Patrick Oconnell
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to desserts. It has a distinct flavour and texture that sets it apart from other cheeses. However, the hard-to-open and impossible-to-reseal packaging can be a source of frustration for many consumers. In this article, we will discuss the different types of goat cheese, their flavour profiles and textures, and provide step-by-step instructions on how to open and store them properly to maximize their shelf life. We will also explore the various ways in which goat cheese can be incorporated into your meals, offering suggestions for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Goat cheese packaging | Tubes, rounds |
| Goat cheese texture | Creamy, soft, semi-soft, semi-hard, hard, crumbly, melty, nutty, funky |
| Goat cheese shape | Log, rounds |
| Goat cheese types | Fresh, aged, soft-ripened |
| Goat cheese storage | Refrigerate, freeze |
| Goat cheese shelf life | 5-7 days in the refrigerator, 6 months in the freezer |
| Goat cheese smell | Delicate, tangy |
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What You'll Learn
How to open a goat cheese tube
Opening a goat cheese tube can be a tricky business, but it is possible to do so without ruining the shape of the cheese inside. The first step is to identify whether the tube has an easy-peel backing. If it does, simply peel back the packaging to remove the log of cheese. If the tube does not have an easy-peel backing, you will need to use a knife to slice open the airtight container. However, this method can be messy, and the cheese may end up on the table, floor, or your fingers.
Once you have opened the goat cheese tube, it is important to store the cheese correctly to prolong its shelf life. Fresh goat cheese should be enjoyed within a week of opening, while aged or resealed goat cheeses have a longer shelf life. To store fresh goat cheese, remove it from the original packaging and wrap it in wax or parchment paper. Then, place the wrapped cheese in an airtight glass container and store it in the refrigerator. For aged goat cheese, follow the same steps but store it in the vegetable crisper drawer of your refrigerator, where the temperature is ideal for cheese storage.
If you are not planning to use the entire log of goat cheese at once, there are a few ways to store it effectively. One option is to freeze the cheese, which can prolong its shelf life by a few months. However, this method is not recommended for fresh or ripened goat cheese, as their texture and flavor can be altered during the thawing process. Another option is to wrap the leftover cheese in wax paper and then in plastic wrap before storing it in the refrigerator. This will help to create a layer of breathability, keeping the cheese fresh for longer.
It is worth noting that goat cheese is naturally sticky, so it may adhere to knives and fingers during the opening and storage process. Additionally, when purchasing goat cheese, look for a cheesemonger who allows you to sample the product before buying and uses paper, not plastic, wrap. This will ensure that you are getting the freshest and best-quality cheese possible.
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How to store goat cheese after opening
To store goat cheese after opening, it is important to keep it refrigerated at all times. The exact shelf life depends on the storage conditions, but generally, an opened package of goat cheese will last for about 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator. It is recommended to consume or freeze the cheese within this timeframe, even if the "Best By," "Best if Used By," or "Use By" date has not passed.
To maximize the shelf life of goat cheese after opening, ensure that the package is tightly sealed. Some people choose to move the leftovers to a piece of wax paper instead of the original packaging, as it cannot be resealed. It is important to note that goat cheese should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as bacteria can quickly grow at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F.
If you wish to extend the shelf life of opened goat cheese, you can freeze it. To do so, tightly seal the original packaging and place it in the freezer. If freezing for longer than 2 months, it is advisable to use a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, frozen goat cheese crumbles will maintain their best quality for about 6 months but will remain safe to consume beyond that period. However, it is worth noting that frozen goat cheese may lose some of its texture and flavor, and it may be best suited for cooked dishes like sauces, soups, and casseroles.
To determine if your goat cheese has gone bad, use your senses of smell and sight. If the cheese develops an unpleasant odor, flavor, or appearance, it should be discarded. Additionally, if mold appears, discard the entire package of goat cheese crumbles.
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How to store goat cheese in the freezer
Goat cheese is usually packaged in a strong and flexible airtight material to keep the delicate cheese fresh. However, this packaging can be challenging to open and nearly impossible to reseal. Once opened, it is recommended to use goat cheese within 5-7 days. Freezing goat cheese is an option to extend its shelf life, but it can affect the texture and taste of the cheese.
If you wish to freeze goat cheese, it is important to pack it well to prevent freezer burn and preserve its quality. Here are some steps to guide you through the process:
Preparing Goat Cheese for Freezing
Before placing the cheese in the freezer, it is essential to wrap it tightly to prevent air from entering. You can use plastic wrap, parchment paper, aluminum foil, or wax paper for wrapping. Ensure that the cheese is firmly wrapped to maintain its shape and reduce the risk of freezer burn.
Storing in Airtight Containers
After wrapping the goat cheese, place it in an airtight container, preferably made of glass. Plastic containers tend to soak up odors, which can affect the flavor of the cheese. You can also use heavy-duty freezer bags to store the wrapped cheese. Squeeze out any excess air before sealing the bag to create a vacuum-sealed environment.
Storing in the Freezer
Label the container or bag with the date and contents. Place the goat cheese in the freezer, ensuring it remains at a constant temperature of 0°F. Properly stored goat cheese will maintain its best quality for about six months, but it will remain safe to consume beyond that period.
Thawing and Using Frozen Goat Cheese
Frozen goat cheese is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles, as the thawing process can alter the texture and flavor. When using frozen goat cheese, take it out of the freezer a little ahead of time, as it thaws quickly. You can even cube or crumble it while it's still partially frozen.
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How to know if goat cheese has gone bad
Goat cheese has a distinctive, challenging aroma even when it's fresh. This makes it difficult to know when the cheese has gone bad. However, there are some telltale signs to look out for.
Firstly, trust your senses. If the cheese has developed a sharp, unpleasant pungency, or smells like death, it has likely gone bad. Likewise, if the cheese has a fuzzy surface or is slimy, it should be discarded. Only blue cheese should show blue or green mold, and this should be safe to consume. Other colors of mold, such as pink, are not safe and indicate the cheese has expired. If the cheese has dried out, it may be safe to eat, but it might not taste great.
The taste of goat cheese can also be a giveaway. Goat cheese is known for its tanginess with acidic undertones and whispers of sweetness. If the cheese tastes bland or stale, like cardboard, it has likely expired.
Finally, consider how the cheese has been stored. Light interacts with the fat in the cheese and causes it to go stale, so goat cheese should be stored in a dark place. If the cheese has been left under direct fluorescent lighting for extended periods, it will likely have spoiled.
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How to serve goat cheese
There are many ways to serve goat cheese, and it can be used in a variety of dishes. Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in apertifs, salads, cooking, and on a cheese board. It can be served straight from the fridge or brought to room temperature before serving. Here are some specific ways to serve goat cheese:
Storage and Temperature
Before serving, it is important to correctly store and prepare the goat cheese. When storing goat cheese, it is recommended to keep it in the refrigerator, tightly sealed, for 2 to 3 weeks. For aged or resealed goat cheeses, store them in a stable, humid environment like a vegetable crisper drawer. Avoid storing them in the coldest part of the refrigerator, which is usually the back and bottom shelves. Fresh goat cheese should be consumed within about five days. When serving, it is best to bring the cheese to room temperature by taking it out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving.
As a Spread or Topping
Goat cheese is soft, spreadable, and creamy, making it perfect for spreading on bread, toast, crackers, bagels, croissants, and even apple slices. It can also be used as a topping for salads or crackers. For a sweet option, try drizzling honey over the cheese or pairing it with fruit like apples, peaches, apricots, or cherries.
In a Salad
Goat cheese can be crumbled over or into salads, adding a tangy and creamy element. It pairs well with bitter greens like grapefruit or spinach and sweet options like beet or quinoa.
In a Main Course
Goat cheese can be used in a variety of main courses. It works well as a stuffing for chicken or burgers, as it won't melt and run out during cooking. It can also be crumbled over pasta, baked potatoes (including sweet potatoes), or polenta cakes. Additionally, it can be used as a substitute for mascarpone in a savory plum tart or paired with caramelized onions in a tart or on pizza.
As an Appetizer
Goat cheese can be used to make a variety of appetizers, such as mixing it with cream cheese and nuts to create a savory dip. It can also be fried and drizzled with honey and black pepper or rolled into festive goat cheese balls with sweet and crunchy toppings.
These are just a few ideas, but the possibilities are endless when it comes to serving goat cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
The packaging of goat cheese varies, but most are vacuum-sealed in plastic wrap. To open, use a knife to slice through the packaging and peel back the plastic.
To maximize the shelf life of goat cheese after opening, wrap the original packaging tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For even better results, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then cover with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
Properly stored, an opened package of goat cheese will last for about 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator.
