Bushra Griffith
Goat cheese is a versatile product that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to desserts. However, the process of packaging and selling goat cheese can be challenging due to its perishable nature and the legal restrictions in certain states. The most common packaging method is plastic tubes, which are airtight and keep the cheese fresh during transport. Nevertheless, these tubes have been criticised for being hard to open and impossible to reseal, leading to frustration among consumers. To address this issue, some consumers transfer the cheese to different containers or use alternative storage methods such as freezing. For those interested in selling goat cheese, it is important to navigate the legal landscape, which varies by state, and consider options such as becoming a regulated micro-dairy or exploring local CSAs and raw milk registries.
How to Package Goat Cheese for Sale
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Packaging | Airtight, strong, flexible material |
| Shape | Tubes, logs |
| Resealability | Hard-to-reseal tubes, easy-peel backing |
| Legality | Varies by state, only Wyoming allows homemade cheese sales |
| Storage | Refrigerate, wrap, avoid plastic wrap, separate with wax paper |
| Shelf Life | 2 weeks to 2 months, shorter for fresh cheese |
| Freezing | Possible, but affects texture and flavour |
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese packaging should be strong, flexible, and airtight
Goat cheese is a delicate product that requires proper packaging to preserve its quality, flavour, and freshness. The ideal packaging for goat cheese should be strong, flexible, and airtight to ensure the cheese remains fresh and safe for consumption.
Strong and flexible packaging is essential to protect the cheese during transportation and storage. Goat cheese is a soft and delicate product that can easily be damaged or deformed. A strong and flexible material, such as plastic or glass, provides the necessary durability to safeguard the cheese from physical damage and maintain its shape. This is especially important for preserving the cheese's texture and appearance, ensuring it remains intact and appealing to consumers.
Airtight packaging is crucial to prevent spoilage and extend the shelf life of goat cheese. Goat cheese is highly perishable and susceptible to contamination and drying out. By using airtight containers or vacuum sealing, the cheese is protected from exposure to oxygen, moisture, and external contaminants. This helps maintain freshness, inhibit the growth of mould, and prevent the cheese from drying out or spoiling prematurely.
Vacuum-sealed bags or airtight containers made of plastic or glass are commonly used for goat cheese packaging. Plastic packaging, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), provides a strong and flexible barrier against oxygen and moisture. Glass containers, on the other hand, offer an eco-friendly and reusable option while still providing an airtight seal.
Additionally, parchment paper or wax paper can be used as inner packaging to wrap individual portions of cheese. These papers provide breathability, allowing the cheese to maintain its moisture content while preventing excessive humidity. They also serve as a protective barrier, ensuring the cheese does not dry out while still permitting airflow.
In summary, strong, flexible, and airtight packaging is essential for preserving the quality and freshness of goat cheese. By utilising materials such as plastic, glass, and paper, manufacturers can ensure the cheese remains protected, maintains its shape and texture, and extends its shelf life, ultimately providing a safe and enjoyable product for consumers.
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Plastic wrap is bad for goat cheese
Plastic wrap is not ideal for packaging goat cheese. Goat cheese, like any other cheese, needs humidity and room to breathe. Plastic wrap does not allow for this, and can lead to the cheese suffocating and developing a plastic taste. Plastic wrap also makes it difficult to reseal the cheese after opening, leading to issues with storage and increased waste.
While plastic wrap can keep goat cheese fresh during transport and storage, once opened, it is recommended to remove the cheese from the plastic wrap and store it in a lidded container in the refrigerator. This allows the cheese to breathe and prevents it from drying out. Additionally, using a container makes it easier to reseal the cheese, keeping it fresh for longer.
Plastic wrap can also be challenging to open, often requiring the use of a knife or scissors, which can damage the cheese and create a mess. The plastic wrap itself can also stick to the cheese, making it difficult to remove and causing waste. This can be frustrating for consumers and impact their overall satisfaction with the product.
Furthermore, plastic wrap is not environmentally friendly. It is made from non-renewable resources and is often not recyclable, contributing to waste and environmental pollution. Alternative packaging options, such as wax paper or parchment paper, are more sustainable and can provide a better barrier between the cheese and the plastic wrap, if needed.
Overall, while plastic wrap may be convenient for transportation and storage, it is not ideal for the consumer or the environment. It is important to consider alternative packaging options that provide breathability, ease of use, and sustainability.
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Goat cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life
Goat cheese is a delicious, tangy, creamy cheese. However, it is often sold in large quantities, and it can be a challenge to finish it before it goes bad. This is where freezing comes in! Freezing goat cheese can extend its shelf life, allowing you to enjoy it for a longer period.
Goat cheese can be frozen, and it is a great way to prevent waste and save money. Freezing goat cheese can be done by first wrapping the cheese in plastic wrap to ensure it is airtight. Then, place the wrapped cheese in a container to protect it from odours and freezer burn. It is recommended to squeeze out any excess air from the container to further extend its shelf life. With this method, goat cheese can last about 1 to 2 months in the freezer.
When you are ready to use the frozen goat cheese, simply take it out of the freezer and let it thaw under refrigeration. Goat cheese thaws quickly, and you can even cube or crumble it while it's still partially frozen. It is important to note that freezing may alter the texture and taste of the cheese due to its high moisture content. Therefore, it may be best to use the frozen cheese in cooked dishes rather than eating it raw.
In terms of packaging, it is essential to choose a strong and flexible material that will keep the cheese fresh and prevent leakage. While plastic wrap can be used, it is not ideal as it can invite unwanted mould and does not provide a breathable layer. Instead, consider using wax paper or parchment paper, which can help create a layer of breathability and reduce the risk of mould. Additionally, ensure that your packaging is easy to open and reseal, providing convenience to your customers.
Overall, freezing is a great option to extend the shelf life of goat cheese. By following these packaging and storage tips, you can ensure that your goat cheese remains fresh and delicious for a longer period.
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The legalities of selling homemade goat cheese vary by state
To legally sell homemade goat cheese, individuals may need to become a regulated micro-dairy, which is an option in states without a Food Freedom Act, like Wyoming's. This option, however, is more costly and time-consuming. Alternatively, hobby cheesemakers can connect with CSA outlets and develop a CSA market or register with their state's raw milk registry if available.
When selling goat milk or cheese, it is crucial to comply with various licenses and regulations, such as Grade A or Grade B certifications. The Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides a general framework for Grade A certification, covering equipment, parlor requirements, and milk safety. Grade B licenses are more commonly sought by smaller goat operations and are typically sufficient for goat cheese processors.
Producers must also be cautious when selling raw milk for human consumption due to health and safety concerns. It is recommended to consult with agriculture-specific legal counsel to ensure compliance with state regulations and address liabilities. Additionally, factors like water, runoff, plumbing, and chemicals must be considered when designing a compliant dairy operation.
Those interested in selling goat milk or cheese should research the specific rules and regulations of their state by contacting their state extension office, land grant university, or relevant departments, such as the state's Department of Agriculture and FDA office.
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Packaging goat cheese in tubes is annoying for consumers
Goat cheese is a delicate product with a relatively short shelf life. It needs to be protected from spoilage and drying out, and it must be kept cool. The right packaging is essential to preserving the original quality of the cheese.
Goat cheese is often packaged in plastic tubes. While this packaging is strong and flexible, and keeps the cheese fresh, it can be annoying for consumers. The plastic wrap invites unwanted mold and is hard to cut through without getting cheese everywhere. The packaging is also not easy to reseal, which means the cheese can dry out in the refrigerator.
Some consumers have expressed frustration with the difficulty of opening goat cheese tubes. The plastic wrap can be challenging to remove, and even when it does have an easy-peel backing, this feature does not always work. As a result, consumers may resort to using a knife or scissors to open the package, which can be dangerous and messy.
Additionally, the resealing issue means that consumers often have to transfer the cheese to another container for storage. This creates extra work and can be frustrating, especially if the cheese sticks to the plastic and is difficult to remove.
To address these issues, some have suggested that goat cheese manufacturers consider alternative packaging solutions, such as foil or wax paper, which can provide a better barrier against moisture and air, helping to keep the cheese fresh and extending its shelf life.
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Frequently asked questions
To package goat cheese for sale, you can use airtight plastic tubes, which are strong and flexible and keep the cheese fresh. However, some people find these hard to open and impossible to reseal, so you may want to consider an alternative option, such as vacuum-wrapped cheese.
The legal requirements for selling goat cheese vary depending on your location. In the United States, Wyoming is the only state that allows the sale of homemade cheese due to its Food Freedom Act. In other states, you can sell cheese by becoming a regulated micro-dairy, which is a more expensive option.
Goat cheese should be consumed within a week of opening the package. However, it can be frozen to extend its shelf life. Frozen goat cheese should be consumed within two months.
Goat cheese should be stored in the refrigerator. Fresh cheese should be stored in the top of the refrigerator between 0 °C and 4 °C to stop the ripening process, while well-aged cheeses can be stored in the middle of the refrigerator between 4 °C and 6 °C.
