume before it goes bad. The good news is that you can freeze goat cheese to extend its shelf life!
Freezing goat cheese is a great way to make sure you always have some on hand, and it can be especially useful if you buy in bulk or come across a fantastic sale. Freezing is also a good option if you want to send goat cheese in the mail, as it will help to keep it fresh during transit.
How to Freeze Goat Cheese
To freeze goat cheese, start by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap. This helps to reduce the risk of freezer burn by limiting the cheese's exposure to air. Then, place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container. This extra layer of protection will help to ensure that your cheese stays fresh and flavourful.
Thawing and Using Frozen Goat Cheese
Once you're ready to use your frozen goat cheese, simply thaw it in the refrigerator. Goat cheese thaws quickly and can even be cubed or crumbled while still partially frozen. Keep in mind that the texture and flavour of the cheese may be altered after freezing, so it may be best to use it in cooked dishes rather than eating it straight.
Storage Times
Goat cheese will last about 1 to 2 months in the freezer, so be sure to label and date your cheese to keep track of how long it's been stored. Once opened, goat cheese should be consumed within 2 to 3 weeks and discarded if mould, a rancid smell, or a foul taste develops.
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Signs of spoilage: slime, ammonia smell, discolouration
Goat cheese is highly perishable and can go bad within 1-2 weeks if not stored properly. It's important to distinguish between spoilage bacteria and pathogens. While spoilage bacteria might make you gag, it usually won't make you sick. On the other hand, pathogens like E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes can make you very ill and can't be detected by sight, smell, or taste.
Signs of spoilage in goat cheese include slime, an ammonia smell, and discolouration. Slime can manifest as a bacterial film, a thin layer of clammy, slimy fluid that adheres to the surface of the cheese and can also pool in the packaging. An ammonia smell indicates that protein breakdown has begun and bacteria are growing. Discolouration can be a sign of bacterial growth, as can a tough crust on the outside of the cheese, which indicates that the cheese has dried out.
If your goat cheese shows any of these signs of spoilage, it should be discarded, even if the expiry date hasn't passed. It's important to note that the presence of mould is also a sign of spoilage, and while some mouldy cheeses can be salvaged by cutting off the affected area, mouldy goat cheese should always be discarded because some moulds produce toxins.
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Frequently asked questions
Fresh goat cheese will last about 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. To extend its shelf life, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
Goat cheese has a distinctive funk, so it can be hard to know when it's gone off. Signs to look out for include discoloration, a bacterial film, and a sharp or acrid smell. If your goat cheese has any of these signs, discard it.
If your goat cheese has mold on it, discard it entirely. If you are dealing with a hard cheese, you can cut around the bad spot—about an inch in each direction. However, with fresh goat cheese, invisible filaments of mold are likely to have traveled throughout the whole thing.
To prevent goat cheese from going bad, keep it refrigerated at all times and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For even better results, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
