Patrick Oconnell
Goat cheese, also known as Fromage de Chèvre or simply chèvre in French, is a type of cheese made from goat's milk. It is considered the first known cheese, discovered accidentally due to goat's milk not requiring rennet to coagulate. Today, there are over 120 varieties of goat cheese, ranging from fresh to hard cheeses. Fresh goat cheese, in particular, has gained recognition for its creamy, spreadable texture and mild tangy flavour. It is often seasoned lightly with salt and can be paired with various dishes, such as pasta, salads, and sandwiches, or enjoyed on its own with crackers or baguettes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Variety | More than 120 varieties of goat cheese |
| Taste | Creamy, tangy, mild |
| Texture | Smooth, spreadable |
| Salt content | Low |
| Pairing | Chardonnay, Rosé, charcuterie, fig spread, honey, toast, pasta, pesto, salads, sandwiches |
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What You'll Learn
- Fresh goat cheese is made from goat's milk that coagulates without rennet
- It has a creamy, tangy flavour and a smooth, spreadable texture
- Goat cheese is the first known cheese, discovered by accident
- It's versatile and can be used in salads, pasta, and on toast
- It's also easier to digest than other cheeses
Fresh goat cheese is made from goat's milk that coagulates without rennet
Goat cheese, also known as Chèvre, was the first known cheese. Its discovery, though accidental, was inevitable as goat's milk does not need rennet to coagulate. The discovery of the milk's new form and change of taste intrigued our ancestors, who became pioneer cheesemakers.
Goat's milk naturally coagulates without rennet because of its unique composition. It is worth noting that the discovery of cheese-making was likely due to this property of goat's milk. The milk's transformation into a new form with a different taste intrigued ancient peoples, leading to the exploration of cheesemaking.
Today, there are over 120 types of goat cheese, ranging from fresh to hard varieties. Each type has a distinct texture and flavour profile, offering a wide range of culinary possibilities. For example, Chavrie's goat cheese logs have a similar texture but use unique ingredient combinations like sundried tomatoes and garlic or cranberry and orange peel to create tantalizing flavours.
Making goat cheese at home is a simple process that does not require any special equipment or rennet tablets. It is an excellent option for those seeking an ethical, vegetarian cheese they can customise to their preferences.
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It has a creamy, tangy flavour and a smooth, spreadable texture
Goat cheese, also known as "Fromage de Chèvre" or simply chèvre in French, is a type of cheese made from goat's milk. It was the first known cheese, discovered accidentally when ancient cheesemakers noticed that goat milk could coagulate without rennet, resulting in a new form and flavour that intrigued our ancestors.
Today, there are over 120 varieties of goat cheese, ranging from fresh goat cheese to hard cheeses. Fresh goat cheese, in particular, is known for its creamy, tangy flavour and smooth, spreadable texture. This texture makes it ideal for spreading on crackers, baguettes, or toast, and it can also be drizzled with honey for a delightful treat.
The creamy, tangy flavour of fresh goat cheese is a result of the cheesemaking process. At Firefly Farms, for example, the cheese makers start their day early in the morning by hand-scooping and massaging whey out of curd that has been pasteurized, cultured, and allowed to coagulate overnight. The whey is then collected by local pig farmers, and the cheese is lightly salted before being packaged. This light salting contributes to the tangy flavour of the cheese.
The spreadable texture of fresh goat cheese also lends itself to various culinary applications. It can be tossed with pasta and pesto, added to salads, or used in sandwiches, pizzas, and other dishes. When paired with a Chardonnay or Rosé, charcuterie, and a fig spread, it makes for an exquisite culinary experience.
In addition to its flavour and texture, fresh goat cheese also offers nutritional benefits. Goat's milk is easier to digest than other types of milk, making goat cheese a more digestible option for those with sensitive stomachs.
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Goat cheese is the first known cheese, discovered by accident
Goat cheese, or at least one of the oldest forms of it, Callu de Cabreddu, was discovered by accident. This discovery is believed to have occurred when an Arab traveller used a goat's stomach as a vessel to store and transport milk. After a long day, the traveller went to drink the milk and found that rennet, bacteria, and other contaminants had caused the milk to curdle and turn into cheese.
Goat cheese was the first known cheese, and its discovery, though accidental, was perhaps inevitable. Goat's milk does not need rennet to coagulate, and the discovery of the milk's new form and change of taste intrigued our ancestors, who became pioneer cheesemakers. Evidence of goat cheese-making has been found in ancient Egypt, where it was considered a luxury product, and in the Roman Empire, where it was enjoyed raw or cooked with olive oil and white wine.
The process of making goat cheese has evolved over time. In the Middle Ages, goat cheese had become so popular that it was used as currency by pilgrims. By the 18th century, cheesemakers had access to industrialized rennet, allowing anyone with milk to produce curds. Today, there are more than 120 varieties of goat cheese, ranging from fresh to hard cheeses, each with its own unique taste and texture.
Goat cheese has a long and fascinating history, dating back to ancient civilizations. Its discovery, whether by accident or not, has played a significant role in shaping the culinary world as we know it today. With its versatility and range of flavours, goat cheese continues to be a beloved ingredient and delicacy worldwide.
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It's versatile and can be used in salads, pasta, and on toast
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to pasta and toast. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Salads
Goat cheese can be a delicious addition to salads, adding a creamy texture and a tangy flavour. For a simple yet tasty option, try a goat cheese salad with cranberries, arugula or microgreens, sliced shallots, and crisp cucumbers. You can toss the salad with a simple red wine vinaigrette or your favourite bottled dressing. If you can't find cranberry goat cheese, you can use regular goat cheese and add dried sweetened cranberries.
Pasta
Goat cheese can also be used in pasta dishes, adding a creamy and savoury element. Try combining goat cheese with arugula, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and garlic, then tossing it with hot penne pasta for a simple and delicious summertime dish. You can also experiment with different types of pasta and add other ingredients to create your own unique goat cheese pasta dish.
Toast
Goat cheese on toast is a quick and easy option for breakfast, a snack, or a light lunch. Simply spread the goat cheese on a slice of toast, and top with walnuts, honey, and thyme. You can also sprinkle on some cracked pepper and sea salt to taste. For a warm and melty treat, pop the toast in the oven or toaster oven for a few minutes until the cheese is warm and the walnuts are toasted.
With its unique flavour and texture, goat cheese can enhance a variety of dishes, and its versatility makes it a great ingredient to experiment with in the kitchen. Whether you're whipping up a salad, pasta, or a quick toast, goat cheese can be a delicious and creamy addition.
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It's also easier to digest than other cheeses
Goat cheese, also known as "Fromage de Chèvre" or chèvre in French, is a type of cheese made from goat's milk. It is considered easier to digest than other cheeses due to the properties of goat's milk.
Goat cheese has a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt and the Roman Empire. Today, there is a wide variety of goat cheeses available, ranging from fresh goat cheese to hard cheeses. These cheeses can be crafted into different textures, such as creamy and spreadable, or formed into logs or pyramids.
The process of making goat cheese involves hand-scooping and massaging whey out of the curd, followed by pasteurization, culturing, and coagulation. The resulting cheese is then lightly salted before being sold. Some producers also add unique ingredients to their goat cheese, such as sundried tomatoes, garlic, cranberry, orange peel, or cinnamon, to create distinct flavors.
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, including pasta, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and more. It pairs well with Chardonnay or Rosé and complements charcuterie boards. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor make it a popular choice for cheese enthusiasts.
The digestibility of goat cheese sets it apart from other cheeses. Goat's milk naturally coagulates without the need for rennet, resulting in a milk form and taste that our ancestors found intriguing. This quality also makes goat cheese accessible to those who may have sensitivities to other types of cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, goat cheese is a fresh cheese. It was the first known cheese, discovered by accident.
Fresh goat cheese is called "Fromage de Chèvre" in French, with "chèvre" literally translating to "goat".
Some brands that sell fresh goat cheese include Firefly Farms, Vermont Creamery, Cheese Lover Shop, and Alma Gourmet.
Fresh goat cheese is made by scooping and massaging whey out of curd that has been pasteurized, cultured, and allowed to coagulate overnight. The whey is then collected by local pig farmers, and the cheese is lightly salted before consumption.
Fresh goat cheese can be used in a variety of dishes, including pasta, pizza, salads, sandwiches, and toast. It can be drizzled with honey or paired with charcuterie and a fig spread. It also goes well with Chardonnay or Rosé.
