Andy Montoya
Goat cheese is a versatile and tangy delight, but it can be tricky to store. Whether you're a fan of fresh or aged goat cheese, proper storage is key to preserving its creamy texture and strong flavour. Once opened, goat cheese should be enjoyed within a week. To extend its shelf life, wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper, then cover with plastic wrap or aluminium foil before refrigerating. For aged cheeses, bringing them to room temperature before serving softens the milk fat and ensures maximum flavour. Freezing is also an option, with goat cheese crumbles maintaining their quality for about six months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How long does opened goat cheese last? | 1-3 weeks in the refrigerator |
| How to store opened goat cheese | Store in an airtight container or wrap in wax or parchment paper and then in plastic wrap or aluminium foil |
| How to store goat cheese crumbles | Store in the freezer for up to 6 months |
| How to serve goat cheese | Fresh goat cheese can be served straight from the fridge, while aged goat cheese should be brought to room temperature before serving |
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese should be consumed within 7 days of opening
Goat cheese is a versatile and delicious ingredient, but it's best to consume it within 7 days of opening. This is because, like bread or wine, goat cheese is highly perishable and should be enjoyed fresh. While some sources suggest that goat cheese can last up to 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator, it's always better to air on the side of caution and aim to finish it within a week.
To ensure your goat cheese stays fresh for up to 7 days, proper storage is key. When you get home with your goat cheese, remove it from its original packaging. For aged cheeses, wrap them in wax or parchment paper, and then in foil or plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. You can also place the wrapped cheese in an airtight glass container for extra protection. Fresh cheeses, on the other hand, are best stored in an airtight container and should be enjoyed within about 5 days.
It's important to note that the storage method may vary slightly depending on the type of goat cheese you have. Aged goat cheeses, for example, should be allowed to come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving to ensure maximum flavor. Fresh goat cheeses, on the other hand, can be served straight from the fridge as they warm up quickly.
Additionally, when purchasing goat cheese, look for cheese that feels firm, not mushy. Avoid any packages with excess liquid, leakage, or off-colors. It's best to buy what you know you'll eat within 7 days to ensure optimal freshness and flavor.
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Store in the fridge, tightly sealed
To store goat cheese in the fridge, you'll want to make sure it's tightly sealed. This will ensure that your cheese stays fresh for as long as possible. If you've purchased your goat cheese from a cheesemonger or specialty store, it might be wrapped in paper. In that case, no need to re-wrap it—just pop it in the fridge. If it's in a plastic container, make sure the lid is on tight.
If you're storing soft or semi-soft goat cheese, a resealable plastic container is your best bet for keeping it fresh. For semi-hard cheeses, you'll want to wrap it in parchment or wax paper and then in foil or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. You can also place the wrapped cheese in an airtight glass container for extra protection. This will help keep the cheese from drying out and protect it from absorbing other odours in the fridge.
If you're storing a log of goat cheese, you can try cutting it into rounds and separating each round with a piece of wax or parchment paper before storing it in a deli container. This will help keep the cheese moist. You can also try wrapping the log in wax or parchment paper and then covering it with plastic wrap before placing it in the fridge.
Properly stored, fresh goat cheese will last about one to two weeks in the refrigerator. If you need to keep it longer, you can always freeze it. To do this, wrap the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen cheese can last about six months and is best suited for cooked dishes, as it may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour.
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Avoid plastic wrap
Goat cheese, like all cheese, needs humidity and room to breathe. Plastic wrap is not suitable for storing goat cheese because it prevents the cheese from breathing and can cause it to suffocate and spoil.
If you have purchased your goat cheese vacuum-wrapped from a grocery store, it can be stored unopened in the refrigerator for at least two months. However, once opened, it should be removed from the vacuum packaging and stored in a lidded plastic or glass container in the refrigerator. If your goat cheese has a rind and did not come in paper, wrap it first in wax paper and then in plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator. This creates a layer of breathability that will help keep the cheese fresh.
It is important to note that goat cheese is meant to be consumed within a week of opening, and the freshness of the cheese should be checked regularly. When storing opened goat cheese, it is recommended to scrape off the surface with a knife and rewrap it in a new layer of wax paper followed by plastic wrap.
Instead of plastic wrap, you can also use other materials to wrap your goat cheese. Parchment paper, aluminum foil, or wax paper can be used to wrap the cheese before placing it in a container or the refrigerator. These materials provide protection from microbial contamination and help maintain the quality of the cheese.
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Freeze goat cheese to extend its shelf life
Freezing is a great option to extend the shelf life of goat cheese. However, it is important to note that freezing can affect the texture and taste of the cheese. The softer the goat cheese, the more its texture and flavor will be altered. Therefore, dry, hard, and semi-hard goat cheeses are more suitable for freezing than fresh goat cheeses.
To freeze goat cheese, start by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. This helps to prevent freezer burn and preserve the quality of the cheese. Properly stored, frozen goat cheese will maintain its best quality for about 1 to 2 months, although it will remain safe to consume beyond that time.
When you are ready to use the frozen goat cheese, thaw it under refrigeration. The cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavor, so it is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.
Additionally, proper packaging and storage can help extend the shelf life of goat cheese even without freezing. When storing in the refrigerator, wrap the cheese correctly to avoid transferring odors and flavors between different cheeses. You can reuse the original packaging or wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. With proper storage, goat cheese can last for about 1 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.
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Check for mould, off odours or flavours
When it comes to checking for mould, off odours, or unusual flavours in goat cheese, it's important to use your senses of sight,
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Frequently asked questions
Fresh goat cheese will last about 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Aged goat cheese should be enjoyed within about five days.
For fresh goat cheese, use a sealed airtight container. For aged goat cheese, wrap it in wax or parchment paper and then in foil or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
Yes, you can freeze goat cheese. Wrap the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavor, so it is best suited for cooked dishes.
