Patrick Oconnell
Goat cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in appetizers, salads, cooking, and on a cheese board. When stored correctly, unopened goat cheese can last for weeks or even months in the fridge. The ideal temperature for storing cheese is between 50° and 60° F (10° and 15.5° C). In this article, we will explore the best ways to keep your unopened goat cheese fresh and tasty for as long as possible. We will discuss the optimal storage conditions, the effects of different packaging methods, and how to maximize the shelf life of your unopened goat cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ideal temperature for ageing | 50º to 60º F (10º to 15.5º C) |
| Refrigerator temperature | Below 50º F (10º C) |
| Effect of refrigeration on ageing | Slows down the ageing process |
| Storage | Wrap in wax, parchment paper, or plastic wrap |
| Storage life in the refrigerator | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Storage life in the freezer | 6 months |
| Goat cheese going bad | Off smell and appearance, mould |
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What You'll Learn
Properly wrapping goat cheese
Choose the Right Wrapping Materials
Goat cheese should be protected from air exposure while also allowing it to breathe. The ideal wrapping materials are wax paper, parchment paper, or cheese paper. These papers have a natural, breathable quality that helps regulate moisture and prevents the cheese from drying out. After wrapping the cheese in paper, you can then seal it in plastic wrap or a plastic zip-lock bag for added protection.
Avoid Direct Contact with Plastic Wrap
While plastic wrap is useful for sealing the cheese after it has been wrapped in paper, avoid direct contact between the cheese and plastic wrap. Plastic wrap can cause the cheese to sweat and affect its texture. The paper layer creates a barrier and helps maintain the quality of the cheese.
Store in the Fridge
Refrigeration is crucial for preserving goat cheese. The ideal temperature for storing cheese is between 50°F and 60°F (10°C and 15.5°C). Refrigerator temperatures are typically lower, which will slow down the aging process and keep your goat cheese fresh for longer.
Check for Spoilage
Even when properly wrapped and refrigerated, goat cheese can eventually spoil. Signs of spoilage include the presence of mould, a strong or sour smell, or any bitter or unpleasant taste. If you notice any of these indicators, discard the cheese entirely.
Freeze for Extended Storage
If you want to extend the shelf life of goat cheese beyond a few weeks, consider freezing it. Wrap the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen cheese can last for about six months while maintaining its best quality but remains safe to consume beyond that. However, freezing may affect the texture and flavour, making it more crumbly and better suited for cooked dishes.
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Ideal temperature for refrigeration
The ideal temperature for refrigeration depends on the type of food being stored. For example, milk should be stored at 41°F, eggs at 45°F or lower, and wine at around 42°F. Deli meats should be stored at 37°F, while soft drinks are best kept at 33°F.
According to some sources, the ideal temperature range for a refrigerator is between 33°F and 40°F (roughly 1°C to 4.4°C). Keeping the temperature at the lower end of this range will increase the shelf life of your food and reduce the risk of foodborne illness. However, it's important to note that some foods, like milk and meat, will last longer at cooler temperatures, while other items may start to show signs of frost.
Other sources recommend an ideal refrigerator temperature of 40°F or below. This temperature is considered safe for most perishable foods, which should not be left out of refrigeration for more than two hours.
It's worth noting that the temperature within a refrigerator can vary, with the coldest parts typically being the back and the bottom. Additionally, older refrigerators may not maintain the same temperature throughout, so it's a good idea to use a separate thermometer to monitor the temperature in different sections of your fridge.
In terms of aging cheese, a temperature of 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 15.5°C) is ideal. At this temperature, the aging process will proceed at a desirable rate. Refrigerator temperatures will slow down the aging process, while room temperature will speed it up.
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How to identify spoiled goat cheese
Goat cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient, but it can be tricky to know when it has gone off. Here are some ways to identify spoiled goat cheese:
Appearance
Goat cheese that has spoiled will often change in appearance. If you notice any visible mould on the surface of the cheese, discard it. In addition, if the cheese has yellowed or developed an off-white tint, it is past its prime. Fresh goat cheese should be a snowy white colour, and any noticeable discolouration indicates spoilage. In some cases, goat cheese that has been stored for too long may even show vivid yellow, orange, or pink hues.
Smell
When fresh, goat cheese has a mildly goaty aroma that is musky and faintly animal-like. This scent should be mild and not sharp or pungent. If the cheese develops a strong, sour, or acrid smell, it has likely spoiled. An ammonia-like odour is also a clear indication of spoilage.
Taste
Spoiled goat cheese may also exhibit a bitter or unpleasant taste. Normal ageing can result in a stronger flavour, but not the bitterness associated with spoilage.
Texture
If the goat cheese has a fuzzy texture, it is likely expired.
Storage
Proper storage is crucial to prevent goat cheese from spoiling. Always keep goat cheese refrigerated, and minimise exposure to light. Store the cheese in an airtight container, and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. For extended shelf life, freeze the cheese, but note that it may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour.
By following these guidelines and trusting your senses, you can confidently identify spoiled goat cheese and ensure you are consuming it at its best.
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Freezing goat cheese
Goat cheese is a popular ingredient for cooks and chefs due to its lower fat content, which makes it perfect for sauces, dips, and desserts. However, it can be expensive and tends to go bad quickly. Freezing goat cheese is a great way to make this tricky ingredient easy to handle and to ensure it lasts a long time. Here's how to do it:
Preparing the Goat Cheese for Freezing:
First, decide whether you want to freeze the entire log of goat cheese or just portion-sized parts. It is perfectly fine to freeze the entire log, but freezing individual portions can be more practical for future use, as you can take out only what you need. Goat cheese can be frozen for up to 3 months, although it will remain safe to consume beyond that time.
Wrapping the Goat Cheese:
Once you've decided on the portions, wrap the log or portions tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap. You can also place the cheese inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. If you're using plastic wrap, you can add an extra layer of foil for better protection from freezer burn. Make sure to squeeze out any extra air before sealing the package.
Storing in the Freezer:
Label the package with the date, and then place it in the freezer. If you're freezing multiple portions, consider stacking them with parchment paper between the layers to reduce bulk and cut down on plastic wrap.
Thawing and Using Frozen Goat Cheese:
Frozen goat cheese thaws quickly and can be cubed or crumbled even when it's still quite frozen. However, it tends to become crumbly and lose some of its flavor, so it's best suited for cooked dishes like sauces, soups, casseroles, and salads. You can also grate frozen goat cheese, just like you would with a hard cheese like Parmesan.
By following these simple steps, you can easily freeze and store goat cheese, making it a more convenient and economical ingredient for your culinary creations.
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How long goat cheese lasts in the freezer
Properly stored, goat cheese will maintain its best quality for about six months in the freezer. However, it will remain safe to consume beyond this timeframe if kept constantly frozen at 0°F. Freezing temperatures can, therefore, extend the shelf life of goat cheese indefinitely.
When storing goat cheese in the freezer, it is essential to wrap the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap. Alternatively, you can place the cheese inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Freezing may cause the cheese to become crumbly and lose some of its flavor, so it is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.
At refrigerator temperatures, between 4°C and 6°C, goat cheese can last for weeks or even a couple of months if properly wrapped and stored. The aging temperature and storage conditions significantly impact the shelf life of goat cheese. To maximize its shelf life, it is crucial to maintain proper temperatures and prevent exposure to air, following good wrapping and storage practices.
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Frequently asked questions
Unopened goat cheese can be stored in the fridge for weeks, if not a couple of months. It's important to wrap the cheese correctly to avoid transferring odours and flavours.
To extend the shelf life of unopened goat cheese, wrap the original packaging tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. For better results, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
Goat cheese that is going bad will develop a strong or sour smell or an unpleasant taste. If mould appears on the cheese, discard it entirely.
Yes, you can freeze unopened goat cheese to extend its shelf life. Properly stored, it will maintain the best quality for about 6 months but will remain safe beyond that time. Frozen cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour.
