Goat cheese in its many delicious forms — think fresh, aged or marinated — introduces distinct savory elements to a range of dishes. Problems arise, however, when you’re left with more goat cheese than you can consume before it spoils. The solution? Freezing. Before you turn up your nose, dismiss any preconceived notions you may have about the adverse impacts on taste and texture. Done correctly, your goat cheese will emerge from its icy slumber retaining much of its original charm.
Why Freeze Goat Cheese
Goat cheese, or fromage de chèvre if you’re feeling particularly French, doesn’t have an eternally long shelf life. Freezing extends the usability window significantly, helping combat food waste. Perhaps you’ve spotted a great sale and want to stockpile, or perhaps you live rurally where specialist produce is hard to come by. In these scenarios, freezing is a practical solution.
Now, let’s talk about taste and texture — two critical elements that could be affected by freezing. Fresh goat cheese leans more towards the crumbly and soft side of the texture spectrum, and freezing can alter that to some degree. However, when used in cooking or baking, the textural difference becomes much less noticeable. As for the flavor, you’ll be pleased to learn it remains quite consistent post-freezing.
Preparing Goat Cheese for Freezing
Before you toss your cheese into the icebox willy-nilly, there’s a bit of prep involved to ensure your goat cheese retains optimal quality. One of the essential tools at your disposal is a good quality freezer bag (or a vacuum sealer, if you have one). Additionally, cling wrap and a permanent marker for labeling are essential to keep track of what’s in your freezer.
Handling goat cheese for freezing is simple. If it’s still in its original packaging, place it directly into a freezer bag. If you’ve already opened the packet or it’s a partially consumed piece, wrap it tightly in the cling wrap before bagging. Squeeze out as much air as possible, label, and it’s ready for the freezer.
The Best Way to Freeze Goat Cheese
Next up, freezing. Proper freezing not only increases your goat cheese’s lifespan but also helps maintain its quality. Pop your prepared cheese into the coldest part of your freezer — usually the back — and leave it to chill. We recommend freezing for up to six months for peak quality, but it’s safe to eat well beyond this time frame if properly stored.
Best practices include ensuring an airtight seal to prevent freezer burn and avoiding stacking the cheese until it’s fully frozen. This helps maintain the original shape and prevents the packages from freezing together. But most importantly, be patient. Rapid freezing (and subsequently, thawing) tends to result in textural modifications.
Thawing Frozen Goat Cheese
When the time comes to summon your cheese from its frosty sanctuary, doing so with care is vital. Unlike some other food items, defrosting goat cheese requires a slow and gradual thawing process generally over a 24-hour period, to help maintain its textures and flavors.
The best approach is to shift your cheese from the freezer to the refrigerator for a day or so until it thaws completely. Avoid using the microwave or leaving it on the countertop, as these methods often result in a soggy, uneven mess. If you’re in a rush, the cheese can still be used directly from the freezer in many recipes.
Using Thawed Goat Cheese
Once thawed, it’s time to get cooking. Beyond the expected topping for salads or spread for a baguette, goat cheese unfolds new depths of flavor in pasta, pizzas, tarts, and an array of appetizing mains and desserts.
While fresh and evenly thawed goat cheese can be swirled into a sauce or melted onto a tart with excellent results, frozen and then thawed goat cheese also works well in many dishes where the cheese is being mixed in, such as a spinach and goat cheese stuffed chicken or a fluffy goat cheese and chive omelette.
Remember, both variations of goat cheese bring unique attributes to your culinary creations — use them wisely, and your taste buds will thank you. Enjoy embracing your newfound knowledge on the art of freezing goat cheese, and make the most out of your next cheesy adventure.
Key Takeaway:
- Freezing is an effective solution to extend the shelf life of goat cheese and reduce waste.
- The texture and taste of goat cheese can be somewhat modified by freezing, but the difference is less noticeable when used in cooking or baking.
- Proper preparation before freezing, such as using a good quality freezer bag and ensuring airtight sealing, helps retain the quality of goat cheese.
- It’s recommended to freeze cheese for up to six months for peak quality, but it can be consumed well beyond this time frame if properly stored.
- Thawing goat cheese requires a gentle and gradual process, allowing it to retain its texture and flavor.
- Thawed goat cheese can be made use of in a variety of dishes, amplifying the depths of flavor.
Keep calm and freeze on. Remember, with the right preparation and thawing process, your goat cheese’s quality and taste can be largely preserved. Don’t be afraid to stockpile your favorite cheese for future culinary adventures.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze flavored or marinated goat cheese?
A: Absolutely, flavored or marinated goat cheese can be frozen just like plain goat cheese. However, the texture of the marinating elements (like herbs or spices) might change slightly when frozen and thawed.
Q: Can I refreeze goat cheese that has been previously frozen and thawed?
A: For the sake of food safety and quality, it’s generally not recommended to refreeze previously thawed goat cheese.
Q: Is it possible to freeze all types of goat cheese?
A: While most types of goat cheese can withstand freezing, softer varieties may experience more noticeable texture changes upon thawing.
Q: Why should I avoid using a microwave to thaw goat cheese?
A: Microwaving for thawing can result in uneven temperatures, causing parts of the cheese to melt and become soggy.
Q: Can I use thawed goat cheese for fresh consumption, like in salads?
A: Yes, you can. However, because the texture might be slightly altered after freezing and thawing, it might be less crumbly and not as perfect as fresh goat cheese, but still delicious.
We hope you found this guide helpful! Feel free to share with fellow goat cheese aficionados and explore more posts on our website.
