All About Goat meat
Your complete guide to goat meat - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Goat meat Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for goat meat in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
raw in fridge3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Dull, grayish-brown or greenish discoloration, slimy or sticky texture, strong sour or putrid odor.
How to Check
Visually inspect for color changes (should be reddish-pink). Touch the surface – it should feel moist but not slimy or sticky. Perform a smell test – fresh goat meat has a mild, slightly gamey scent; any strong, foul, or ammonia-like smell indicates spoilage. Do not taste.
Storage Tips
Store raw goat meat in its original packaging or transfer to an airtight container or zip-top bag to prevent drips and cross-contamination. Place on the lowest shelf of the refrigerator. For ground goat meat, consume within 1-2 days.
raw in freezer6-12 months (for best quality)
Signs of Spoilage
Significant freezer burn (dry, discolored, leathery spots), strong off-odor once thawed, excessively mushy or tough texture after thawing and cooking.
How to Check
Visually inspect for freezer burn before thawing. After thawing safely in the refrigerator, check for any off-odors (sour, rancid). The texture should be similar to fresh meat; extreme dryness or sliminess after thawing is a bad sign. Do not refreeze thawed meat that has been at room temperature for an extended period.
Storage Tips
To prevent freezer burn, wrap goat meat tightly in heavy-duty plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or place in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date. Thaw safely in the refrigerator, never at room temperature. While safe indefinitely if kept frozen, quality degrades over time.
cooked in fridge3-4 days
Signs of Spoilage
Mold growth, slimy texture, sour or unpleasant odor, changes in color (e.g., green or gray spots).
How to Check
Visually inspect for any signs of mold or unusual discoloration. Touch the surface – it should not feel slimy. Perform a smell test – any sour, rancid, or foul odor indicates spoilage. Do not taste if any spoilage signs are present.
Storage Tips
Cool cooked goat meat rapidly within 2 hours of cooking before refrigerating. Store in shallow, airtight containers to minimize exposure to air and prevent bacterial growth. Reheat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
cooked in freezer2-3 months (for best quality)
Signs of Spoilage
Freezer burn (dry, discolored areas), significant loss of flavor or unpleasant taste after reheating, changes in texture (e.g., mushy, overly dry).
How to Check
Visually inspect for freezer burn before thawing. After thawing and reheating, if there are no other obvious signs of spoilage, a small taste test can confirm flavor and texture quality. Discard if it tastes off or unpleasant.
Storage Tips
Cool cooked goat meat completely before freezing. Portion into meal-sized servings, then wrap tightly in freezer-safe packaging (plastic wrap, foil, freezer bags) and remove air. Label with the date. Thaw safely in the refrigerator before reheating. While safe longer, quality (flavor and texture) degrades after 2-3 months.