Frederic Melton
Goat cheese, or Chevre, is a soft and spreadable kind of cheese that is often used in recipes. It can be difficult to tell when it has gone bad, but there are some telltale signs to look out for. Checking the best-by date is a good starting point, but it is not always accurate as goat cheese can last for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Other signs of spoilage include a change in smell from a mildly musky odour to a sharp or acrid smell, or even an ammonia scent. Some goat cheeses form a rainbow of moulds on the rind, which is safe to consume within the use-by date. However, pink mould is a sign of bad goat cheese, as it tends to invade the interior.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Formation of mould on goat cheese | Goat cheese can form a rainbow of moulds on the rind. Mould can be blue, pink, white, green, or grey. |
| Consuming mouldy goat cheese | Mouldy goat cheese should be discarded as some moulds produce toxins. However, some sources suggest cutting off the mouldy part and consuming the rest. |
| Exceptions | The white mould from Brie is not dangerous. |
| Smell | Goat cheese has a signature funk with a mild and musky goaty smell. When mouldy, the smell becomes sharp and unpleasant. |
| Expiry | Fresh, soft goat cheese usually lasts for about a week in the refrigerator and can last up to 2 weeks. |
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What You'll Learn
- Goat cheese can be safely consumed after its best-by date
- Goat cheese can be safely consumed if mouldy, provided it's not pink mould
- Goat cheese can be safely consumed if it has white mould
- Goat cheese can be safely consumed if it has blue mould
- Goat cheese that has gone bad due to mould or bacteria will have a sharp or acrid smell
Goat cheese can be safely consumed after its best-by date
Goat cheese, or Chevre, is a unique and delicate product with a range of health benefits. It is a popular ingredient in many recipes due to its soft and spreadable texture and appealing pure white colour.
The longevity of goat cheese after its best-by date depends on the variety of cheese and the storage conditions. Firmer varieties like Gouda or Cheddar are more likely to last longer beyond their expiry date, even by months, if stored correctly. Fresh, softer varieties like Chevre or Feta are more susceptible to spoilage and therefore may not last as long. Goat cheese should be stored at the right temperature and humidity, and unopened packages will help to preserve the cheese for longer.
There are several signs to look out for to determine if your goat cheese has spoiled. If the cheese has changed colour, texture, or developed an unpleasant smell, it is no longer safe to eat. If the cheese has been improperly wrapped, it may dry out and develop a tough crust, but it can still be consumed if only part of the cheese is affected and there are no other signs of spoilage. If there is mould on the cheese, it is recommended to cut off the mouldy parts and consume the rest.
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Goat cheese can be safely consumed if mouldy, provided it's not pink mould
Goat's cheese can be safely consumed even if it is mouldy, as long as the mould is not pink. Mould can form on goat's cheese within its use-by date, and this is considered safe to eat. However, it is important to check the best-by date as a starting point, as the cheese will still be food-safe until this date. Fresh, soft goat's cheese can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
If the cheese has a sharp or acrid smell, it has likely gone bad. Goat's cheese has a signature funk, and when it has gone off, this will change noticeably. A nostril-searing ammonia smell is a clear sign of spoilage.
Some sources suggest that it is safe to cut off mouldy parts of hard cheeses and consume the rest. However, with fresh goat's cheese, it is best to discard it if it is mouldy, as the invisible filaments of mould are likely to have spread throughout the cheese.
The only exception is the white mould from Brie, which can colonize other cheeses and is not dangerous. However, it is always better to be cautious when it comes to consuming mouldy cheese.
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Goat cheese can be safely consumed if it has white mould
Goat cheese, or chevre, is a delicious and creamy cheese with a mild and musky aroma. It is loved by many, but it can be tricky to know when it has gone bad. Fresh goat cheese can be particularly challenging to assess, as it often has a "goaty" smell even when fresh.
However, it is important to distinguish between white mould and other types of mould, such as blue, green, grey, or pink. While some of these moulds are safe to consume in certain cheeses, such as blue mould in blue cheese, they can indicate that the cheese has gone bad in goat cheese. If you spot any of these moulds on your goat cheese, it is best to discard it.
Additionally, it is crucial to consider other factors besides the presence of mould. The smell of the cheese is a crucial indicator of its freshness. If the cheese has developed a sharp or acrid smell, it is likely no longer safe to eat. Trust your senses and, if in doubt, discard the cheese.
Finally, always check the best-by or use-by date on the packaging. Fresh, soft goat cheese typically lasts for about a week in the refrigerator, and some sources suggest it may last up to two weeks. However, use the date on the package as a starting point and trust your senses to determine if the cheese has gone bad.
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Goat cheese can be safely consumed if it has blue mould
Goat's milk cheese is often left to ripen at 10 degrees Celsius, which is the traditional French way of doing it. At this temperature, a variety of microflora will grow on the rind, resulting in moulds that can be cream, blue, green, or grey. These moulds are a normal part of the cheese-making process and are safe to eat, as long as the cheese is consumed within its use-by date. In fact, the moulds add flavour and complexity to the cheese, and a good goat's milk cheese is partly defined by the flavour and texture of its rind.
Artisanal goat's milk cheese can develop a variety of moulds on the rind, and these moulds are generally safe to eat. The moulds are a result of the cheese-making process and the specific ripening conditions. While it is safe to cut off the mouldy parts of the cheese and consume the rest, it is not necessary to do so with goat's milk cheese.
It is important to note that not all moulds are safe to consume. Some moulds can be toxic and harmful to health. However, the blue mould commonly found on goat's milk cheese is safe to eat and is a natural part of the cheese-making process.
If you are unsure about the safety of consuming mouldy cheese, it is always best to err on the side of caution and discard it. Moulds can spread quickly, and it is not worth risking your health to consume mouldy food. However, when it comes to goat's milk cheese with blue mould, as long as it is consumed within its use-by date, it is generally safe to eat and can even be a delicious part of the cheese-tasting experience.
In conclusion, goat's milk cheese with blue mould can be safely consumed as long as it is within the use-by date. The mould adds flavour and complexity to the cheese and is a natural part of the cheese-making process. However, if you are unsure or uncomfortable about consuming mouldy cheese, it is always best to discard it and opt for a fresh piece of cheese instead.
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Goat cheese that has gone bad due to mould or bacteria will have a sharp or acrid smell
Goat cheese, or chevre, is a delicious and versatile ingredient, but it can be difficult to tell when it has gone bad. Fresh goat cheese, for example, is soft and spreadable, and can be tough to determine if it has gone bad. Checking the best-by date is a good starting point, but it is not always accurate, as goat cheese can go bad before or after this date.
It is important to note that mould spores can travel throughout fresh goat cheese, so it is generally recommended to discard mouldy goat cheese, as some moulds can produce toxins. However, some people choose to cut off the mouldy portion and consume the rest of the cheese, especially in hard cheeses where it is easier to remove the affected area without affecting the rest of the cheese.
In addition to mould and smell, other signs that goat cheese has gone bad include a change in texture, such as drying out or becoming crumbly, and a noticeable change in taste. It is important to trust your instincts and err on the side of caution when it comes to consuming potentially spoiled food.
To prevent goat cheese from going bad, it is important to store it properly. Fresh, soft goat cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, according to some sources. Additionally, coating the cheese in brine can help prevent the growth of unwanted mould.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended to eat mouldy goat cheese as some moulds can produce toxins. However, some sources suggest that it is safe to cut off the mouldy parts and consume the rest of the cheese.
It is not always easy to tell if a goat cheese has gone bad, especially with fresh goat cheese. One way to check is to smell the cheese; if it has a sharp or acrid smell, it has likely gone bad. Checking the best-by date is also a good indicator, although goat cheese can usually be safely consumed after this date.
Fresh goat cheese should have a mild, musky, and milky aroma with a faint "goaty" smell, similar to the scent on your hands after petting a dog.
