Andy Montoya
Goat cheese is a versatile and delicious ingredient, but how do you store it in the fridge to keep it fresh and tasty? Goat cheese comes in a variety of textures and flavours, from fresh and soft to aged and firm, and each type has slightly different storage requirements. In general, goat cheese should be wrapped or sealed tightly to prevent contamination and preserve its texture. Fresh goat cheese, for example, should be consumed within a few days of opening, while aged goat cheese can be stored for longer. The fridge temperature and humidity levels also play a role in maintaining the quality of the cheese.
How to store goat cheese in the fridge
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Packaging | Reuse the original packaging or wrap in parchment paper, wax paper, aluminium foil, or plastic wrap |
| Container | Airtight glass container |
| Refrigerator location | Vegetable drawer or middle of the refrigerator (4-6°C) for well-aged cheeses; top of the refrigerator (0-4°C) for fresh cheese |
| Shelf life | 1-2 weeks for fresh goat cheese; 2-3 weeks for soft or semi-soft goat cheese; up to 2 months for well-cured cheese |
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What You'll Learn
How to wrap goat cheese for the fridge
To wrap goat cheese for the fridge, you must first differentiate between the types of goat cheese. The two main types are fresh and aged goat cheese. Fresh goat cheese is soft, moist, and young. It can range from creamy to crumbly in texture, depending on its moisture level. Aged goat cheese, on the other hand, is ripened over a longer period, making it slightly firmer in texture. It has a stronger flavour and taste.
For fresh goat cheese, it is best to use an airtight container, preferably made of glass, as plastic can absorb odours. You can also wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper and then in plastic wrap to create a "layer of breathability". This will keep the cheese fresh for about 5 days to 2 weeks.
For aged goat cheese, it is recommended to wrap it in wax or parchment paper and then in aluminium foil or plastic wrap. This will prevent the cheese from drying out. You can also place the wrapped cheese in an airtight glass container for extra protection.
Additionally, you can opt for a cheese box to store your goat cheese in the fridge. This will keep your cheeses separate from other foods and prevent the transfer of odours and flavours.
It is important to note that goat cheese is sensitive to temperature and humidity. The ideal temperature for storing goat cheese is between 4°C and 10°C, which can be found in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator.
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The best place in the fridge to store goat cheese
Goat cheese can be stored in the refrigerator, but it is important to follow a few basic rules to ensure the cheese stays fresh and flavourful. The refrigerator temperature should be kept between 4°C and 10°C for goat cheese storage.
The vegetable drawer is the perfect place to store goat cheese. The temperature in the vegetable drawer typically ranges from 8°C to 10°C, which is ideal for cheese as it is similar to the atmosphere of a cave, where goat cheese is matured. The stable temperature in the vegetable drawer will help keep the cheese fresh and prevent it from drying out.
For well-aged cheeses, the middle shelf of the refrigerator is a good option, as the temperature there is usually between 4°C and 6°C, which is suitable for aged cheeses. If you want to stop the ripening process of fresh cheese, the top of the refrigerator, with temperatures between 0°C and 4°C, is the best place to store it.
It is important to wrap goat cheese correctly before placing it in the refrigerator. Individual wrapping in parchment paper, aluminium foil, or plastic wrap will help protect the cheese from microbial contamination and prevent the transfer of odours and flavours between different cheeses. An airtight glass container can also be used for extra protection and to maintain humidity, which is important for fresh goat cheese.
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How long goat cheese lasts in the fridge
Goat cheese can be stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 weeks if it is tightly sealed. However, fresh goat cheese should be consumed within 5 days for the best quality. It is important to note that goat cheese is sensitive to temperature and humidity. The ideal temperature for storing goat cheese in a refrigerator is between 4°C and 10°C.
The shelf life of goat cheese can be extended by using proper storage methods. One way to store goat cheese is to wrap it in wax or parchment paper and then in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent it from drying out. It is recommended to store the wrapped cheese in an airtight glass container for extra protection. Additionally, soft or semi-soft goat cheese should be stored in a resealable plastic container, while semi-hard cheeses can be wrapped in parchment or wax paper and then in foil or plastic wrap.
Freezing is another option to extend the shelf life of goat cheese, but it is important to note that freezing can alter the texture and flavour of fresh and ripened goat cheeses. Frozen goat cheese should be consumed within two months and is best suited for cooked dishes.
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The best containers for storing goat cheese in the fridge
Goat cheese, or chevre, is a versatile and tangy ingredient that can be used in anything from salads to risottos. But how do you store it properly?
For fresh goat cheese, it is best to use an airtight container, preferably made of glass. This will help to keep the cheese moist and prevent it from drying out. Fresh goat cheese can also be wrapped in wax or parchment paper and then stored in an airtight container for extra protection. It is important to note that fresh goat cheese should be consumed within 5–7 days of opening, as it has a shorter shelf life than aged varieties.
For soft-ripened and aged goat cheeses, which have a longer shelf life, wrapping the cheese in wax or parchment paper and then in foil or plastic wrap is a good option. This will help to protect the cheese from drying out and prevent odor transfer. These types of goat cheese can also be stored in an airtight container, but make sure to check on them regularly and scrape off any surface mold that may develop.
Additionally, it is recommended to store goat cheese in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator, as this provides a stable temperature and humidity similar to that of a cave, which is ideal for cheese storage.
Overall, the best containers for storing goat cheese in the fridge are airtight glass containers and wax or parchment paper, depending on the type of cheese and your personal preferences.
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How to freeze goat cheese
To freeze goat cheese, it is important to first consider the type of goat cheese you are freezing. Dry goat cheeses and semi-hard goat cheeses can withstand freezing and thawing quite well. On the other hand, fresh goat cheeses and ripened goat cheeses are more sensitive, and their texture and flavour can be altered by the thawing process.
If you are freezing dry or semi-hard goat cheese, start by wrapping the cheese properly. You can use wax paper, parchment paper, or plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container, preferably made of glass, as plastic can absorb odours. Finally, put the container in the freezer. Frozen goat cheese should be eaten within two months, as freezing does not entirely stop the ripening process.
Properly stored, frozen goat cheese will maintain its best quality for about six months but can be kept safely beyond that time. Frozen cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour, so it is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.
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Frequently asked questions
Fresh goat cheese will last about 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. It is best to eat it within 5 days of opening for maximum freshness.
Goat cheese should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For better protection, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating. Store it in the vegetable drawer of your fridge, where the temperature is normally between 8°C and 10°C.
Yes, you can freeze goat cheese, but freezing may alter the texture and flavour of fresh goat cheeses. To freeze, wrap the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen cheese is best suited for cooked dishes.
If your goat cheese has developed bright yellow or pink mould, discard it. If it tastes sour or stronger than usual, it has probably gone bad.
