Kamil Perry
Goat cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient, but it can be tricky to know when it has gone bad. Like all dairy products, it has a finite shelf life and can cause digestive issues if consumed past its prime. So, how long does it last, and what signs should you look out for to know when it's time to toss it? Unopened goat cheese can last for quite a while in the fridge, but once opened, it's a different story. Proper storage is critical to keeping your goat cheese fresh and tasty, and knowing the signs of spoilage will help you avoid any unpleasant culinary surprises.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smell | Fresh goat cheese has a tangy scent. If it smells sour, rancid, or like ammonia, it's gone bad. |
| Texture | Spoiled goat cheese might get slimy, overly dry, or crumbly. |
| Mold | Goat cheese with mold should be discarded. Blue, green, or black mold means it's spoiled. |
| Color | Any darkening or <co: 9,13>yellowing is a red flag. |
| Container | Store goat cheese in an airtight container to keep it from drying out. |
| Wrapping | Wrap goat cheese in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness. |
| Refrigeration | Keep goat cheese refrigerated at all times. |
| Freezing | Goat cheese can be frozen for long-term storage but may become crumbly and lose flavor. |
| Oil | Goat cheese lasts longer if it is in oil. |
| Light | Goat cheese expiry is hastened by light oxidation. |
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese shelf life
Goat cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient, but it's perishable and can go bad. Knowing how to store it properly and for how long is essential to avoid food waste and potential digestive issues.
Goat cheese is a dairy product, and like all dairy, it has a limited shelf life. Fresh goat cheese typically lasts for about one to two weeks in the refrigerator. However, its shelf life depends on various factors, including storage conditions and packaging.
To maximize the shelf life of fresh goat cheese, it's crucial to keep it refrigerated at all times and properly wrapped. After opening a package of goat cheese, it's best to wrap the original packaging tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. For even better protection, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
Additionally, storing goat cheese in an airtight container helps prevent it from drying out and protects it from unwanted smells. Glass containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal for cheese storage as they are non-reactive and don't absorb odours. Good-quality BPA-free plastic containers or vacuum-sealed bags are also suitable options for long-term storage.
It's worth noting that exposure to light can hasten the spoilage of goat cheese. Therefore, it's recommended to transfer goat cheese from transparent packaging to opaque or solid-coloured containers to minimize light exposure.
Properly stored, unopened goat cheese can last for several weeks in the refrigerator. However, once opened, the clock starts ticking, and proper storage becomes even more critical. Opened goat cheese should be consumed within one to two weeks.
To further extend the shelf life of goat cheese, it can be frozen. Freezing can affect the texture and flavour of the cheese, making it crumbly and better suited for cooked dishes like sauces, soups, and casseroles.
It's important to regularly inspect goat cheese for any signs of spoilage. Goat cheese that has gone bad will exhibit several telltale signs, including:
- Changes in appearance: Mould (blue, green, or black), darkening, or yellowing indicate spoilage.
- Unpleasant odour: A sour, rancid, or ammonia-like smell suggests the cheese has gone bad.
- Abnormal texture: Slimy, overly dry, or crumbly textures are signs of spoilage.
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Signs of spoilage
Goat cheese is a dairy product and, like any other, it expires and can cause digestive issues if consumed past its prime. It's not always easy to tell when goat cheese has gone bad, but there are some telltale signs to look out for.
Goat cheese has a distinctive, tangy scent and a creamy texture. If it starts to smell sour, rancid, or like ammonia, it's gone bad. The same applies if you notice any sliminess, dryness, or crumbly textures. These are signs that your goat cheese has spoiled and should be discarded.
The presence of mold is another clear indication that your goat cheese has expired. While some cheeses can have mold that is safe to eat, this is not the case with goat cheese. If you spot any blue, green, or black mold, it's time to toss it out.
Changes in colour, such as darkening or yellowing, are also red flags. Proper storage can help extend the shelf life of goat cheese. It should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and stored in an airtight container in the coldest part of your fridge.
Additionally, light oxidation can cause goat cheese to spoil faster. To prevent this, avoid storing it in transparent containers or under direct fluorescent lighting for extended periods.
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Proper storage
Goat cheese requires refrigeration at all times, with an optimal temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. Unopened packages generally last longer than opened ones. To maximize the shelf life of fresh goat cheese after opening, wrap the original packaging tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For even better results, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper, then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating. Soft, spreadable cream-cheese-like goat cheeses should be kept in airtight containers. If the original container breaks, place the cheese in a freezer bag, squeeze out all the air, and seal before returning it to the fridge.
Goat cheese should be stored in a way that allows for some humidity and breathability. Plastic wrap is generally not recommended, as it can invite unwanted mold and cause the cheese to "suffocate." Instead, opt for wax paper or parchment paper, which provides a layer of breathability. For vacuum-sealed goat cheese, ensure there are no mold spores inside the packaging, as the cheese will continue to age. The ideal aging temperature for cheese is between 50° and 60°F (10° and 15.5°C). Room temperature is above this range and will speed up the aging process.
Proper wrapping and storage habits can help extend the shelf life of goat cheese. Fresh goat cheese varieties, such as chevre, typically last 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. Semi-soft goat cheeses have a slightly longer shelf life of 3-4 weeks when properly stored. Hard goat cheeses are the most durable, often lasting several months under optimal conditions. Freezing is an option for dry, semi-hard, and hard goat cheeses, but it is not recommended for fresh or ripened goat cheeses, as their texture and flavor can be altered by the thawing process.
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Goat cheese and light
Goat cheese is a dairy product and, as such, has a limited shelf life. It is also a fresh cheese, which means that it can be difficult to determine when it has gone bad. This is because goat cheese has a distinctive "funk" or tang even when it is fresh, so it can be hard to know when its aroma has turned from a natural characteristic to a sign of spoilage.
Goat cheese lasts longer when stored in oil, and it should be kept in the coldest part of the fridge, away from the door. It should also be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, or placed in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Glass containers with sealed lids are good for goat cheese storage as they are non-reactive and do not absorb odours.
However, even with the best storage practices, light oxidation can cause goat cheese to spoil. Kathleen Serino, Training and Curriculum Manager at Murray's Cheese, advises against storing goat cheese in clear plastic or clear containers as they offer no barrier to light. She says that goat cheese can spoil when left under direct fluorescent lighting for extended periods.
Therefore, to keep your goat cheese fresh and delicious, it is best to store it in an airtight container that blocks out light.
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Goat cheese and health issues
Goat cheese is a nutritious dairy product with a distinct flavour and a wide variety of textures and flavours. It is packed with vitamins, minerals, protein, and healthy fats. Goat cheese has a lower level of lactose, making it a better option for those with cow's milk intolerance. It is also hypoallergenic, making it a good alternative for those allergic to cow's milk. Goat cheese is also a good source of selenium, magnesium, niacin (vitamin B3), and riboflavin (vitamin B2).
Goat cheese has a unique nutritional profile compared to cow's milk cheese. It has a different protein structure and is lower in lactose, making it easier to digest for some people. The fatty acids in goat cheese are also metabolized faster, leading to a feeling of fullness faster. The calcium in goat cheese helps to strengthen bones and may offer protection against cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. The cheese also contains healthy bacteria called probiotics, which improve digestive health, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity.
However, goat cheese can also be high in fat, so it should be consumed in moderation to avoid weight gain. Goat cheese is perishable and can go bad, potentially causing digestive issues if consumed past its prime. It typically stays fresh for about seven days or less, and spoilage can be identified by rancid, sour smells, slimy textures, or mould. To extend its shelf life, it is recommended to store it in an airtight, solid-coloured container to minimise exposure to light and slow down oxidation.
Some people choose to age their goat cheese, which can enhance its flavour. Additionally, certain types of goat cheese, such as those wrapped in rosemary, can be found and enjoyed during travels abroad. Overall, goat cheese is a nutritious and delicious addition to one's diet, offering a variety of health benefits when consumed in moderation.
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Frequently asked questions
Unopened goat cheese can be stored in the fridge for quite a while, but it's always good to check the expiration date on the package. Once opened, it should be consumed within 1-2 weeks.
Goat cheese should be stored in the coldest part of the fridge, away from the door. After opening, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. For better results, wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
Yes, to extend the shelf life of goat cheese, you can freeze it. Wrap the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. However, frozen cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour.
Goat cheese has a distinctive tangy, funky smell and a firm, creamy texture. If you notice sour, rancid, or ammonia-like odours, or slimy, overly dry, or crumbly textures, it has likely gone bad. Mould on goat cheese is also an indication that it has spoiled and should be discarded.
Yes, packaging can impact the shelf life of goat cheese. If purchased in a transparent container, it is recommended to transfer it to a solid-coloured airtight container to minimise exposure to light, as light oxidation can hasten expiry.
