Randy Chandler
Goat cheese is a delicious and tangy treat, but its packaging can be a source of frustration for many. One common issue is the bulging of the container, which can be caused by a variety of factors. The bulging may be due to changes in cabin pressure, as plastic packaging can expand at higher altitudes. However, in most cases, a bulging container indicates bacterial activity, where gases produced by the bacteria cause the packaging to inflate. This can lead to spoilage, especially in canned goods, and is a significant concern for food safety. Proper storage and handling of goat cheese are crucial to prevent bacterial growth and maintain product quality.
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese containers are not designed to be resealed
The inability to reseal goat cheese containers can lead to several issues. Firstly, it can result in waste as consumers may not be able to securely store the leftover cheese for later use. Without a proper seal, the cheese is exposed to air and moisture, increasing the risk of spoilage due to bacterial growth and mould formation. This can cause the cheese to harden, leak, or become completely unusable.
Additionally, the lack of a resealable option can be inconvenient for consumers, especially those who use goat cheese occasionally or in small quantities. They may resort to transferring the leftover cheese to a separate container, which is an extra step in the storage process. This workaround may not always be effective, as suggested by Judy Schad, proprietor of Capriole, a renowned goat cheese company in Indiana. She acknowledges the frustration surrounding the packaging and admits that even her attempts to place the log back into the original wrapper and secure it with cling wrap can be "a pain in the neck."
The challenge of resealing goat cheese containers highlights the delicate nature of cheese storage. According to Schad, goat cheese, like any other cheese, requires humidity and some room to breathe. She recommends creating a "layer of breathability" by using wax paper and plastic wrap for storage. However, this solution may not be ideal for those who wish to avoid using plastic wrap due to environmental concerns or the potential impact on the cheese's flavour and texture.
While the non-resealable design of goat cheese containers can be frustrating, it's important to remember that goat cheese is meant to be consumed relatively quickly. As Schad advises, it's not meant for bulk shopping or long-term storage. Instead, it's intended to be enjoyed fresh, within a week of purchase. This shorter shelf life, combined with the desire for safe and convenient packaging during shipping, has likely influenced the design of non-resealable containers.
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Goat cheese needs to breathe, so plastic wrap is not ideal
Goat cheese is a delicate product, and like all cheeses, it needs to breathe. This means that plastic wrap is not ideal for storing this type of cheese. Plastic wrap can lead to unwanted mould and even cause the cheese to suffocate. The proprietor of Capriole, a goat-cheese company in Indiana, Judy Schad, is very clear on this: "I don't love plastic, and I don't love cheese in plastic, necessarily".
Goat cheese should be treated like fresh bread or wine—it is best enjoyed soon after buying. It is not designed to be stored for long periods, and certainly not in plastic wrap. Once opened, goat cheese should be removed from its original packaging and stored in a lidded glass or plastic container in the refrigerator. This will allow the cheese to breathe and prevent spoilage.
Plastic wrap can also be problematic for goat cheese manufacturers and retailers. It does not provide a sufficient barrier against moisture and air, which can cause the cheese to dry out or become mouldy. This can lead to reduced shelf life and increased waste.
Additionally, plastic wrap is not environmentally friendly. It is made from non-renewable resources and is often not recyclable, contributing to plastic waste. For these reasons, some manufacturers have switched to using plastic tubes to package their goat cheese, which provides a more durable and airtight container that helps extend the product's shelf life. However, these tubes can be difficult to open and do not reseal well, leading to customer frustration.
In summary, goat cheese needs to breathe, so plastic wrap is not the best storage option. Instead, opt for a lidded glass or plastic container to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
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Goat cheese should be consumed within a week
Goat cheese is a delicious treat, but it's essential to remember that it's a fresh product with a short shelf life. While it may be tempting to stock up on this tangy, creamy cheese, it's best to buy only what you plan to consume within a week.
Goat cheese, like any other cheese, requires humidity and some room to breathe. When stored in an airtight container, bacterial activity can cause gases to build up, leading to a bulging container. This indicates that the cheese has started to spoil and should be discarded. To prevent this, it's crucial to follow proper storage practices and consume the cheese promptly.
When purchasing goat cheese, opt for vacuum-wrapped options, which can last up to two months if unopened. However, once opened, the clock starts ticking, and you have about a week to enjoy it. Remove the cheese from its original packaging and transfer it to a lidded glass or plastic container. This allows for the necessary breathability while keeping the cheese fresh.
If you're a fan of goat cheese, you know that its texture and flavor can vary. From soft and creamy to crumbly and pungent, there's a range to explore. However, this variety also means that proper storage is crucial to maintaining its quality. Aged goat cheese, for example, has a longer ripening period and can last longer than fresh cheese. But even then, it's best to check on it regularly and consume it within a reasonable timeframe.
So, when it comes to goat cheese, remember that it's a perishable delicacy. Plan to buy and consume it within a week, ensuring you enjoy it at its freshest and most delicious state.
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Bulging containers are often a sign of bacterial activity
Bulging containers are indeed often a sign of bacterial activity. Bacteria multiply and produce gases as a waste product, causing the container to act like a balloon and expand. This can happen with any food in airtight packaging, including canned goods, and is a clear sign of spoilage. In most cases, the food should be thrown away, especially if it is past its expiration date.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. Fermented foods like yogurt are supposed to have a thriving colony of harmless bacteria, and if this colony gets larger, it can also inflate the packaging. This is less likely to occur with store-bought food, as companies control the bacterial population, but it can still happen, for example, if yogurt is left in a warm room for a long time. Therefore, if you notice a bulging container, it is important to check the expiration date and do a taste test to determine if the food is still safe to eat.
Goat cheese, in particular, can be challenging to package and store properly. It needs humidity and some room to breathe, but plastic wrap can invite unwanted mold and suffocate the cheese. Vacuum-wrapped goat cheese can be stored unopened for at least two months, but once opened, it should be removed from the original packaging and stored in a lidded glass or plastic container in the refrigerator. For cheeses with a rind, it is recommended to first wrap them in wax paper and then in plastic before placing them in the refrigerator.
Additionally, goat cheese is meant to be eaten quickly, preferably within a week of purchase. Aged and softer ripened cheeses should be checked every other day, and the surface should be scraped off with a knife before rewrapping in a new layer of wax paper and plastic wrap. By following these storage guidelines, you can help prevent bacterial growth and maintain the quality of your goat cheese.
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Fermented foods are an exception to the rule
Bulging in airtight food packaging is usually a sign of spoilage. Bacteria multiply and produce gases as waste, which causes the packaging to inflate. This is especially true for canned goods, which should be thrown out if they are bulging, even if other signs of spoilage are not present.
However, fermented foods are an exception to the rule. Fermented foods are meant to contain a thriving colony of harmless bacteria. If this colony gets larger than expected, it can inflate the packaging. This is unlikely to occur in store-bought fermented foods, as companies control the bacterial population. However, it can happen if fermented foods are left in a warm room or if homemade fermented foods are kept in a closed container.
In the case of fermented foods, a bulging container does not necessarily mean the food needs to be discarded. Instead, you can check the taste, which may become quite sharp after over-fermentation. If the taste is still pleasant, the food can be safely consumed.
It is important to note that this exception only applies to fermented foods that have changed their volume over time due to over-fermentation. Some packaged items, such as potato chips, are sold in already-inflated bags, which is done in the factory and is not a sign of spoilage.
When preparing and canning fermented foods at home, it is crucial to follow proper procedures to ensure safety. The National Center for Home Food Preservation provides guidelines on suitable containers, covers, and weights for fermenting vegetables. They recommend using food-grade plastic or glass containers, ensuring that foods only contact food-grade plastics, and providing weights to keep vegetables submerged in brine during fermentation.
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Frequently asked questions
Bulging in containers usually indicates bacterial activity, which can cause gases to be trapped within the packaging. Goat cheese needs to be stored in a container that allows it to breathe, otherwise, the build-up of gases can cause the container to bulge.
If your goat cheese container is bulging, it is best to discard the product. However, if the cheese is still within its expiration date, you can try tasting a small amount to see if it is edible.
A bulging container is a sign of spoilage and bacterial activity. Goat cheese is highly perishable, and even a small amount of bacterial growth can cause rapid deterioration.
To prevent your goat cheese container from bulging, ensure that it is stored correctly. Once opened, remove the cheese from its original packaging and store it in a lidded glass or plastic container in the refrigerator.
Goat cheese should be stored in a container that allows for breathability. Avoid using plastic wrap, as it can trap moisture and encourage bacterial growth. Instead, opt for wax paper or a lidded container to maintain freshness.
