Can You Freeze Goat Cheese?
Goat milk is always considered superior to cow milk in various aspects. For example, it has more nutrients and is easier to digest. Besides, goat milk has less risk of allergies. In addition, it has more calories and saturated fat than cow milk. So, goat cheese is among the most favored cheese because of its sharp flavor and compatibility with numerous recipes.
However, goat cheese has similar storage issues as standard cheese. So, it is natural to wonder, can you freeze goat cheese?
Can You Freeze Goat Cheese?
The answer is a big YES. You can freeze goat cheese but ensure minimum exposure to oxygen because oxygen can destroy its flavor even at freezing temperatures.
So, How Do You Freeze Goat Cheese?
Goat cheese is available in two types, in blocks and spreads. Therefore, you can freeze each class separately. Here is the simple process explained.
Freezing Goat Cheese Blocks
- We suggest that you cut the cheese into convenient consumable portions. It allows for easy management because you need not defrost the entire block when all you need is a few cubes.
- Wrap each cheese piece tightly using cheese wrapping paper. It prevents the cheese from air contamination. Remember, we had said that exposure to oxygen could degrade goat cheese.
- Place the wrapped cheese in a ziplock freezer bag. The vacuum seal bags are the best because they quickly suck out excess air.
- Note the freezing date to help time the usage before it expires or spoils.
Freezing Goat Cheese Spreads
- Unopened goat cheese spreads are easy to freeze as you can put them directly into the freezer. However, if you are dealing with goat cheese leftovers, remove the entire spread and roll it to make the edges smooth. It allows the oxygen to escape and prevents its exposure to the cheese.
- Use plastic wraps to wrap the cheese while maintaining its shape.
- Place the wrapped goat cheese inside the freezer bag and suck the excess air out of it. Seal the bag well.
- Write down the freezing date and time on the bag for convenience. Then, place the bag inside the freezer to start the freezing process.
How Long Does Goat Cheese Remain Frozen In The Freezer?
Under ideal conditions, goat cheese can remain frozen without changing its taste and flavor for six months from the freezing date. This process entails following the storing process perfectly and not allowing any exposure to oxygen.
Goat cheese can lose its texture and taste on freezing for extended periods. Therefore, we recommend finishing the frozen goat cheese as quickly as possible.
Does It Entail That The Goat Cheese Will Become Rancid After Six Months?
If you take proper precautions and store goat cheese correctly, it can last for more than six months. The six-month date is a “Best For Use By” date. So, the cheese does not go bad immediately. However, the chances of the cheese losing its texture increase as you extend its storage for more than six months.
How Do You Defrost Goat Cheese?
We recommend defrosting the frozen goat cheese in the refrigerator. Transfer the firm cheese from the freezer to the fridge compartment overnight. The defrosting process can take between six to eight hours. The gradual decrease in the temperature levels allows for uniform defrosting. You can remove it in the morning and stir it well to let the goat cheese regain its creamy appearance.
Many people ask whether it is safe to defrost goat cheese at room temperature. Technically it is possible, but we never recommend doing it this way. Exposure to room temperature immediately can cause the goat cheese to become watery. Besides, it facilitates bacterial contamination and mold growth.
Alternatively, you can microwave the frozen cheese for ten seconds to defrost it. However, it is advisable not to leave it inside the microwave for more than ten seconds because the cheese will over melt and lose its original texture.
Is It Possible To Freeze Goat Cheese Logs?
Generally, restaurants and other bulk users freeze goat cheese logs for convenience. The process is the same as freezing goat cheese blocks or spreads. The difference is that you need not chop the logs into small pieces. Instead, you can wrap the logs directly in plastic wrap and place them inside freezer bags.
Why Should We Consume Goat Cheese Quickly?
Though goat cheese can remain well frozen for six months, we recommend eating it within three months to enjoy its unadulterated taste, and storing it longer than three months can cause textural and flavor changes.
If you keep goat cheese for periods exceeding six months, it can spoil.
How Do You Know That The Goat Cheese Has Gone Bad / Spoiled?
Regular cheese consumers can detect spoilt cheese immediately. The spoilt cheese smells sour and offensive. Besides, the texture changes drastically to become watery. Mold formation is also a sign of the goat cheese going bad. So, the correct option is to discard the cheese without a second thought.
Can You Refreeze Goat Cheese?
We never recommend refreezing dairy products. Goat cheese can degrade with repeated freezing. Therefore, we recommend shopping the cheese blocks in consumable portions. It lets you remove the quantity you would consume immediately while allowing the rest to freeze.
How Long Can Goat Cheese Last In The Fridge?
Goat cheese can last for one to two weeks in the fridge if you store them properly. It entails wrapping the cheese and preventing exposure to oxygen. You can freeze goat cheese if you wish to keep it for extended periods.
Does Freezing Goat Cheese Let It Remain Fresh After Its Expiration Date?
Cheese packets come with an expiry date. This date is applicable if you store cheese in the refrigerator. However, freezing goat cheese is a different procedure that extends its shelf life beyond its expiration date.
Can We Fall Sick From Consuming Expired Goat Cheese?
As long as the cheese is not spoiled, there is no risk of consuming it. However, you will not enjoy its original taste and flavor after the expiration unless you freeze it.
Final Thoughts
Goat cheese, a dairy item, is perishable. Exposure to oxygen degrades it and makes it unfit for consumption. Therefore, freezing it properly is advisable to help extend its expiration date.
