Randy Chandler
Goat cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient, but how long does it last outside of the fridge? Well, it depends. Properly stored, fresh goat cheese will last about one to two weeks in the refrigerator. If you're looking to keep it longer, freezing is an option, but this may affect the texture and taste. At room temperature, goat cheese will likely last a few weeks, but the aging process will be accelerated, and there is a risk of food poisoning. To avoid any risk, it is best to refrigerate goat cheese and consume it within a week of opening the packaging.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Goat cheese shelf life | Goat cheese can last for weeks or months when refrigerated and even longer if frozen. |
| Goat cheese refrigeration temperature | Goat cheese should be stored between 4°C and 8°C. |
| Goat cheese without refrigeration | Room temperature will speed up the aging process. Goat cheese can be left out of the fridge but it is not recommended. |
| Goat cheese expiration | Goat cheese that has gone bad will have a strong or sour smell, bitter or unpleasant taste, or visible mold. |
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese should be refrigerated
Goat cheese is a perishable dairy product that is best stored in the refrigerator. When properly wrapped and refrigerated, goat cheese can last for several weeks to a couple of months. Leaving goat cheese unrefrigerated for extended periods can accelerate the ageing process and increase the risk of spoilage.
The ideal temperature range for storing goat cheese is between 4°C and 8°C (39°F and 60°F). Room temperature is typically above this range and will speed up the ageing process, potentially leading to faster spoilage. By storing goat cheese in the refrigerator, you can maintain a cooler temperature that slows down ageing and keeps the cheese fresh for longer.
Additionally, refrigeration helps prevent the growth of unwanted microorganisms, such as mould, that can render the cheese unsafe for consumption. Goat cheese that has been left unrefrigerated for a prolonged period may develop a strong or sour smell, indicating spoilage.
While some sources suggest that goat cheese can be left unrefrigerated for a short duration, it is generally recommended to store it in the refrigerator to ensure food safety and maximise its shelf life.
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Vacuum-sealed goat cheese can be stored unopened for two months
Goat cheese, like any other cheese, requires humidity and some room to breathe. It is recommended to avoid using plastic wrap as it can cause unwanted mold. Vacuum-sealed goat cheese can be stored unopened for up to two months. However, once opened, it should be removed from the vacuum packaging and stored in a lidded glass or plastic container in the refrigerator. The ideal temperature for storing cheese is between 50° and 60° F (10° and 15.5° C). Room temperature is typically above this range and will accelerate the aging process, while refrigeration will slow it down.
Vacuum-sealed goat cheese can be expected to last for several weeks to a few months when stored in the refrigerator. It is important to note that the aging process may cause the cheese to develop a stronger flavor, but it should not become bitter. If the cheese is kept in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and protected from air exposure, it is unlikely to spoil unless stored in the refrigerator for several months.
Properly stored, fresh goat cheese will typically last for about one to two weeks in the refrigerator. To extend its shelf life, it can be frozen by wrapping it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or placing it inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavor, making it more suitable for cooked dishes.
It is important to inspect goat cheese for any signs of spoilage before consumption. Goat cheese that has gone bad will usually emit a strong or sour smell or exhibit an unpleasant taste. Soft goat cheese, in particular, tends to develop a distinctively unpleasant smell once it has spoiled.
In some cases, goat cheese that has been left unrefrigerated for a short period may still be safe to consume. However, it is essential to exercise caution as the risk of food poisoning increases. Cooking with the cheese may be a safer option for those concerned about food safety.
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Goat cheese should be consumed within a week of opening
Goat cheese is a delicate product and should be consumed within a week of opening. This is because goat cheese is highly perishable and can quickly develop bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses. While it may be tempting to keep unopened goat cheese out of the fridge, this is not advisable as it can cause the cheese to spoil more quickly.
Goat cheese should always be refrigerated, ideally at temperatures between 4°C and 8°C. Once opened, it should be consumed within a week. If you are unable to finish the cheese within a week, it is best to wrap it first in wax paper and then in plastic wrap to ensure it stays fresh for as long as possible. This will help to protect the cheese from air and moisture, which can cause it to spoil.
If you are unable to finish the cheese within a week, or if you are buying in bulk, it is possible to freeze goat cheese. However, freezing may alter the texture and taste of the cheese, making it crumbly and reducing its flavour. Therefore, frozen goat cheese is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.
It is important to inspect goat cheese for any signs of spoilage before consuming it. Goat cheese that has gone bad will typically develop an off smell and appearance, and may have mold on it. If mold is present, the cheese should be discarded entirely as it is no longer safe to consume.
To summarise, goat cheese is a perishable product that should be treated with care to ensure its freshness and safety. It should be consumed within a week of opening and stored properly in the refrigerator to maintain its quality and prevent spoilage.
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Goat cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life
Goat cheese is a delicious and creamy ingredient that can be used in appetizers, salads, cooking, and on cheese boards. While it is usually recommended to store goat cheese in the refrigerator, freezing is an option to extend its shelf life.
Goat cheese can be frozen to make it last longer. However, freezing can alter the texture and taste of the cheese. Hard and semi-hard cheeses, such as Gouda, Cheddar, and Parmesan, are more suitable for freezing than soft cheeses due to their lower moisture content. Soft cheeses tend to be more affected by freezing because of their higher moisture content, which can change the texture and make it less appealing.
If you do choose to freeze your goat cheese, it is important to follow certain steps to ensure the best quality. First, wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap to reduce the risk of freezer burn. Then, place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or bag to protect it from air exposure. Frozen goat cheese can last for about 1 to 2 months in the freezer. When you are ready to use it, thaw the cheese under refrigeration and use it in cooked dishes as the flavor and texture may be altered.
While freezing can extend the shelf life of goat cheese, it is important to consider the potential changes in texture and taste. For shorter storage periods, it is recommended to store goat cheese in the refrigerator, where it can last for several weeks to months when properly wrapped and protected from air exposure.
By understanding the options for storing goat cheese, you can make an informed decision about whether to freeze it or store it in the refrigerator, depending on your planned usage and desired taste and texture.
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Goat cheese will smell and taste bad when it goes off
Goat cheese is a delicate product, and while it has a longer shelf life than some other cheeses, it will eventually go bad. Properly stored, fresh goat cheese will last about one to two weeks in the refrigerator. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze it, but this will affect its texture and flavour.
Goat cheese will indeed smell and taste bad when it goes off. A strong or sour smell or any bitter or unpleasant taste is a giveaway that the cheese is past its prime. Soft goat cheese, in particular, smells wretched once it's spoiled. If you can sniff it without wanting to gag, it's good to eat! Butyric acid in goat cheese in modest amounts gives it a piquant flavour, but in overabundance, it will smell rancid, or like "baby vomit".
Goat cheese should be properly wrapped and refrigerated and will last for weeks, if not a couple of months. If the cheese is kept in aluminium foil or plastic wrap and protected from the air, it is unlikely to spoil unless it has been in the refrigerator for several months. Normal aging may produce a slightly stronger flavour, but not the bitterness that indicates it has gone sour.
It is worth noting that the ideal aging temperature for cheese is between 50º and 60º F (10º and 15.5º C). Room temperature is above this and will speed up the aging process. While goat cheese can be left out of the refrigerator for a short time, it is best to avoid this, as it will reduce its shelf life.
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Frequently asked questions
Fresh goat cheese will last about 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Vacuum-wrapped goat cheese can keep, unopened, for at least two months.
Goat cheese will go bad if left outside the fridge for too long. The ideal aging temperature for cheese is between 50º and 60º F (10º and 15.5º C). Room temperature is above this, and will speed up the aging process. Goat cheese that is going bad will develop an off smell and appearance.
If mold appears on the goat cheese, discard it entirely.
