How To Store Goat Cheese

TL;DR

• Store goat cheese in the vegetable crisper drawer of your refrigerator for optimal temperature and humidity control
• Use cheese paper, parchment paper, or wax paper for wrapping goat cheese to allow it to breathe while protecting it from drying out
• Different types of goat cheese (fresh, aged, soft-ripened) require different storage approaches
• Seasonal variations in goat milk affect the flavor and texture of goat cheese, influencing storage needs
• Monitor for signs of spoilage, including unintended mold growth on soft cheeses, which indicates the need for disposal

Introduction

Picture a crumbly, tangy slice of goat cheese melting on your tongue. Divine, isn’t it? But that heavenly experience hinges on one crucial factor: proper storage. Goat cheese, with its distinctive flavor and creamy texture, has become a darling of cheese boards and recipes alike. Yet, without the right storage techniques, this culinary gem can quickly lose its luster.

Let’s dive into the world of goat cheese storage, ensuring that every bite is as delightful as the first. From fridge to freezer, we’ll explore the ins and outs of keeping your goat cheese in tip-top shape.

Understanding Goat Cheese

Goat cheese, or chèvre in French, boasts a history as rich as its flavor. This versatile cheese has graced tables for thousands of years, evolving from a simple farm staple to a gourmet delight.

What sets goat cheese apart? Its unique tang comes from the fatty acids in goat’s milk, giving it a flavor that’s both bold and delicate. The texture can range from soft and spreadable to firm and sliceable, depending on the aging process.

Seasonality plays a role too. Spring and summer cheeses often have a fresher, more floral note, with creamier, nuttier, and more pronounced flavors due to the goats’ diet of fresh pasture grasses and herbs. Autumn and winter varieties tend to be richer and more complex, as goat milk produced during these seasons has higher fat and protein content. Understanding these nuances helps in appreciating – and storing – your goat cheese properly.

Types of Goat Cheese

Fresh Goat Cheese

Fresh goat cheese is the poster child of the goat cheese world. Soft, creamy, and oh-so-spreadable, it’s a cheese that demands immediate attention. This youngster of the cheese world has a bright, tangy flavor that can light up any dish.

Storage-wise, fresh goat cheese is a bit of a diva. It needs a cool, consistent environment to maintain its delicate texture and flavor. Too warm, and it’ll spoil faster than you can say “chèvre.” Too cold, and you’ll lose some of that lovely creaminess.

Aged Goat Cheese

As goat cheese ages, it develops a personality all its own. The flavor deepens, becoming nuttier and more complex. The texture firms up, making it perfect for grating or slicing.

Aged goat cheese is a bit hardier than its fresh counterpart, but it still needs TLC in storage. Proper aging requires consistent temperature and humidity. At home, you’ll want to mimic these conditions as best you can to keep that aged goodness intact.

Soft-Ripened Goat Cheese

Soft-ripened goat cheese is the best of both worlds – creamy and complex. These cheeses, with their bloomy rinds, are like little flavor bombs waiting to explode on your palate.

Storage for soft-ripened goat cheese is a balancing act. You need to keep it cool enough to prevent over-ripening, but not so cold that you stunt its flavor development. It’s a cheese that rewards careful attention with incredible taste.

Popular Goat Cheese Varieties

From the classic French Bucheron to the ash-coated Humboldt Fog, goat cheese comes in a dazzling array of varieties. Each has its own quirks when it comes to storage.

Take Crottin de Chavignol, for instance. This small, aged cheese can range from soft and creamy when young to hard and crumbly when mature. Its storage needs change as it ages, requiring a keen eye and a willingness to adapt.

Or consider Garrotxa, a semi-firm Spanish goat cheese with a velvety gray rind. Its creamy and slightly flaky texture makes it a bit more forgiving in storage, but you’ll still want to treat it right to preserve its subtle, nutty flavor.

Proper Storage Methods

Refrigerator Storage

Your fridge is the front line in goat cheese storage. But before you just toss that cheese in and call it a day, let’s talk strategy.

First, location matters. The vegetable crisper drawer is often the sweet spot for cheese storage. It’s slightly warmer than the rest of the fridge and maintains a more consistent humidity level.

Wrapping is crucial. Ditch the plastic wrap – it suffocates the cheese. Instead, opt for cheese paper, parchment paper, or even wax paper. These allow the cheese to breathe while still protecting it from drying out.

For softer cheeses, consider a container. A small tupperware with a few holes punched in the lid can create a mini cheese cave in your fridge.

Remember, goat cheese is social – it loves to mingle flavors. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to preserve its delicate taste.

Freezer Storage

Can you freeze goat cheese? Yes, but proceed with caution. Freezing can alter the texture, especially of softer cheeses. But if you must freeze, here’s how to do it right:

1. Cut the cheese into small, usable portions.
2. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
3. Place in a freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible.
4. Label with the date and type of cheese.

When you’re ready to use it, thaw the cheese slowly in the refrigerator. It’s best used in cooked dishes after freezing, as the texture may become crumbly.

Using a Cheese Grotto

For the serious cheese aficionado, a cheese grotto can be a game-changer. These specialized containers create the perfect environment for storing cheese, maintaining ideal humidity and temperature levels.

A cheese grotto allows your goat cheese to continue developing flavor while preventing it from drying out or absorbing off-flavors. It’s like a spa retreat for your cheese, keeping it in prime condition until you’re ready to indulge.

While it’s an investment, a cheese grotto can significantly extend the life of your goat cheese, saving you money in the long run and ensuring every bite is as delicious as intended.

Factors Affecting Storage

Temperature Control

Temperature is the puppet master of cheese storage. Too warm, and your cheese will spoil rapidly. Too cold, and you’ll stunt its flavor development.

The ideal temperature for most goat cheeses is between 35°F and 45°F (1.7°C to 7.2°C). This range slows down bacterial growth without freezing the cheese, allowing it to maintain its texture and continue developing flavor.

Consistency is key. Fluctuating temperatures can cause condensation, leading to mold growth. If you’re storing cheese in the fridge door, consider moving it to a more stable location.

Humidity Management

Humidity is the unsung hero of cheese storage. Too dry, and your cheese will crack and dry out. Too humid, and you’re inviting mold to the party.

The sweet spot for most goat cheeses is around 70-80% relative humidity. This level keeps the cheese from drying out while preventing excess moisture that can lead to spoilage.

Creating the right humidity can be tricky in a home fridge. A damp paper towel in the cheese container can help, as can storing the cheese in the crisper drawer where humidity tends to be higher.

Proper Packaging

The right packaging can make or break your cheese storage game. It’s not just about keeping the cheese covered – it’s about creating the right microenvironment.

Cheese paper is the gold standard. It allows the cheese to breathe while maintaining the right humidity level. No cheese paper? No problem. Parchment paper or wax paper can work in a pinch.

For softer cheeses, consider double wrapping. Use an inner layer of parchment paper, then an outer layer of aluminum foil. This combo protects the cheese from drying out while allowing it to breathe.

Avoid plastic wrap for long-term storage. It can trap moisture and lead to off-flavors. If you must use it, make sure to rewrap the cheese frequently.

Signs of Spoilage

Even with the best storage practices, goat cheese won’t last forever. Knowing when to say goodbye is crucial for both safety and enjoyment.

Visual cues are your first line of defense. A little mold on hard cheese can be cut away, but any mold on soft cheese means it’s time to bid farewell. Look out for discoloration, especially any pink, blue, or green hues that weren’t there when you bought it.

Your nose knows best. Goat cheese should smell tangy and fresh, maybe a bit earthy. If you catch a whiff of ammonia or anything rotten, it’s past its prime.

Texture changes can also signal spoilage. If your once-creamy cheese has become slimy or your firm cheese has developed a spongy texture, it’s time to let it go.

Remember, when in doubt, throw it out. It’s better to lose a bit of cheese than to risk foodborne illness. However, it’s important to note that some molds are intentionally part of certain cheese varieties and are safe to consume, such as in Brie and Camembert.

Serving Stored Goat Cheese

You’ve stored your goat cheese perfectly – now it’s time to enjoy it. But wait! There’s an art to serving stored cheese too.

First, let it breathe. Take your cheese out of the fridge about an hour before serving. This allows it to come to room temperature, awakening all those complex flavors and aromas.

For spreadable cheeses, try serving them with a drizzle of honey and some fresh herbs. The sweetness and herbal notes complement the tangy cheese beautifully.

Aged goat cheeses shine when paired with nuts and dried fruits. Try a slice with some toasted walnuts and a few dried cranberries for a flavor explosion.

Don’t forget about cooking! Crumble fresh goat cheese over a salad, stuff it into chicken breasts, or melt it into a creamy pasta sauce. The possibilities are endless.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of goat cheese storage is a game-changer for any cheese lover. With these techniques in your culinary toolkit, you’re set to enjoy every morsel of your favorite goat cheese at its peak.

Remember, storing cheese is as much an art as it is a science. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you and your cheese. Here’s to many delicious cheese adventures ahead!