Patrick Oconnell
Goat cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient, but how long can it be left out of the fridge? The answer depends on a few factors, such as the type of goat cheese and how it is packaged. Fresh goat cheese is soft and moist, while aged goat cheese is firmer and has a stronger flavor. Once opened, goat cheese has a shorter shelf life than other cheeses, so it's important to store it correctly to maintain its unique flavor and texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Leaving goat cheese out | Should be avoided, especially for soft goat cheese |
| Goat cheese shelf life | Unopened goat cheese can be stored in the fridge for about two months |
| Goat cheese storage | Store in an airtight container in the coldest part of the fridge, at a temperature between 35°F and 40°F (1.6°C to 4.4°C) |
| Goat cheese spoilage signs | Sour, rancid, or ammonia-like odor, slimy, overly dry, or crumbly texture |
| Goat cheese consumption after opening | Consume within a week, or freeze |
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What You'll Learn
How long can goat cheese be left out?
Goat cheese is a delicate product that should be consumed within a week of purchase. However, leaving it out at room temperature for extended periods can impact its quality and safety.
The general rule is that goat cheese should not be left unrefrigerated for more than two hours. Bacteria thrive in temperatures between 40°F and 140°F (4.4°C and 60°C), so the longer goat cheese remains in this temperature range, the higher the risk of bacterial growth.
If goat cheese is left out overnight or for several hours, it is generally recommended to err on the side of caution and discard it, especially if it has been opened or is past its prime. However, some people suggest performing a sensory evaluation before making a decision.
Sensory Evaluation
The "sniff test" is commonly recommended for assessing the safety of goat cheese that has been left out. If the cheese has an unpleasant or rancid odour, it should be discarded. A change in colour, such as discolouration or visible mould growth, is also a sign that the cheese has spoiled. Some people also recommend tasting a small amount of the cheese; if it causes a tingling sensation on the tongue or tastes unpleasant, it should not be consumed.
Cooking with Goat Cheese
Cooking goat cheese that has been left out can reduce the risk of foodborne illness, as harmful bacteria may be destroyed during the cooking process. However, it is important to note that not all toxins formed by bacterial growth are eliminated through cooking, so proper handling and storage are crucial.
Proper Storage
To extend the shelf life of goat cheese, it should be stored properly. Once opened, it is best to remove the cheese from its original packaging and store it in a lidded glass or plastic container in the refrigerator. This provides the necessary humidity and breathability to maintain the cheese's quality. Vacuum-sealed goat cheese can be stored unopened in the refrigerator for at least two months.
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What are the signs of spoilage?
Goat cheese is a dairy product, and like any other dairy product, it can cause digestive issues if consumed after it has expired. It is important to be able to identify the signs of spoilage to avoid any health issues.
Firstly, it is important to note that goat cheese should be stored in an airtight container to minimize exposure to bright lights. Goat cheese expiry is hastened by light oxidation, which can cause it to spoil. If you purchase goat cheese packaged in a transparent container, consider transferring it to an opaque, solid-colored container.
One of the most obvious signs of spoilage in goat cheese is a change in its physical appearance. Fresh goat cheese is known for its snowy white color, which naturally occurs due to goat biology. If your goat cheese has noticeably yellowed or developed a tough crust on the outside, it has likely spoiled. Additionally, the presence of visible mold or a fuzzy surface is a clear indication that the cheese has expired and should be discarded.
Another crucial indicator of spoilage is the smell of the goat cheese. When fresh, goat cheese has a mildly musky and characteristically "goaty" aroma. If the cheese takes on a sharp, pungent, or acrid smell, it is likely approaching the point of spoilage or has already passed it. A nostril-searing ammonia odor is a definite sign that the cheese has gone bad.
Lastly, trust your taste buds. If the goat cheese has a stale or faded flavor, it is best to discard it. Goat cheese is known for its distinct tanginess and acidic undertones. If you notice a significant change in its flavor profile, it is likely a sign of spoilage.
In summary, to determine if goat cheese has spoiled, look for changes in its appearance, such as yellowing or mold growth. Additionally, trust your sense of smell and taste to detect sharp, pungent odors or a stale flavor, respectively. By being vigilant about these signs of spoilage, you can ensure that you are consuming goat cheese that is safe and of good quality.
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How to store goat cheese in the fridge?
Goat cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient, but how do you store it correctly in the fridge to maintain its flavour and texture? Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your goat cheese stays fresh and tasty.
Firstly, it is important to note that goat cheese is sensitive to its environment. It should be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature between 4 °C and 10 °C. The vegetable drawer is an ideal location as it provides a similar atmosphere to a cave, which is the perfect natural storage location for cheese. If you prefer well-aged cheeses, the middle shelf of your fridge, with a slightly cooler temperature between 4 °C and 6 °C, is the best spot. For those who enjoy fresh cheese, the top of the fridge, with temperatures ranging from 0 °C to 4 °C, will prevent further ripening.
To maintain the quality of your goat cheese, it is crucial to wrap it correctly before placing it in the fridge. You can use parchment paper, aluminium foil, or plastic wrap to create a breathable layer. This wrapping technique helps preserve the cheese's texture and flavour by preventing the transfer of odours and flavours between different cheeses. It also protects the cheese from microbial contamination. If you have multiple cheeses, you can opt for a cheese box to keep them organised and separated from other foods in the fridge.
Additionally, it is recommended to consume goat cheese within a week of purchase. Fresh varieties should be eaten within a few days, while aged and softer ripened types should be checked every other day. If you notice any grey or brown mould on the surface, simply scrape it off with a knife and rewrap the cheese with new layers of paper and plastic wrap. However, if the mould is bright yellow or pink, it is best to discard the cheese.
Freezing is another option for storing goat cheese, but it is important to note that not all types of goat cheese freeze well. Dry and semi-hard goat cheeses can withstand freezing and thawing, but fresh and ripened goat cheeses may have altered textures and flavours after thawing. If you choose to freeze your goat cheese, make sure to wrap it properly and place it in an airtight container, preferably glass, as plastic can absorb odours. Even when frozen, goat cheese should be consumed within two months.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your goat cheese stays fresh and flavourful, ready to be enjoyed in your favourite recipes or as a tasty snack on its own!
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What to do with goat cheese left out overnight?
Whether or not it is safe to consume goat cheese that has been left out overnight is a divisive topic. Some people claim that they would simply put it back in the fridge and consume it within a week, performing a smell test before use to ensure it is safe. Others claim that they would throw it away to avoid the risk of foodborne illnesses.
If you decide to consume the goat cheese that has been left out overnight, it is important to perform a thorough inspection first. Check the cheese's odour, colour, and texture. If the cheese has a strong odour, discoloured patches, or a slimy texture, it is likely spoiled and should be discarded. If the cheese appears and smells normal, it is likely safe to consume, but there is still a risk of bacteria that may not be eliminated by cooking.
If you are unsure about consuming the goat cheese, there are alternative options to consider. You can try composting it, especially if your compost system accepts dairy products. Another option is to use the cheese for bait when fishing, as it will still be appealing to fish even if it is no longer safe for human consumption.
If you choose to consume the goat cheese, there are several ways to incorporate it into your meals. You can use it in a pasta bake with vegetables, quiche, or crepes filled with sauteed shallots, greens, and crumbled goat cheese. You can also pair it with roasted beetroot and walnuts in a salad, deep-fry slices of goat cheese, or simply melt it in the oven and mix it with honey, enjoying it with crackers.
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Can you freeze goat cheese?
Yes, you can freeze goat cheese. Freezing goat cheese is a simple process. First, divide the goat cheese into portions if you want to. Then, wrap the portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or wrap them in foil to protect them from freezer burn. Label the package with the date, and use the cheese within three months.
Freezing goat cheese is a good way to make this tricky ingredient easier to handle. Frozen goat cheese can be grated and added to dishes like roasted asparagus with herb goat cheese. You can also defrost it and add it to pasta sauces, stuffed peppers, meatballs, or warm it with herbs and bread.
However, freezing may change the texture of the cheese, making it less soft, creamy, and spreadable. So, it may not be suitable for recipes that require the cheese to be in this state, such as strawberry goat cheese bruschetta.
If you are concerned about wasting food, there are alternatives to freezing goat cheese. For example, if your goat cheese has been left out at room temperature, you can put it back in the fridge and use it within a week. You can also cook with it, as cooking may kill any harmful bacteria. Some recipe ideas include pasta bakes, quiches, salads, and crepes with sauteed shallots, greens, and crumbled goat cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on how long it has been left out for. Soft goat cheese should be discarded if left out at room temperature for longer than two hours. If it has been left out overnight, it is recommended to throw it away. However, if it is still sealed, some sources suggest that it is safe to consume.
Fresh goat cheese smells tangy and feels creamy. Signs of spoilage include a sour, rancid, or ammonia-like odour, a slimy texture, a yellow or pink colour, mould, or a dry and crumbly texture.
Consuming spoiled cheese may result in food poisoning, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.
Unopened goat cheese can be stored in the fridge for about two months or until the "Best By" date, whichever comes first. Once opened, it should be wrapped tightly or stored in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing fridge odours. Properly stored, it will last for a few days to a week.
