Bushra Griffith
Chevre, or goat cheese, is a popular variety of cheese with a distinct flavour and texture. It is often crumbly and white, with a tangy, lemony, or nutty flavour. Chevre is made from goat's milk, which is not always pasteurized. The pasteurization of goat's milk cheese depends on factors such as the region, type of cheese, and place of purchase. In the United States, most store-bought cheeses, including goat cheese, are pasteurized to ensure safety and extend shelf life. However, unpasteurized goat cheese can be found at local farmer's markets or from international sellers. Pasteurization is primarily done to eliminate bacteria and pathogens, but it is not a requirement for all cheeses.
Characteristics and Values of Chevre Goat Cheese Being Pasteurized
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Sweet cream with a hint of lemon |
| Texture | Sticky to runny |
| Character | Easy |
| Aroma | Little to none |
| Country of Origin | France, Canada, and the US |
| Pasteurization | Yes |
| Type of Milk | Goat's Milk |
| Cheese Type | Soft |
| Age | Less than 60 days |
| Brand | Chèvre des Collines, Capriole Goat Cheese, Ferme Chevre |
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What You'll Learn
- Chevre des Collines is a pasteurized goat's milk cheese from France
- Chevre is a common ingredient in salads, sandwiches, and crusty bread
- Raw goat's milk cheese is common in the US but regulated in Canada
- Goat's milk is not always pasteurized, but most store-bought cheese is
- Unpasteurized goat's milk has a unique, fresh taste
Chevre des Collines is a pasteurized goat's milk cheese from France
Chevre, or goat's cheese, is often pasteurized, particularly in Canada and the United States. Chevre des Collines is a pasteurized goat's milk cheese from the Ariege Pyrenees of Southern France, an area known for its sheep's milk cheeses. This pure goat's milk cheese is a unique find in this region, and its large format is also uncommon for goat's milk cheese, with each wheel weighing approximately 7-8 pounds.
Chèvre des Collines is a rich and smooth aged goat's milk cheese with flavors of herbs, sweet grass, and fresh cream. It has a bright, floral aroma and a tangy, buttery texture. The cheese is known for its distinctive melting quality, despite its firm appearance. The complex flavors and aromas of Chèvre des Collines are best preserved when consumed fresh, as they tend to change and degrade over time.
The cheese is best enjoyed in small quantities and paired with stone fruits. It can be served as a magnificent standalone cheese or as part of a larger selection celebrating the diversity of aromas, flavors, and textures found in various cheese traditions. Chèvre des Collines is a favorite among cheese connoisseurs and is a testament to the art of French cheese-making.
Goat's milk cheese, in general, has a range of textures and flavors. Younger, fresh chèvre is intense and often has a tangy, goaty flavor. Aged goat cheeses tend to be more subtle, with flavors of nut skins and cooked milk. Pasteurized goat cheeses, such as Chèvre des Collines, are safe to consume and can be found in various regions, including Southern France and North America.
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Chevre is a common ingredient in salads, sandwiches, and crusty bread
Chevre, derived from the French word for "goat", is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and crusty bread. Its cakey, crumbly texture and tangy flavour make it a perfect addition to any meal.
When it comes to salads, Chevre can be the star of the show in a classic French dish like the Warm French Goat's Cheese Salad, also known as "Salade de Chevre Chaud". This salad typically consists of fresh leaves, nuts, and bacon, with the pièce de résistance being pan-fried goat's cheese medallions that are golden on the outside and deliciously oozing on the inside. It's a simple yet chic dish that can be found in bistros across France, and it's sure to impress with its combination of textures and flavours.
For sandwich enthusiasts, Chevre adds a creamy, tangy twist to your favourite sandwich creations. Whether you're crafting an artisan sandwich or a more traditional combination, Chevre can elevate your sandwich experience. Its spreadable texture makes it ideal for smearing on crusty bread, adding a touch of sophistication to your lunch.
And speaking of crusty bread, Chevre is a perfect pairing. Its crumbly nature makes it ideal for sprinkling over bread or using as a spread, adding a tangy flavour and creamy texture. Chevre can be a delightful addition to a simple piece of toast or a more intricate cheese bread recipe. Its versatility shines when combined with other cheeses, herbs, or toppings of your choice.
Whether you're a home cook or a professional chef, Chevre is a wonderful ingredient to incorporate into your recipes. Its unique flavour and texture can enhance salads, sandwiches, and bread, taking your culinary creations to the next level. So, the next time you're looking for a new ingredient to experiment with, consider Chevre and explore the endless possibilities it has to offer!
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Raw goat's milk cheese is common in the US but regulated in Canada
Chevre, or goat cheese, is a popular variety of cheese with a distinct flavour and texture. It is made from goat's milk, which is commonly used to make cultured dairy products. While chevre can be made from either pasteurized or raw goat's milk, the regulations regarding the production and sale of raw milk cheese vary between different countries.
In the United States, raw goat's milk cheese is quite common and is regulated by federal law. This means that the sale and distribution of raw milk cheese are permitted across the country, with the requirement that the cheese must be aged for at least 60 days. This extended ageing process is implemented to reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses, as both pasteurized and raw milk cheeses can carry pathogens.
On the other hand, Canada has much stricter regulations regarding raw milk and its products. In the province of Ontario, it is illegal to distribute or sell raw milk, and offenders can face serious penalties, including prison time. This regulation applies to all forms of raw milk, including that from goats, and therefore impacts the production and sale of raw goat's milk cheese.
The discrepancy in regulations between the two countries can be attributed to differing views on the risks associated with raw milk consumption. While Canada has taken a more cautious approach by prohibiting raw milk sales altogether, the United States has recognized the demand for raw milk products and implemented federal laws to ensure their safe consumption.
Despite the regulations in Canada, some consumers still seek out raw milk cheeses for their unique flavour and texture. However, it is important for consumers to be aware of the potential health risks associated with consuming raw dairy products, as they can carry harmful pathogens. As such, it is recommended to only purchase raw milk cheeses from reputable sources that adhere to strict quality and sanitation standards.
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Goat's milk is not always pasteurized, but most store-bought cheese is
Goat's milk is not always pasteurized, but most store-bought goat cheese is. This is because raw milk cheese is common in the US and is usually available at farmer's markets or farm stands. However, federal law requires that raw milk cheese must be aged for 60 days or more. On the other hand, Canada has stricter regulations, and fresh goat cheese, or chèvre, must be pasteurized. Chèvre is a French word that means "goat".
Chèvre is a popular goat cheese variety, known for its crumbly texture and tangy flavor. It is often used in salads, sandwiches, or spread on crusty bread. Chèvre can be purchased at many grocery stores, including Trader Joes and Whole Foods, and comes in a variety of flavors, including herbed and honey.
Some popular brands of pasteurized goat cheese include Capriole Goat Cheese, Chèvre des Collines, and Ferme Chevre. Chèvre des Collines, for example, is a French goat's milk cheese with a smooth, buttery texture and floral notes. It is made in the Ariege Pyrenées of Southern France, an area known for its sheep's milk cheeses. Each wheel of Chèvre des Collines weighs approximately 7-8 pounds, which is quite large for a goat's milk cheese from this region.
When storing pasteurized goat cheese, it is recommended to use a clean wrap of cheese paper or parchment for softer cheeses, and aluminum foil for firmer cheeses. It is also suggested to buy small quantities more frequently to avoid long-term storage, as the flavors and aromas of good cheese can change and degrade over time.
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Unpasteurized goat's milk has a unique, fresh taste
Unpasteurized goat's milk is a great option for those who are unable to tolerate pasteurized or unpasteurized cow's milk. However, it is important to note that unpasteurized milk can carry food-borne pathogens, so it is important to be aware of the source and age of the milk. For example, in the US, raw milk cheese must be aged for 60 days or more. In Canada, the regulations are much stricter, and fresh chevre must be pasteurized unless it is over 60 days old.
Unpasteurized goat's milk is also a popular choice for making milk kefir, a fermented milk drink that is widely considered to be superior to yogurt in terms of its health benefits. Kefir is very easy to digest and is often recommended for those who are healing their gut and reintroducing dairy into their diet.
The unique taste of unpasteurized goat's milk is also enjoyed by pets, and it is sometimes fed to puppies, kittens, and adult pets as a nutritional supplement. Goat's milk is said to be a universal milk with many added health benefits for pets, including allergy resistance and reduced inflammation.
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Frequently asked questions
Chevre, or goat cheese, is a white, crumbly cheese that is often used in salads.
No, Chevre is not always pasteurized. In the United States, nearly all Chevre will be pasteurized, but Chevre bought from farmer's markets or imported from other countries may be unpasteurized.
In general, there is nothing unsafe about eating unpasteurized cheese. However, the main group at risk from consuming unpasteurized cheese is pregnant people, as the microbes present can be dangerous to unborn babies.
