Goat Cheese Gone Bad: How To Tell

Goat cheese is a soft cheese with a distinctive goaty smell that can be off-putting to those unfamiliar with it. Even at its freshest, goat cheese has a distinctive funk that sets it apart from other cheeses, and it can be difficult to tell when it has gone bad. While aged goat cheeses or goat's milk Brie behave like other cheeses, fresh goat cheese is more challenging to assess. Here are some ways to determine if your goat cheese has gone bad.

Goat cheese's smell when it goes bad

Goat cheese is known for its distinctive "funk", which can make it difficult to tell when it has gone bad. However, if your goat cheese has developed a sharp or acrid smell, it has likely spoiled. This may be accompanied by a noticeable change in texture, such as sliminess or dryness, or the presence of mould.

Goat cheese typically has an earthy, grassy aroma, similar to that of a farm. When fresh, it should have a mild, musky, and characteristically "goaty" smell. This aroma should be pleasant and faint, like the scent left on your hands after petting a dog.

If your goat cheese has taken on a pungent, unpleasant odour, it has probably spoiled. Spoiled goat cheese may emit a nostril-searing ammonia smell, indicating spoilage. Trust your senses and refrain from consuming the cheese if it smells odd.

It's important to note that while mouldy hard cheeses can be salvaged by cutting off the mouldy portion, mould tends to permeate soft cheeses like goat cheese. Therefore, it's best to discard mouldy goat cheese entirely, as consuming it may lead to foodborne illnesses.

Goat cheese's appearance when it goes bad

Goat cheese is known for its distinctive "funk", so it can be hard to tell when it's gone off. However, there are some telltale signs to look out for.

Firstly, check the best-by date on the packaging. This is a good starting point, but it's not a reliable guide as it's based on the assumption that the cheese has been stored correctly. Goat cheese that is stored properly in an airtight container should last 2-3 weeks.

The appearance of the cheese is the best way to tell if it has gone bad. If the cheese is mouldy, slimy, or sticky, discard it. Mould can be dangerous, and while some recommend cutting it off hard cheeses, this doesn't work with soft cheeses like goat cheese as the filaments are likely to have travelled throughout. The only exception is the white mould found on Brie, which is harmless. Discolouration is another sign of spoilage; if your goat cheese has turned from white to yellow, orange, or pink, it has gone bad.

Other signs of spoilage include a strong, off smell, a changed texture, or an off taste. If the cheese has developed a tough crust, it has likely dried out in the fridge. This won't make you sick, but it may not taste very nice.

Goat cheese's taste when it goes bad

Goat cheese has a distinctive "funk" that sets it apart from other cheeses. This means it can be difficult to know when it has gone off, as its natural smell can be similar to the smell of a cheese that has gone bad.

When goat cheese goes bad, it will often develop a sharp or acrid smell, and you may even detect a nostril-searing ammonia note. This is a clear sign of spoilage. If the cheese has taken on a slimy texture, this is another indication that it has gone bad and should not be eaten.

The taste of goat cheese that has gone bad is described as nasty and stale. It may be extremely sour and pungent, and you may detect an ammonia taste.

If you are unsure whether your goat cheese has gone bad, it is recommended that you perform a sniff test and inspect the cheese for any signs of mould or discolouration before tasting a small amount. If there is any doubt, it is always best to throw the cheese away.

Goat cheese's texture when it goes bad

Goat cheese is a soft cheese, and like other soft cheeses, it can be difficult to identify spoilage. If you notice any mould on a soft cheese, it's best to throw it out, as it's likely the mould has permeated the entire product.

If your goat cheese has developed a tough crust or a slimy texture, it has probably gone bad. Goat cheese that has been left out for too long will develop a slimy texture, which is a sign of bacterial growth. If you notice any slimy texture or film on your goat cheese, discard it immediately.

If your goat cheese has dried out, it may still be safe to eat, but it may not taste very good. Goat cheese that has been dried out will have a tough, crusty texture on the outside. If only part of the cheese is affected, you can cut off the affected area and eat the rest, as long as there are no other signs of spoilage.

If your goat cheese has been properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it should last for 2-3 weeks. However, if it has been left out at room temperature for more than two hours, it should be discarded, as bacterial growth can occur.

How to store goat cheese

Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed at almost any time of the day and used in a variety of recipes. However, it requires proper storage to maintain its freshness, flavour, and texture. Here are some tips on how to store your goat cheese:

Wrapping:

• It is important to wrap goat cheese correctly to avoid transferring odours and flavours between different cheeses.
• Wrapping also protects the cheese from drying out and from microbial contamination.
• You can reuse the original packaging or wrap each cheese individually in parchment paper, wax paper, aluminium foil, or plastic wrap.
• Plastic wrap should be avoided as it can create a moist environment that encourages mould growth.
• For varieties with a rind, wrap first in wax paper and then in plastic before storing in the refrigerator. This creates a layer of breathability.

Refrigerator Storage:

• The refrigerator is the most convenient place to store goat cheese, but it is sensitive to humidity and temperature.
• The vegetable drawer or crisper is the perfect storage location as it provides a similar atmosphere to a cave, with a temperature between 8°C and 10°C.
• Well-aged cheeses can be stored in the middle of the refrigerator between 4°C and 6°C.
• To stop the ripening of fresh cheese, store it in the top of the refrigerator between 0°C and 4°C.
• With proper storage, soft goat cheese is best enjoyed within a week or two of opening the package.
• Check on aged and softer ripened types every other day or so.

Freezing:

• Some goat cheeses, such as dry and semi-hard varieties, can be frozen. However, fresh and ripened goat cheeses should not be frozen as their texture and flavour can be altered.
• To freeze, wrap the cheeses properly and place them in an airtight container, preferably made of glass to avoid odour absorption.
• Frozen cheese should be eaten within two months and can only be frozen and thawed once.

Other Tips:

• Goat cheese should be stored away from other foods to avoid transferring odours and flavours.
• Always serve goat cheese at room temperature. Remove it from the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
• When goat cheese begins to age, you can lengthen its shelf life by placing it in a small bowl and covering it with olive oil, which will keep it moist and fresh while adding an interesting flavour.

Frequently asked questions