Andy Montoya
Goat cheese is easy to make at home and can be stored in a variety of ways. The process of making goat cheese involves combining goat's milk with heat and acid, which breaks down the milk into curds and whey. The curds are then collected and drained to form the cheese. Once the cheese is set, it can be blended with water, milk, or cream to create a smooth, creamy texture. Proper storage is essential to maintaining the quality and freshness of goat cheese. It can be stored in its original packaging or wrapped tightly in wax paper or plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss. It should be placed in the refrigerator, preferably in the vegetable or cheese drawer, where the temperature is slightly cooler and more consistent. Vacuum-sealed goat cheese can be stored unopened in the refrigerator for up to two months, while fresh goat cheese should be consumed within one week. Aged goat cheeses should be brought to room temperature before serving to soften the milk fat and enhance the flavor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ideal storage location | A refrigerator with a temperature between 8 °C and 10 °C, preferably in the vegetable or cheese drawer |
| Packaging | Original packaging, wax paper, or plastic wrap |
| Shelf life | 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator |
| Consumption | Fresh goat cheese can be consumed straight from the fridge, while aged goat cheese should be brought to room temperature before serving |
| Freezing | Dry goat cheeses and semi-hard cheeses can withstand freezing and thawing. Fresh and ripened goat cheeses are not suitable for freezing due to changes in texture and flavor |
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese storage temperature
Proper storage is essential to keeping the quality and freshness of your goat cheese intact. Goat cheese needs humidity and some room to breathe. The vegetable drawer is the perfect cheese storage location in the refrigerator, with a temperature normally between 8 °C and 10 °C, creating an atmosphere quite similar to that of a cave. Depending on your tastes and preferences for goat cheese, you can also place well-aged cheeses in the middle of your refrigerator between 4 °C and 6 °C, or to stop ripening of fresh cheese, store it in the top of the refrigerator between 0 °C and 4 °C. The shelf life of a cheese depends on how long it was aged. The fresher a cheese and the higher its water content, the shorter its shelf life. Conversely, the more aged and drier a cheese is, the longer it will keep.
Before storing, it is important to wrap your cheeses correctly to avoid transferring odors and flavours between different cheeses and to protect them from microbial contamination. You can store the cheese in its original packaging or wrap it tightly in wax paper or plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss. Plastic wrap invites unwanted mould, so it is best to avoid it if possible. However, plastic wrap can be used if you first wrap the cheese in wax paper. You can also store the cheese in a resealable plastic bag to retain moisture and prevent it from absorbing orders from other foods. Remember to label the bag with the purchase date to keep track of its freshness. When stored correctly, goat cheese can last about one to three weeks in the refrigerator.
Dry goat cheeses and semi-hard cheeses can withstand freezing and thawing quite well. This is not the case for fresh and ripened goat cheeses, whose texture and flavour can be altered by the thawing process. Freezing ripened goat logs is not recommended. However, it is possible to freeze meals and culinary preparations containing cooked cheese without any issues. To do this, wrap the cheeses properly, then place them in an airtight container, preferably made of glass, as plastic can soak up odours. Since freezing does not entirely stop ripening, frozen cheese should be eaten within two months.
In the past, before the days of refrigeration, goat milk cheeses were air-dried in wicker or lattice cages. This curing process controlled the moisture level of the cheese to prevent against brown, fluffy moulds called "poil de chat".
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Packaging and shelf life
Goat cheese should be stored in its original packaging or wrapped tightly in wax paper or plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss. It is best to avoid plastic wrap if possible, as it can invite unwanted mould. If the cheese has a rind and didn't come in paper, it should be wrapped first in wax paper and then in plastic before being stored in the refrigerator drawer. This creates a layer of breathability, as goat cheese needs humidity and some room to breathe. It is also important to note that the cheese should be wrapped correctly to avoid transferring odours and flavours between different cheeses.
Vacuum-sealed goat cheese can keep unopened for at least two months, but once opened, it should be removed from the packaging and stored in a lidded plastic or glass container in the refrigerator. Goat cheese typically lasts about one to two weeks in the refrigerator. The shelf life of the cheese depends on how long it was aged; the fresher the cheese and the higher its water content, the shorter its shelf life. Well-aged cheeses can be stored in the middle of the refrigerator between 4°C and 6°C, while fresh cheese should be stored in the top of the refrigerator between 0°C and 4°C to stop it from ripening.
Dry goat cheeses and semi-hard cheeses can withstand freezing and thawing, but this is not the case for fresh and ripened goat cheeses, whose texture and flavour can be altered. Frozen cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour, so it is best suited to cooked dishes. Properly stored, frozen goat cheese will maintain its best quality for about six months.
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Freezing goat cheese
Goat cheese can be frozen, but it's 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 their texture and flavour altered by the thawing process. Freezing ripened goat logs is generally not recommended. However, meals and culinary preparations containing cooked cheese can be frozen without issues.
To freeze goat cheese, start by dividing it into portions if desired. You can freeze an entire log or portion-sized parts. Wrap the cheese in freezer-safe plastic wrap or wax paper, then place it in an airtight container, preferably made of glass to prevent odour absorption. You can also wrap it in foil for extra protection from freezer burn. Squeeze out any extra air and store it in the freezer. Label the package with the date, and use the cheese within two to three months. Goat cheese thaws quickly and can be cubed or crumbled while still partially frozen.
When storing goat cheese in the refrigerator, it is best to keep it in its original packaging or wrap it tightly in wax paper or plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss. Place it in the vegetable or cheese drawer, which provides a slightly cooler and more consistent temperature. You can also store the cheese in a resealable plastic bag to retain moisture and prevent odour absorption. Properly stored goat cheese will typically last about one to two weeks in the refrigerator.
Fresh goat cheese should feel firm, not mushy, and have a white or slightly wrinkly rind if it is surface-ripened. Vacuum-sealed goat cheese should be free of excess liquid, leakage, and any off-colours. For varieties with rind that have already been cut into, ensure there is no separation between the rind and the cheese. Goat cheese should be consumed within seven days of purchase, and freshness can be maintained by scraping the surface with a knife and rewrapping it in wax paper.
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Best place to buy goat cheese
Goat cheese, or Chèvre, is a versatile cheese with a range of textures and flavours. It can be fresh or ripened, soft or firm, creamy or crumbly, mild or tangy, young or mature. The best place to buy goat cheese will depend on your personal preferences and the intended use of the cheese.
If you are looking for a diverse selection of goat cheeses from around the world, Marky's is a trusted destination. They offer a rich collection of cheese varieties, including goat cheese, and their commitment to quality ensures that each cheese has been carefully selected and meets the highest standards. You can order online and have the cheese delivered right to your doorstep, making it a convenient option.
FireFly Farms is another option, offering fresh goat cheese made from milk sourced from local farms. Their cheese is processed within 24 hours, resulting in a clean, mild flavour with a bright, citrusy personality. FireFly Farms also ships their products directly to your home, making it a convenient choice.
When buying goat cheese, it is important to consider the intended use and storage. Fresh goat cheese should be consumed within a week, while aged goat cheese can last longer. Proper storage is essential to maintaining the quality and freshness of the cheese, so look for retailers that provide appropriate packaging or wrapping to prevent moisture loss and odour absorption.
Additionally, consider local cheesemongers or specialty food stores in your area that may offer a unique selection of goat cheeses. These stores often provide samples and have knowledgeable staff who can guide you in your purchase, ensuring you find the best goat cheese to suit your preferences.
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Serving goat cheese
When it comes to serving goat cheese, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure the best flavour and texture. Firstly, it's important to distinguish between fresh and aged goat cheese, as they have different serving requirements. Fresh goat cheese is soft, young, and moist, with a texture that can range from creamy to crumbly. It is often packaged in a log shape and can be served straight from the fridge as it warms up quickly. Aged goat cheese, on the other hand, is ripened over a longer period and has a firmer texture. It tends to have a stronger flavour and can include varieties with a rind.
When serving aged goat cheese, it is best to let it come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the milk fat to soften, ensuring maximum flavour. The shelf life of aged goat cheese can be extended by wrapping it in wax or parchment paper and storing it in the refrigerator. It can also be placed in an airtight glass container for extra protection.
Fresh goat cheese, being more delicate, should be consumed within a week of purchase. It is best stored in its original packaging or wrapped tightly in wax paper to prevent moisture loss. It can be stored in the refrigerator, ideally in the vegetable or cheese drawer, where the temperature is slightly cooler and more consistent.
Regardless of the type of goat cheese, it is important to avoid using plastic wrap if possible, as it can invite unwanted mould and alter the flavour of the cheese. Instead, opt for wax paper or parchment paper, which allows the cheese to breathe while still providing protection.
Additionally, when shopping for goat cheese, it is recommended to choose local brands whenever possible. This reduces the distance the cheese has to travel from farm to table, making it more sustainable and supportive of local farmers. Look for cheese made with all-natural, fresh milk, and avoid any with off colours like yellows and pinks or a mushy texture.
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Frequently asked questions
Goat cheese should be wrapped tightly in wax paper or its original packaging to prevent moisture loss. It should then be placed in the refrigerator, preferably in the vegetable or cheese drawer, where the temperature is slightly cooler and more consistent.
When stored correctly, goat cheese can last about one to two weeks in the refrigerator. Unopened and vacuum-sealed goat cheese can be stored for about two months.
Fresh goat cheese should be stored in the top of the refrigerator between 0 °C and 4 °C to stop it from ripening. It should be consumed within a week.
