Frederic Melton
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to pizzas. However, like any dairy product, it is perishable and can spoil if not stored properly. Knowing when goat cheese has turned is crucial for both taste and food safety. While it typically lasts for about a week in the refrigerator, it can be challenging to determine if it has gone bad due to its distinctive aroma and flavour. To identify if your goat cheese has expired, you can rely on your senses of sight, smell, and touch.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smell | Goat cheese has a distinctive "goaty" smell that is mild and musky. When it goes bad, it will have a sharp, unpleasant pungency. |
| Texture | Goat cheese is soft and spreadable. When it goes bad, it will have a fuzzy texture. |
| Taste | Goat cheese has a tangy, sweet, and acidic taste. When it goes bad, it will have a bitter or unpleasant taste. |
| Appearance | Goat cheese should not have any mold. Blue cheese is the exception, as it uses specific molds that are known to be safe. |
| Expiry | Goat cheese lasts for about seven days or less. Properly wrapped and refrigerated, it can last for a couple of weeks or even months. |
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese's shelf life
Goat cheese is available in two varieties: fresh and aged. Fresh goat cheese is soft, moist, and young, with a creamy texture and a tangy flavour. It is typically good for up to a week in the refrigerator, with some sources claiming it may last up to two weeks. However, this assumes proper sealing and consistent refrigeration. Aged goat cheese, on the other hand, tends to have a stronger flavour and a firmer texture. It is ripened over a longer period, resulting in a longer shelf life.
The "Best By" date on goat cheese packaging is not an expiration or food safety date but rather an indicator of peak flavour and quality. Consuming the cheese after this date may result in a slight decline in freshness standards. Nevertheless, it is still safe to eat as long as there are no other signs of spoilage.
One of the challenges in determining whether goat cheese has turned is its naturally distinctive and funky aroma, which can make it difficult to discern when it has gone bad. However, there are several telltale signs to look out for. Firstly, mould is a clear indication that goat cheese has spoiled and should be discarded. Discolouration, such as yellowing or dark spots, is another red flag. Changes in texture, such as increased softness or crumbly consistency, can also indicate spoilage. Additionally, an off smell, such as a sour, rancid, or ammonia-like odour, is a sign that the cheese has gone bad.
To prolong the shelf life of goat cheese, proper storage is essential. It should be wrapped tightly and stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator. Well-aged cheeses can be stored between 4°C and 6°C, while fresh cheeses should be kept between 0°C and 4°C to slow down the ripening process. Freezing is also an option for dry and semi-hard goat cheeses, as they can withstand freezing and thawing without significant changes in texture and flavour. However, freezing is not recommended for fresh or ripened goat cheeses, as it can alter their characteristics.
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How to identify spoilage
Goat cheese is known for its distinctive "funk", which can make it challenging to identify spoilage. However, there are several telltale signs that your goat cheese has gone bad.
Firstly, it is important to note that the expiration date on the package is not a definitive indicator of spoilage. According to the USDA, goat cheese can still be food-safe to consume after this date. Fresh, soft goat cheese can typically last for up to a week in the refrigerator, and some sources suggest it may even last up to two weeks. However, these estimates assume proper sealing and consistent refrigeration. To extend the shelf life of your goat cheese, store it in the coldest part of your refrigerator, away from direct light, and in a solid-colored airtight container.
One of the most important indicators of spoilage in goat cheese is its smell. When fresh, goat cheese should have a mildly musky, goaty aroma that is not sharp or pungent. If the cheese has gone bad due to mold or bacterial activity, its smell will noticeably change, becoming sour, rancid, or ammonia-like.
Visual cues can also help identify spoilage. Fresh goat cheese should have a uniform color and texture, and any mold growth or discoloration is a red flag. Look out for blue, green, black, or pink mold spots, as well as darkening or yellowing of the cheese.
Additionally, changes in texture can indicate spoilage. Fresh goat cheese should be creamy and feel fluffy or firm. If it becomes slimy or significantly less fluffy, it may be a sign of deterioration.
It is important to trust your senses and rely on multiple indicators when determining if your goat cheese has spoiled. If you notice any off smells, mold growth, discoloration, or textural changes, it is best to discard the cheese to maintain food safety and prevent digestive issues.
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Proper storage practices
Packaging and Wrapping
Before placing the cheese in the refrigerator, ensure it is correctly wrapped. This will help to avoid the transfer of odors and flavors between different cheeses and protect the cheese from microbial contamination. Reusing the original packaging is a good option. For aged goat cheese, wrap it in wax or parchment paper before storing it in the refrigerator. You can also place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container for extra protection. Freezing goat cheese is also an option, especially for dry and semi-hard goat cheeses, as freezing can alter the texture and flavor of fresh and ripened goat cheeses. If you do choose to freeze your goat cheese, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Temperature Control
Temperature control is crucial for keeping goat cheese fresh. Store unopened goat cheese in the fridge, in the coldest part, and away from the door, to maximize freshness. Opened goat cheese should be stored in a more stable, humid environment, such as a vegetable crisper drawer.
Expiration Dates
Keep an eye on expiration dates, but use your senses to determine if the cheese has actually spoiled. Fresh, soft goat cheese is usually good for about a week in the refrigerator, but some sources say it may last up to two weeks. Aged or resealed goat cheeses have a shorter shelf life than other cheeses, so it's best to only open the packaging when you're ready to use the cheese.
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Goat cheese's distinct smell
Goat cheese is loved by many for its unique flavour and texture. However, its distinct smell can be a turn-off for some. This smell is often described as "goaty", and it is caused by the presence of a molecule that is passed into the cheese from the goat's milk. The "goatyness" of the cheese is influenced by two key factors: the age of the milk when it is processed, and whether male goats, or bucks, are kept in the same pen as female goats, or does.
Goat's milk ages much quicker than cow's milk because it is naturally homogenized. As a result, the older the milk is, the stronger the "goaty" flavour will be in the cheese. Bucks produce pheromones, which smell like a strong goat cologne, to attract does during breeding season. If bucks and does are kept in the same pen all year round, this pheromone will permeate the milk, giving it a very "goaty" flavour.
The distinct smell of goat cheese can also be an indicator of whether the cheese has gone bad. Fresh goat cheese should have a mildly "goaty", musky smell, without any sharp, unpleasant pungency. If the cheese has gone off due to mould or bacterial activity, this smell will change noticeably, becoming sour, rancid, or ammonia-like.
To keep goat cheese fresh, it should be stored in the coldest part of the fridge, and wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil once opened. It can also be frozen to extend its shelf life, but the texture may change after thawing.
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Goat cheese's appearance
Goat cheese is white when fresh and gradually turns slightly yellow as it ages. Fresh goat cheese should have a slightly firm but creamy texture. If it becomes slimy or sticky to the touch, it has spoiled. Goat cheese with a soft ripened rind, similar to Brie, will only last about a week beyond its expiration date. Semi-hard to semi-soft goat cheeses are best for a few weeks after their expiration date and one to three weeks after opening. Hard goat cheeses can be kept for at least a month after their expiration date and after opening.
Goat cheese can develop blue-green veins, indicating the presence of mould cultures. If you notice any mould on the surface of the cheese, it should be discarded, as mould growth indicates spoilage. However, if the cheese has a bloomy rind, you can cut off the mouldy parts and eat the remaining cheese if it does not smell terrible. Nonetheless, if the cheese has orange, blue, or red mould, it must be thrown away, as these types are dangerous.
The packaging of the goat cheese can also indicate spoilage. If the package is bloated or leaking, it means bacteria are actively growing inside, and the cheese has become unsafe to consume. Additionally, the cheese should be discarded if it has an unpleasant odour, such as a strong ammonia smell or a sour or rancid scent.
Tasting the cheese is the ultimate test to determine if it has gone bad. If there is any doubt about its freshness, you can take a small bite. If it tastes unpleasant, spit it out and discard the cheese. However, this test should be used sparingly and only for cheese close to its use-by date that has been properly stored.
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Frequently asked questions
Goat cheese has a distinctive "goaty" smell, which should be mild and musky when fresh. If the cheese has gone off, this smell will change to something sharper and more pungent. The texture will also change, becoming less fluffy, and the cheese may develop a fuzzy surface or mould. If there is any mould on soft goat cheese, it should be discarded. Hard cheeses can be saved by cutting about an inch around the mould.
Goat cheese will last a couple of weeks, or even a couple of months if properly wrapped and refrigerated. Goat cheese stored in oil will also last longer.
Consuming expired goat cheese can cause digestive issues.
