Randy Chandler
Goat's cheese is a versatile ingredient, and its ability to melt makes it a popular choice for dishes like pizza, salads, and fondue. While some cheeses are known for their melting properties, such as mozzarella or Gruyère, goat's cheese also has varieties that melt well. The rind of goat's cheese, which is usually soft and white, is formed naturally as the cheese ages and dries out. These rinds are edible and can be eaten along with the cheese, adding flavour and texture to the dish. When melted, the rind blends with the cheese, creating a cohesive, luscious texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Soft, white, and chewy |
| Edibility | Edible |
| Formation | Natural |
| Flavour | Tangy and earthy |
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What You'll Learn
- Soft-ripened goat cheese rinds melt well and are great for fondue
- Bloomy rind goat cheese melts quickly, going from oozy to runny
- Goat cheese is gluten-free and suitable for those with lactose intolerance
- Semi-aged goat cheese is a good choice for a warm goat cheese salad
- Some goat cheese rinds are coated in edible ash, adding a tangy flavour
Soft-ripened goat cheese rinds melt well and are great for fondue
Soft-ripened goat cheese is a type of cheese that has been aged and allowed to dry naturally, forming a soft, edible rind. This rind is usually white and found on cheeses ripened with mould, such as Brie and Camembert. The rind adds a mild, mushroom-like flavour to the cheese and is entirely safe to eat.
When melted, soft-ripened goat cheese rinds create a creamy, luscious texture that is perfect for fondue. The cheese melts quickly, so it's important to keep a close eye on it to avoid overcooking. However, when done right, the melted cheese makes for a delicious and unique fondue experience.
In addition to fondue, soft-ripened goat cheese rinds can also be used in other melted cheese dishes. For example, they can be grilled or pan-fried, adding a salty, savoury element to burgers or sandwiches. The cheese's high moisture content makes it ideal for incorporating into mac and cheese or sprinkling over nachos.
When using soft-ripened goat cheese rinds in melted cheese dishes, it is important to consider the other ingredients and flavours present. The cheese itself has a tangy, creamy flavour that can enhance and complement other ingredients. So, whether enjoyed in a fondue or used in another melted cheese application, soft-ripened goat cheese rinds are a delicious and versatile option.
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Bloomy rind goat cheese melts quickly, going from oozy to runny
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to pizzas and grilled dishes. While fresh goat cheese is rindless, aged or semi-ripened goat cheeses develop a natural rind, which is usually soft, white, and chewy. These rinds are formed as the cheese ages and the exterior dries out.
Among the different types of goat cheese, the bloomy rind variety stands out for its unique characteristics. Bloomy rind goat cheese is created when the cheesemaker coats the outside of the cheese with Penicillium candidum, the same mold used in Brie and Camembert production. This process results in a soft, bloomy, and slightly fuzzy rind. Not only is the rind edible, but it also adds a delightful creamy lusciousness to the cheese's outer circle, enhancing its flavor and texture.
The bloomy rind goat cheese shares similar melting properties with Brie and Camembert. When heated, it transforms from oozy to runny in a matter of seconds, creating pools of semi-liquid lusciousness. This makes it an excellent choice for dishes where you want the cheese to melt and blend seamlessly with other ingredients. Whether you're making a grilled cheese sandwich, a pizza, or a warm goat cheese salad, the bloomy rind variety will add a creamy and indulgent touch to your dish.
However, due to its high moisture content and soft texture, bloomy rind goat cheese may not be the best option for dishes that require the cheese to hold its shape during cooking. For such cases, a firmer variety of goat cheese or even a different type of cheese altogether, like Italian fontina or mozzarella, might be more suitable. Nonetheless, if you're looking for a goat cheese that melts smoothly and effortlessly, the bloomy rind variety is an excellent choice.
In conclusion, bloomy rind goat cheese is a culinary delight, offering both flavor and functionality. Its quick melting properties make it ideal for dishes that call for melted cheese, but chefs should be mindful of its rapid transformation from oozy to runny. With its creamy texture and distinctive flavor, bloomy rind goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can elevate a wide range of recipes.
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Goat cheese is gluten-free and suitable for those with lactose intolerance
Goat cheese is a delicious option for those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease as it is naturally gluten-free. However, it is always advisable to check the label to ensure that there are no added ingredients that may contain gluten. Most cheese is gluten-free, but it is important to read the labels of packaged or processed cheese before eating it.
Goat cheese is also a great option for those with lactose intolerance. While it is not completely lactose-free, it contains significantly less lactose than cow's cheese, which makes it more digestible for most people with lactose intolerance. The lower lactose content in goat cheese is due to the natural breakdown of lactose during fermentation, where bacteria and enzymes convert lactose into lactic acid, increasing acidity and aiding in cheese preservation. Additionally, goat's milk contains mainly the A2-type casein, while cow's milk contains both A1 and A2 casein, with A1 potentially causing gastrointestinal discomfort. Therefore, aged goat cheese, which has undergone a longer ripening process, is an excellent choice for those with lactose intolerance as it becomes almost lactose-free.
The versatility of goat cheese makes it a wonderful ingredient in various dishes. It can be enjoyed in salads, either fresh or semi-aged, adding a unique flavour and texture. When warmed, semi-aged goat cheese becomes meltingly luscious, making it perfect for a classic goat cheese salad or other cooked dishes. For those who enjoy a cheesy treat, goat cheese can be whipped with cream and topped with complementary ingredients like tomatoes, fresh herbs, tapenade, or balsamic-marinated fruit.
When it comes to melting, goat cheese, especially the semi-aged variety, offers better meltability than fresh goat cheese. The outer circle of semi-aged goat cheese has a fuller flavour and a creamy, luscious texture that melts beautifully. Bloomy rind goat cheese, coated with Penicillium candidum, also melts wonderfully, creating a soft, oozy, and runny texture. However, it requires careful watching during melting as it can quickly transition from oozy to runny.
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Semi-aged goat cheese is a good choice for a warm goat cheese salad
Warm goat cheese salad, or Salade au Chèvre Chaud, is a classic dish that benefits from the use of semi-aged goat cheese. This type of cheese has several qualities that make it a good choice for this recipe. Firstly, semi-aged goat cheese has a unique flavour and texture combination that enhances the salad. Its outer circle is creamy and luscious, while the inner part remains chalky and tart, adding a full-bodied taste to the dish.
Secondly, semi-aged goat cheese has better meltability than fresh goat cheese, making it ideal for warm salads. When heated, it melts into semi-liquid pools, creating a delightful, oozy texture. This characteristic sets it apart from other cheeses and elevates the sensory experience of the salad.
Additionally, semi-aged goat cheese offers versatility in terms of shape, size, and presentation. It can be found in various forms, such as pyramids, bells, cylinders, and wheels. This variety allows for creative plating and visual appeal, making the salad more enticing.
Moreover, the rind of semi-aged goat cheese is typically edible and adds to the overall flavour and texture of the cheese. These cheeses often develop a soft, white rind during the ripening process, which is safe to consume and provides a subtle contrast to the stronger flavour of the cheese itself. Some varieties are also coated in edible grey ash, adding a tangy note and a speckled appearance.
In conclusion, semi-aged goat cheese is a superior option for a warm goat cheese salad due to its distinct flavour, improved meltability, and versatility. Its ability to transform in texture and enhance the overall taste experience makes it a chef's favourite for creating a warm, indulgent, and visually appealing salad.
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Some goat cheese rinds are coated in edible ash, adding a tangy flavour
Goat cheese, or chèvre, is a popular ingredient in many dishes, from salads to pizzas. It is also a common choice for cheese trays and platters. While many semi-aged goat cheeses have a white rind, some are coated in edible ash, giving them a grey or speckled appearance. This practice is not just aesthetic; it serves an important function in the cheesemaking process.
The history of using ash in cheesemaking dates back hundreds of years. Initially, ash was used as a method to protect the surface of young cheese from insects and microbes. It was discovered that ash also improved the growth of surface moulds on fresh cheeses, aiding in the ripening process. The ash is created by burning wood or other vegetable matter in open air, resulting in a fine grey particulate that is largely comprised of alkaline salt.
Goat milk cheeses, in particular, benefit from this treatment due to their soft surfaces and fragile bodies. The ash coating helps to reduce the acidity of the cheese, creating a more favourable environment for mould growth and contributing to the unique flavour of the cheese. This technique is especially common in goat milk cheeses from the Loire Valley of France, where the ash was traditionally made from burning grapevine clippings.
Today, cheesemakers often use activated charcoal mixed with salt to create the ash coating. While some may be hesitant to consume what appears to be "dirt" with their cheese, the ash is perfectly safe and edible, adding a tangy flavour to the cheese. It is important to note that while the rind is edible, it is not mandatory to eat it, and some people choose to cut it off and only consume the inner portion of the cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, goat's cheese melts, but the meltability varies depending on its age. Fresh goat's cheese, for example, has not yet developed a rind and is better for crumbling into salads. Semi-aged goat's cheese, on the other hand, has better meltability and is a good option for cooking.
Most aged or semi-ripened goat's cheeses have a natural rind, which is usually soft, white, and chewy. These rinds are edible and can be eaten.
The flavour of goat's cheese varies depending on its age. Fresh goat's cheese has a tart flavour and a chalky middle. As the cheese ages, it develops a fuller flavour and creamy texture.
