Can You Refreeze Goat Cheese?

This article will explore the science behind freezing goat cheese, the potential effects of refreezing it, and the best practices to preserve its taste and texture. We’ll also dive into when refreezing is a bad idea, as well as common mistakes to avoid to keep your goat cheese at its best.

Can You Refreeze Goat Cheese?

Refreezing goat cheese is technically possible, but it requires careful attention to the specifics of how the cheese was frozen and thawed initially. When food is frozen, the water content inside the product forms ice crystals. These ice crystals can disrupt the structure of the food, breaking down its cellular makeup, and affecting both texture and flavor. Goat cheese, with its smooth and creamy texture, is particularly vulnerable to these changes.

The first step in determining whether refreezing goat cheese is a good idea depends on how it was originally frozen and thawed. If it was stored at a consistent temperature and thawed properly (preferably in the fridge), refreezing is possible. However, if the cheese has already been left out for an extended period, or exposed to fluctuating temperatures, the texture may be compromised upon refreezing.

Effects Of Refreezing Goat Cheese

When goat cheese is refrozen, it undergoes a series of physical changes that can alter its original characteristics. The most notable effects of refreezing include:

1. Texture Changes: Goat cheese has a high moisture content, and freezing causes water molecules to form ice crystals. When the cheese is thawed, these ice crystals melt, and the water may be released, leaving the cheese drier and crumbly. Refreezing the cheese only exacerbates this issue, as it leads to the formation of even more ice crystals, which can further degrade the creamy texture of the cheese.
2. Flavor Deterioration: Goat cheese has a distinct tangy, sometimes earthy flavor that is greatly appreciated in culinary applications. However, freezing and refreezing can alter the flavor, sometimes making it milder or less pronounced. The freezing process can also cause the fats in the cheese to become grainy, which may result in an off-putting texture or taste when the cheese is refrozen.
3. Moisture Loss: Refreezing goat cheese leads to further moisture loss due to the repeated freezing and thawing cycle. This can cause the cheese to dry out, losing much of its original softness and creaminess, which are key qualities of a fresh goat cheese.
4. Separation of Fat: Like many soft cheeses, goat cheese contains fats that can separate from the protein when exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations. As the cheese freezes and thaws repeatedly, the fat may separate, leading to a greasy appearance or texture upon thawing.

Proper Method To Refreeze Goat Cheese

If you decide that refreezing goat cheese is necessary, there are a few steps to follow to ensure the process causes minimal damage. Here’s how to properly refreeze goat cheese:

1. Thaw in the Refrigerator: Before attempting to refreeze, make sure the goat cheese is properly thawed. Never thaw goat cheese at room temperature, as this increases the risk of bacterial growth. Instead, allow the cheese to thaw slowly in the fridge. This helps maintain its flavor and reduces moisture loss.
2. Pat Dry: Once thawed, it’s essential to remove any excess moisture from the cheese. Use a clean paper towel to gently blot the cheese and remove any water that may have accumulated. This helps to prevent additional ice crystal formation during the next freeze.
3. Wrap and Seal: Wrap the goat cheese tightly in plastic wrap or wax paper, making sure there are no air pockets. Follow up with a layer of aluminum foil or place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. This will prevent freezer burn and minimize exposure to air, which can lead to further quality deterioration.
4. Label and Date: Always label the cheese with the date it was frozen. This helps you keep track of how long it’s been in the freezer and allows you to avoid keeping the cheese frozen for too long, which can result in further degradation.
5. Freeze Quickly: Place the wrapped cheese in the coldest part of your freezer, ideally at 0°F (-18°C) or lower. The faster the cheese freezes, the less likely large ice crystals will form, helping to preserve its quality.

How Long Can You Refreeze Goat Cheese?

Goat cheese can generally be refrozen for up to 2-3 months, but this time frame comes with a caveat. Each freeze-thaw cycle reduces the quality of the cheese, so while the cheese may remain safe to eat for several months, its taste and texture may be significantly compromised after just one refreeze.

To get the most out of your refrozen goat cheese, it’s recommended to limit the number of times you freeze and thaw it. Freezing goat cheese multiple times is not advisable, as each cycle further breaks down the structure of the cheese, leading to a less enjoyable eating experience.

When Goat Cheese Should Not Be Refrozen

While refreezing is possible, there are certain situations where you should avoid it entirely:

1. If It Was Left Out Too Long: If goat cheese has been left out at room temperature for more than two hours (or one hour in hot weather), it’s best not to refreeze it. At this point, bacteria may have begun to grow, and refreezing could compromise food safety.
2. If It Has Already Been Refrozen Once: Each cycle of freezing and thawing deteriorates the quality of the cheese. If goat cheese has already been thawed and refrozen once, it’s best to avoid freezing it again. The texture will likely become too crumbly, and the flavor may be compromised.
3. If It Hasn’t Been Properly Thawed: If goat cheese has been thawed improperly, such as at room temperature or in warm conditions, it may no longer be safe to refreeze. Improper thawing can cause bacterial contamination, which poses health risks.
4. If It’s Overripe or Spoiled: If the goat cheese is already past its prime-whether it’s developing mold (other than the typical bloomy rind) or has an off smell-it should not be refrozen, as freezing will not reverse the spoilage.

Common Refreezing Mistakes

When refreezing goat cheese, certain mistakes can reduce its quality even further. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

1. Not Wrapping the Cheese Properly: If goat cheese is not tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container, it’s likely to suffer from freezer burn, which results in a dry, tough texture and unpleasant flavor.
2. Refreezing After Long Thawing Times: Thawing goat cheese for too long at room temperature before refreezing can lead to spoilage. Always thaw it in the refrigerator and avoid leaving it out for extended periods.
3. Refreezing After Multiple Thawing Cycles: Freezing goat cheese more than once can lead to significant deterioration in texture and flavor. Try to avoid refreezing cheese more than once if you want to maintain a quality product.
4. Failing to Label and Date: Forgetting to mark the date on your frozen cheese can result in keeping it in the freezer for longer than recommended, diminishing its quality over time.

FAQs

Can You Refreeze Goat Cheese After It Has Been Thawed?

Yes, you can technically refreeze goat cheese after it has been thawed, but it is not recommended. Refreezing can alter its texture and flavor, making it crumbly and less creamy. It’s best to only freeze goat cheese once if you plan on maintaining its best quality.

How Should I Store Goat Cheese Before Refreezing?

Before refreezing goat cheese, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or wax paper to prevent air exposure, which can cause freezer burn. Then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container for extra protection. It’s essential to store it in portions to avoid refreezing the entire block multiple times.

What Happens To Goat Cheese When It Is Frozen And Then Refrozen?

When goat cheese is frozen, its moisture content forms ice crystals. Upon thawing, the cheese can lose its smooth, creamy texture. Refreezing exacerbates this problem, often making the cheese more crumbly and less spreadable due to further disruption of the moisture structure.

How Long Can I Keep Goat Cheese In The Freezer Before Refreezing It?

Goat cheese can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. After that, its quality will degrade, even if it’s not refrozen. If you plan to keep it longer, it’s best to consume it within this time frame to avoid significant changes in flavor and texture.

Is There A Way To Improve The Texture Of Goat Cheese After Refreezing?

Once goat cheese has been refrozen and thawed, its texture may be irreversibly altered. To improve its texture slightly, you can try mixing the thawed cheese with a bit of cream, yogurt, or olive oil to restore some creaminess. However, the quality may still be less than when it was freshly thawed.

Can I Refreeze Crumbled Goat Cheese?

Refreezing crumbled goat cheese is possible, but it’s best to avoid it if you plan to use the cheese in a way that requires a smooth texture. Crumbled goat cheese can maintain its quality better than whole or sliced cheese, but expect some change in texture once it’s thawed and refrozen.

What Are The Best Uses For Goat Cheese That Has Been Refrozen?

Goat cheese that has been refrozen is best used in cooked dishes, such as casseroles, sauces, or melted over hot dishes, where the texture will be less noticeable. It can also be used in baking or blended into dips, where the texture changes will be less important.