Kamil Perry
Goat's cheese is a versatile ingredient, adding a tangy twist to pizzas, salads, and burgers. However, it can be tricky to tell if it has gone off. Goat's cheese has a distinctive goaty smell, and this can make it hard to identify when it has turned bad. Fresh goat's cheese should have a mild, musky aroma, with a faint animal-like scent. If it has gone off, this smell will change noticeably, becoming sharp and pungent. Other signs of spoilage include fuzzy surfaces and a lack of flavour. If there is any doubt, it is best to throw the cheese away, especially if it is past its use-by date or has been stored incorrectly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smell | Goat cheese has a signature funk with a mild and musky goaty smell. When it's off, the smell becomes sharp, unpleasant, and pungent. |
| Taste | Goat cheese has a distinct, present, and unmistakable flavor. It is characterized by a marked tanginess with acidic undertones and delicate whispers of sweetness. If it tastes bland or faded, it's likely gone bad. |
| Mold | Goat cheese can develop blue or pink mold, which indicates it has gone bad. |
| Texture | Goat cheese has a firm texture. If the edges have dried out, it may still be safe to consume, but it might not taste as good. |
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Goat cheese's signature 'funk'
Goat cheese has a distinctive, challenging aroma even when it's fresh. This signature "funk" can make it difficult to tell when the cheese has gone off. When fresh, goat cheese should have a mild, musky, and faintly goaty smell, similar to the scent that lingers on your hands after petting a dog. This aroma should be fresh and milky, without any sharp, unpleasant pungency.
However, when goat cheese goes bad due to mould or bacterial activity, its smell will change noticeably. It may start to smell sour or like ammonia, indicating that it has spoiled. The presence of pink mould is a particularly bad sign, as it tends to invade the interior of the cheese and cannot be simply cut off. Blue mould is another sign of spoilage and is not considered safe to consume.
In addition to smell, visual and textural cues can also indicate whether goat cheese has gone bad. Fresh goat cheese is typically white, so discolouration towards yellow or the presence of dark spots suggests spoilage. Spoiled goat cheese may also exhibit changes in texture, becoming slimy or overly dry and crumbly.
If there is no obvious mould, strange smell, or discolouration, and the cheese is close to its use-by date, you can taste a small amount to determine its freshness. However, this should be done sparingly and sensibly, especially if the cheese is older or has been stored for a long time. If it tastes unpleasant, spit it out and discard the cheese, as it is no longer safe to consume.
To prolong the freshness of goat cheese, proper storage is essential. Goat cheese should be kept in the fridge to slow down bacterial growth and mould development. It should be wrapped in wax or parchment paper, avoiding plastic wrap, as it traps moisture and accelerates spoilage. Sealing the wrapped cheese in an airtight container helps maintain freshness by preventing the absorption of other fridge smells. For aged goat cheese, aluminium foil wrapping provides optimal freshness. Glass, plastic, and vacuum-sealed bags are also suitable options for storing goat cheese.
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Taste testing
Goat cheese has a distinctive "funk" that sets it apart from other cheeses. When fresh, it should have a mild and musky goaty smell, like the faint animal whiff you might experience after petting a dog. This smell is not unpleasant, but when the cheese has gone off, this mild funk will change noticeably, becoming sharp and pungent.
If you're unsure whether your goat cheese is still usable, you can taste a small bite, but only if it still looks and smells fine, and you're certain that it's close to its use-by date and has been kept cold since it was purchased. If it tastes nasty, spit it out and throw the cheese away.
It's important to note that this test should be used sparingly and sensibly. It's not advisable to taste cheese that's well past its use-by date or that you've found at the back of your fridge. As the saying goes, "When in doubt, throw it out."
Some other signs that your goat cheese has gone bad include:
- Fuzzy surfaces
- Lack of flavour
- Dry edges
- Blue or pink mould
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Pink mould
Goat's cheese is known for its distinctive "funk", which can make it difficult to determine if it has gone off. However, if there is pink mould on your goat's cheese, it is best to throw it away. While the pink colour itself may not be harmful, it is an indication that the cheese is at risk of becoming unsafe.
The pink colour on cheese is likely caused by a bacteria called brevibacterium linens, which is the same bacteria that gives washed rind cheeses, such as Limburger, their strong smell. This bacteria typically grows on cheese when the acidity level is low, creating an environment where other bacteria can also grow. While the presence of this bacteria does not necessarily indicate that the cheese is unsafe, it is a sign that the cheese is no longer in optimal condition and may be prone to the growth of other harmful substances.
Some studies have also suggested a link between the presence of the microbe Thermus thermophilus and the development of pink colouring in cheese. This microbe, found in hot water supplies in cheesemaking facilities, was shown to increase carotenoid production and subsequent pink discolouration in cheese samples.
It is important to note that the appearance of mould or bacterial activity on cheese, including pink mould, is generally considered a sign of spoilage. While it may be safe to consume small amounts of mould on hard cheeses, it is always better to err on the side of caution and discard the cheese if you are unsure.
To summarise, if you discover pink mould on your goat's cheese, it is best to discard it. While it may not be harmful in small quantities, it indicates that the cheese is at risk of becoming unsafe for consumption. Trust your senses of smell and taste, and remember that fresh cheese has a finite lifespan. When in doubt, throw it out.
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Lack of flavour
Goat cheese typically has a distinct, present, and strong flavour. It is characterised by a marked tanginess with acidic undertones and delicate whispers of sweetness. Therefore, a lack of flavour or a bland taste could indicate that your goat cheese has gone off.
Goat cheese has a short shelf life and typically lasts for seven days or less. If you notice a lack of flavour beyond this timeframe, it is likely that your goat cheese has expired. However, it is important to note that proper storage can extend its freshness. Goat cheese should always be stored in a refrigerator set to a temperature of at least 40°F (4°C) or lower. Additionally, storing it in a solid-coloured airtight container or minimising exposure to bright lights can help slow down the quality-damaging process caused by light oxidation.
The absence of flavour in goat cheese can be due to several factors, including light interaction with the fat in the cheese, which can result in a stale taste. This is why food preservation guidelines often recommend storing food in dark places. Additionally, exposure to air can cause the cheese to dry out and lose its flavour.
If you notice a lack of flavour in your goat cheese, it is best to err on the side of caution and discard it, especially if it is past its best-before date. While a lack of flavour may not always indicate spoilage, consuming expired cheese can lead to digestive issues. It is important to trust your senses and not risk your health by consuming questionable cheese.
In summary, goat cheese is known for its distinctive taste, and a lack of flavour can be a sign that it has expired or been affected by improper storage conditions. To maximise the freshness of goat cheese, proper storage in airtight containers in the refrigerator is crucial. If in doubt, it is always best to discard the cheese and prioritise your health.
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Storage
Proper storage of goat cheese is essential to prevent it from going off and to preserve its flavour and aroma. Here are some detailed tips for storing goat cheese:
The ideal temperature for storing goat cheese depends on its type and your personal preferences. Well-aged goat cheeses can be stored in the middle of your refrigerator, between 4°C and 6°C. If you prefer to slow down the ripening process of fresh goat cheese, store it in the upper part of your refrigerator, between 0°C and 4°C.
Packaging and Wrapping
Proper wrapping and storage techniques can extend the shelf life of goat cheese and enhance its taste and hygiene. It is recommended to reuse the original packaging of the goat cheese to prevent the transfer of odours and flavours between different cheeses. Additionally, wrapping the cheese correctly helps protect it from microbial contamination.
For soft or semi-soft goat cheeses, use a resealable plastic container to maintain freshness. Semi-hard cheeses should be wrapped in parchment or wax paper and then further protected with foil or plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
Freezing
Freezing is an option for dry and semi-hard goat cheeses, as they can withstand freezing and thawing without significant changes in texture and flavour. However, it is not recommended to freeze fresh or ripened goat cheeses, as the thawing process can alter their characteristics. If you choose to freeze goat cheese, ensure it is properly wrapped and placed in an airtight container, preferably made of glass, to prevent odour absorption. Consume frozen goat cheese within two months, as freezing does not entirely halt the ripening process.
Humidity and Curing
Goat cheese, particularly soft goat cheese, thrives in a humid environment to prevent the rind from drying out. However, you can also experiment with slightly lower humidity levels to extend the shelf life, as some goat cheeses can benefit from a controlled moisture reduction during curing. Before refrigeration, goat milk cheeses were air-dried in wicker or lattice cages to regulate moisture levels and prevent certain types of moulds.
Shelf Life
The shelf life of goat cheese varies depending on its freshness and water content. Fresher cheeses with higher water content have a shorter shelf life, while drier and more aged cheeses last longer. With proper storage, your goat cheese can last for up to 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator and maintain its quality.
Remember to always serve goat cheese at room temperature, so remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving to let it warm up slightly and bring out its full flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
Goat's cheese has a distinctive "goaty" smell, but if it's off, this will change to a sharp, unpleasant pungency. If there's no bad smell, you can taste a small amount, but this should be avoided if the cheese is past its use-by date or hasn't been kept cold.
Good goat's cheese should have a mild, musky aroma with a faint animal-like whiff, like the smell on your hands after petting a dog.
Off goat's cheese will have a sharp, unpleasant pungency.
Off goat's cheese may have mould on it, but this isn't always visible, especially with soft cheeses.
Off goat's cheese may taste nasty or sour.
