If you are wondering, can you freeze goat cheese you are not alone? I am a goat farmer and often make goat cheese both for my family as well as for sale.
I love goat cheese because it has a distinctive flavor that is tangy and slightly sour, and I often use it as a topping for salads or mixed into pasta dishes.
Many people enjoy the taste of goat cheese, but it can be expensive to purchase at the store. As a result, some people may wonder if it is possible to freeze goat cheese to save money and extend its shelf life.
Can you freeze goat cheese?
The general consensus among experts is that it is not recommended to freeze goat cheese. This is because the texture of the cheese can be negatively affected by freezing.
Goat cheese has a high moisture content, and when it is frozen, the water in the cheese can expand and cause the texture to become crumbly and dry.
Additionally, the flavor of the cheese can be compromised when it is frozen and thawed. The change in flavor is what I dislike most.
How To Freeze Goat Cheese
Despite the drawbacks discussed above, some people still choose to freeze goat cheese, either out of necessity or because they have had success with it in the past.
If you do decide to freeze your goat cheese, it is important to follow these proper storage suggestions to minimize any negative effects on the cheese.
To freeze goat cheese, it is best to wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
It is also a good idea to place the wrapped cheese in a resealable bag or container to provide an extra layer of protection. When stored in this way, goat cheese can typically be kept in the freezer for up to six months.
How To Thaw Frozen Goat Cheese
When it comes time to thaw and use your frozen goat cheese, it is important to do so slowly. If you rush the process, you might spoil the cheese even if it had been stored properly.
The best way to thaw the cheese is to transfer it to the refrigerator and allow it to slowly come to room temperature. This process can take several hours, so it is important to plan ahead.
Alternatively, the cheese can be placed in a bowl of cold water to speed up the thawing process. However, it is important to change the water every 30 minutes to prevent the cheese from getting too warm too quickly.
Once the goat cheese has been thawed, it may not have the same creamy texture as fresh cheese. However, it can still be used in a variety of recipes.
One idea is to crumble the cheese over a salad or mix it into a pasta dish. The cheese can also be combined with other ingredients, such as herbs and spices, to make a spread or topping for crackers or bread.
Frozen goat cheese may not be ideal for serving on its own, but it can still be used as an ingredient in a variety of dishes.
Final Thoughts
I would not recommend freezing goat cheese due to the potential negative effects on the texture and flavor of the cheese. However, if you do decide to freeze goat cheese, it is important to wrap it tightly and store it in a resealable bag or container.
When thawing the cheese, it is best to do so slowly in the refrigerator or by using a bowl of cold water. Now you have the answer to can you freeze goat cheese? While the texture and flavor of frozen goat cheese may not be the same as fresh cheese, it can still be used in a variety of recipes.
