Kamil Perry
Goat cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient, but it's important to know how to store it properly to preserve its tangy flavour and creamy texture. There are several factors to consider when storing goat cheese, including the type of cheese, the storage temperature, and the packaging. Fresh goat cheese, which is soft and young, should be white in colour and stored in the refrigerator, ideally in an airtight container. It can be kept for up to two months if unopened and vacuum-sealed, but once opened, it should be consumed within five days. Aged goat cheese, on the other hand, has a longer shelf life and can be stored in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator or in a humid environment like the vegetable crisper drawer. Proper resealing is crucial to prevent the cheese from losing its freshness, flavour, and texture.
How to Preserve Goat Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Goat cheese type | Fresh, unripened or ripened |
| Fresh goat cheese appearance | White, firm, not mushy or with off-colors |
| Ripened goat cheese appearance | Firm, can be soft-ripened or hard |
| Ripened goat cheese flavor | Stronger, sometimes with hints of umami and butter |
| Storage location | Vegetable drawer in the refrigerator |
| Storage temperature | Between 8 °C and 10 °C |
| Storage container | Airtight glass container |
| Storage wrapping | Wax or parchment paper |
| Storage duration | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Freezing | Possible for dry and semi-hard goat cheeses |
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What You'll Learn
Freezing goat cheese
To freeze goat cheese, start by dividing it into portions if desired. You can freeze an entire log or portion-sized parts. Wrap the cheese in freezer-safe plastic wrap or wax/parchment paper, then place it in an airtight container, preferably made of glass to prevent odour absorption. You can also add the wrapped cheese to a freezer-safe zipper top bag or wrap it in foil for extra protection from freezer burn. Squeeze out any extra air from the bag and store it in the freezer.
When you need to use the frozen goat cheese, take it out of the freezer a little ahead of time to thaw. Goat cheese thaws quickly and can even be cubed or crumbled when it's still partially frozen. Frozen goat cheese should be consumed within two to three months.
It's important to note that freezing does not entirely stop the ripening process, so it's best to use the cheese within the recommended time frame. Additionally, if you plan to use the goat cheese in recipes that require a soft, creamy, and spreadable texture, such as strawberry goat cheese bruschetta, it's better to avoid freezing as it can affect the texture.
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Wrapping and storing goat cheese
Wrapping Goat Cheese:
- Reuse the Original Packaging: The simplest way to wrap goat cheese is to reuse its original packaging. This helps protect the cheese from microbial contamination and prevents the transfer of odours and flavours between different cheeses.
- Parchment Paper or Wax Paper: If you prefer not to reuse the original packaging, wrap the cheese in parchment paper or wax paper. These materials provide a barrier against contamination while allowing the cheese to breathe.
- Aluminium Foil or Plastic Wrap: While not ideal, you can also use aluminium foil or plastic wrap. However, plastic wrap is known to invite unwanted mould, so it's best avoided if possible.
Storing Goat Cheese:
- Refrigerate: The refrigerator is the most convenient place to store goat cheese. Place the wrapped cheese in an airtight glass container for extra protection.
- Vegetable Drawer: The vegetable drawer in your refrigerator is ideal for storing goat cheese. The temperature in this drawer typically ranges between 8°C and 10°C, creating an atmosphere similar to a cave—the perfect environment for cheese.
- Temperature Considerations: The temperature at which you store your goat cheese depends on its type. For well-aged cheeses, place them in the middle of your refrigerator, where the temperature is between 4°C and 6°C. To stop the ripening of fresh cheese, store it in the top of the refrigerator, where the temperature is between 0°C and 4°C. Avoid storing aged cheeses in the coldest part of the fridge, usually the back and bottom shelves.
- Freezing: Some goat cheeses can be frozen to extend their shelf life. Dry goat cheeses and semi-hard cheeses can withstand freezing and thawing without significant changes in texture and flavour. However, fresh and ripened goat cheeses should not be frozen, as their qualities may be compromised.
By adopting these wrapping and storage practices, you can enjoy your goat cheese at its best, maximising its freshness, flavour, and texture.
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The shelf life of goat cheese
Fresh goat cheese, which is soft, moist, and ranges from creamy to crumbly in texture, has a shorter shelf life than aged goat cheese. Unopened and vacuum-sealed fresh goat cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for about two months or even longer. However, once opened, it should be consumed within about five days, as it will quickly lose its freshness, flavor, and texture. To extend its shelf life, fresh goat cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, ideally in the top part of the fridge between 0°C and 4°C to prevent further ripening.
On the other hand, aged goat cheese, which has been ripened over a longer period, has a firmer texture and a stronger flavor. It can be stored in the refrigerator, ideally in the middle part of the fridge between 4°C and 6°C. Aged goat cheese can be wrapped in wax or parchment paper and placed in an airtight glass container for extra protection. With proper storage, aged goat cheese can last for about two to three weeks.
Additionally, some types of goat cheese, such as dry and semi-hard varieties, can be frozen to extend their shelf life. However, freezing is not recommended for fresh or ripened goat cheeses as it can alter their texture and flavor during the thawing process. Frozen goat cheese should be consumed within two months and must be properly wrapped and stored in an airtight container, preferably made of glass, to prevent odor absorption.
It is important to note that the "Best By" date on goat cheese packaging is not an expiration or food safety date but an indication of peak flavor and quality. Goat cheese can still be consumed after this date, but it may not meet freshness standards.
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The best temperature for storing goat cheese
The ideal temperature for storing goat cheese depends on the type of cheese and your personal preferences. Fresh goat cheese, which is soft, moist, and ranges from creamy to crumbly in texture, should be stored at cooler temperatures. Specifically, it should be kept between 0 °C and 4 °C to stop the ripening process and maintain its freshness. This means that the top shelf of the refrigerator, which is typically the coldest part, is not recommended for storing fresh goat cheese.
On the other hand, aged goat cheese, which has a firmer texture and a stronger flavor, can be stored at slightly warmer temperatures. It is best kept in a stable, humid environment, such as a vegetable crisper drawer in the refrigerator. The temperature in this drawer typically ranges between 8 °C and 10 °C, providing an atmosphere similar to that of a cave, which is ideal for aged goat cheese.
If you prefer your aged goat cheese to be on the softer side, you can store it at a slightly cooler temperature, between 4 °C and 6 °C, in the middle shelves of the refrigerator. This will allow the cheese to continue ripening slowly, developing a softer texture.
Additionally, it is worth noting that freezing is an option for dry and semi-hard goat cheeses. Freezing can alter the texture and flavor of fresh and ripened goat cheeses, so it is not recommended for those varieties. However, if you wish to extend the shelf life of your dry or semi-hard goat cheese, proper wrapping and airtight containers are essential to protect the cheese during the freezing and thawing process.
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How to identify fresh goat cheese
Fresh goat cheese, also known as chèvre, is soft, young, and unripened. It is often log-shaped, but not always. It should be moist and creamy, with a smooth and supple texture, and no hint of graininess. Its flavour should be clean and fresh, mouthwateringly tangy but not astringent, with a balance of lemon and milk. Fresh goat cheese is usually white, but can sometimes be light yellow or cream-coloured. It should feel firm, not mushy.
Fresh goat cheese is typically enjoyed within a few days of production. It has a high water content, and a short shelf life. When buying vacuum-sealed cheese, avoid excess liquid, leakage, and any off-colours. For varieties with rind that have already been cut into, look for any separation between the rind and the cheese, which is undesirable. If the cheese looks dried out, it may have been sitting for too long.
Fresh goat cheese is usually sold without a rind, while aged goat cheese develops a rind over time. Aged goat cheese is ripened over a longer period and can be quite complex and pungent in flavour. The longer the goat cheese is aged, the stronger its flavour will be. The texture of aged goat cheese becomes firmer and drier, and may turn crumbly. The flavour of aged goat cheese becomes more subtle, with notes of hazelnut and dried herbs.
Goat cheese is made from goat milk, the milk of domestic goats. It is produced in a similar way to other types of cheese, by filtering the milk to remove impurities, adding a curdling agent, moulding the cheese, and separating it from the whey. The curds are then dried, flavoured, and cured. Goat cheese is produced in many places around the world, including France, Canada, Mexico, Norway, Spain, Finland, Albania, Greece, Turkey, Romania, and the Balkans.
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Frequently asked questions
Fresh goat cheese that is unopened and vacuum-sealed can be stored in the fridge for about two months.
Opened goat cheese should be stored in the refrigerator. For aged goat cheese, wrap it in wax or parchment paper and place it in an airtight container. Fresh goat cheese should be stored in an airtight container and ideally consumed within five days.
Yes, goat cheese can be frozen to preserve it for longer. However, freezing is not recommended for fresh or ripened goat cheese as it can alter their texture and flavour. Dry goat cheese and semi-hard goat cheese can withstand freezing and thawing.
Goat cheese should be stored in a humid environment to prevent the cheese from drying out. The vegetable drawer in the refrigerator is a good option as it has a temperature between 8°C and 10°C, similar to that of a cave.
