Bushra Griffith
Goat cheese crumbles, also known as chevre, are a versatile ingredient used in both sweet and savoury dishes. They are small broken pieces of soft goat cheese with a distinctive earthy flavour and a smooth, velvety texture. However, the packaging of goat cheese crumbles can be extremely frustrating for consumers, with many people complaining that it is difficult to open and challenging to reseal. The airtight containers often have to be sliced open with a knife, and the soft cheese inside can be messy and difficult to handle. The difficulty of opening goat cheese containers has sparked investigations into why this seemingly simple task is so challenging, with some blaming customer demand, buying habits, and shelf life as the reasons for the frustrating packaging.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Goat cheese packaging | Tubes, rounds, or tubs |
| Reasons for packaging | To maintain shape, to keep cheese fresh |
| Ease of opening | Difficult to open and doesn't re-seal |
| Solutions | Put in the freezer for 5-10 minutes, use a fork, crumble with hands |
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What You'll Learn
The plastic tube packaging is hard to open and doesn't reseal
Goat cheese is often packaged in plastic tubes, which can be difficult to open and may not reseal properly. This type of packaging is commonly used for soft and creamy varieties of goat cheese, also known as chèvre. The airtight material and strong, flexible construction of the plastic tubes help to maintain the freshness and integrity of the delicate cheese during transport and storage.
While the packaging is designed to protect the product, it can present challenges for consumers. The plastic tube format, for instance, can be more difficult to open than other packaging shapes like rounds (circular formations). The airtight seal, essential for preserving the cheese, can make it hard to access the contents without resorting to desperate measures like slicing the tube with a knife.
Additionally, the resealing functionality of the plastic tube packaging may not always be effective. Once opened, exposure to air can accelerate spoilage, reducing the shelf life of the product. Proper resealing is crucial to maintaining the quality and freshness of the goat cheese crumbles, as recommended by food storage guidelines.
To address the challenges of opening and resealing, some manufacturers have introduced easy-peel backing on the plastic tubes. This design feature allows consumers to open the packaging more easily and access the cheese without compromising its shape. However, it is important to note that not all brands may have adopted this improvement.
In summary, the plastic tube packaging of goat cheese crumbles presents a trade-off. While it effectively preserves the freshness and shape of the product, it can be frustrating for consumers due to the difficulty in opening and the potential lack of a proper resealing mechanism. These issues have sparked discussions and investigations into why goat cheese packaging can be so challenging to work with.
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Customers prefer the tube shape over easier-to-open alternatives
The tube shape is also advantageous for maintaining the freshness and quality of the goat cheese during transportation and storage. The airtight material and strong, flexible packaging help prevent spoilage, ensuring the product remains fresh and delicious by the time it reaches consumers, even in distant locations.
Vermont Creamery, for example, transitioned from using looser plastic wrap to the plastic tube packaging 20 years ago. According to a representative from the company, the tube packaging is a significant improvement as it effectively seals and protects the cheese, extending its shelf life.
While the tube shape may pose challenges in opening, customers prioritise the benefits of this packaging format, including the familiar log shape and the enhanced freshness and shelf life it provides. As a result, companies like Vermont Creamery have continued to use the tube packaging to meet customer preferences and ensure the optimal condition of their goat cheese products.
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Goat cheese has a short shelf life once opened
Goat cheese is a delicious and creamy ingredient that can elevate many dishes. However, it's important to remember that it has a short shelf life once opened. This is because goat cheese is highly perishable, and even with proper storage, it will only last about 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator.
To maximize the shelf life of goat cheese crumbles after opening, it's crucial to keep the package tightly sealed and refrigerated at all times. Bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F, so goat cheese should be discarded if left unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours.
If you want to extend the shelf life of opened goat cheese crumbles, freezing is an option. To freeze goat cheese crumbles, tightly seal the original packaging and place it in the freezer. For long-term freezing of more than 2 months, it's recommended to use a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, goat cheese crumbles will maintain their best quality for about 6 months in the freezer but will remain safe to consume beyond that time.
It's important to be aware of the signs that your goat cheese has gone bad. Fresh goat cheese has a distinctive funk, but it can be challenging to determine whether it has gone off or if it's just its usual smell. Checking the best-by date is a good starting point, but it's not always accurate. Visible signs of spoilage include noticeable yellowing or the development of a tough crust on the outside, indicating that the cheese has dried out. If the cheese has vivid yellow, orange, or pink hues, it should be discarded. Additionally, the presence of spoilage bacteria may make you gag, while pathogens like E. coli and Listeria monocytogenes can make you very ill and cannot be detected by sight, smell, or taste.
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It's important to reseal goat cheese correctly
Firstly, keep it cool. Goat cheese should always be stored in the fridge to slow down the growth of bacteria and mould. Aim for a fridge temperature between 35°F and 40°F (1.6°C to 4.4°C).
Secondly, wrap it right. If you're reusing the original packaging, ensure it's properly sealed. If re-wrapping, use wax or parchment paper first. These materials allow the cheese to breathe while preventing moisture loss. Avoid using plastic wrap directly on the cheese, as it can trap moisture and cause the cheese to spoil faster.
Thirdly, seal it up. After wrapping the cheese, place it in an airtight container. This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from drying out and to block unwanted fridge odours. Glass containers are an excellent choice as they are non-reactive and don't absorb odours.
Additionally, if you're freezing goat cheese crumbles, use the original packaging, tightly sealed, and place it in the freezer. For longer-term storage, over two months, place the package inside a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
By following these steps, you can effectively reseal your goat cheese, ensuring it stays fresh and tasty for longer.
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Vacuum-sealed goat cheese can last unopened for at least two months
Once the vacuum-sealed goat cheese is opened, it should be removed from its original packaging and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help to maintain the quality and freshness of the cheese. The exact shelf life of opened goat cheese will depend on storage conditions, but it typically lasts for about 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator.
If you're looking to extend the shelf life of your opened goat cheese, you can freeze it. To do this, tightly seal the original packaging and place it in the freezer. For longer-term storage, it's recommended to use a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, goat cheese will maintain its best quality for about six months but will remain safe to consume beyond that.
Now, let's address the challenge of crumbling goat cheese. The difficulty arises because creamy goat cheese has a higher moisture content than the crumbly variety. One effective solution is to place the cheese in the freezer for 5-10 minutes. This reduces the moisture content, making it easier to crumble. You can then use your hands or a fork to crumble the cheese, although be aware that it can still be a messy process!
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Frequently asked questions
Goat cheese packaging is designed to be strong and flexible to keep the delicate cheese fresh. The airtight material prevents the cheese from spoiling. However, this packaging can be challenging to open and may require cutting with a knife.
It is recommended to buy only the amount of goat cheese you plan to consume within a week. If storing, remove the original packaging and wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper, then place it in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator.
Goat cheese can range from creamy to crumbly depending on its moisture level. Fresh goat cheese is soft, and its texture can vary based on moisture content.
