Randy Chandler
Goat cheese, or cheese made from goat's milk, comes in a variety of types and styles. Fresh goat cheese is rindless, white, and tart in flavor, while aged goat cheese develops a more complex flavor profile over time, ranging from nutty and earthy to rich and buttery. Soft-ripened goat cheese, as the name suggests, has a soft exterior, and its interior can be fluffy and gooey. Bloomy rind goat cheese, a sub-category of soft-ripened goat cheese, is coated with a mold also used in Brie and Camembert, resulting in a soft, bloomy, and fuzzy rind. Goat cheese is known for its strong, gamey flavor and has been described as having an aftertaste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Goat cheese is any cheese made from goat's milk |
| Taste | Goat cheese has a strong, gamey flavour. It has been described as having a soapy aftertaste, or a grassy taste. |
| Texture | Goat cheese can be soft, oozy, fluffy, gooey, or crumbly. |
| Colour | Fresh goat cheese is white in colour. |
| Storage | Fresh goat cheese can be stored in the fridge for up to two months. Aged goat cheese should be stored in a more humid environment, like a vegetable crisper drawer. |
| Serving | Fresh goat cheese can be served straight from the fridge, whereas aged goat cheese should be brought to room temperature before serving. |
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What You'll Learn
- Fresh goat cheese is rindless, chalky-white, and tart in flavour
- Aged goat cheese develops a more complex flavour profile over time
- Goat cheese is great for salads and can be whipped into a spread for crackers
- Goat cheese has a strong, gamey flavour and a grassy taste
- Goat cheese has a shorter shelf life than other cheeses
Fresh goat cheese is rindless, chalky-white, and tart in flavour
Fresh goat cheese, also known as chèvre, is a young cheese that has not yet developed a rind. It is rindless, chalky-white, and tart in flavour. It is often sold in tubes in supermarkets and can be served straight from the fridge. It is a great addition to salads, especially those that call for "crumbled fresh goat cheese". However, it cannot be crumbled like blue cheese. Instead, use a sharp knife or your fingers to break and pull it into pieces. It can also be whipped with a little cream to make a spread for crackers, topped with tomatoes, fresh herbs, tapenade, or sliced balsamic-marinated fruit.
As goat cheese ages, air naturally dries out the exterior, forming a soft, edible rind. The flavour becomes more complex over time, ranging from nutty and earthy to rich and buttery, and it often loses its acidity. The rind of semi-aged goat cheeses is often white but can also be coated in an edible grey ash, adding a speckled appearance and reducing the tartness of the cheese. The cheese may also be covered with herbs and/or wrapped in leaves. Semi-aged goat cheese is a good choice for a warmed goat cheese salad, as it melts well.
Goat cheese has a wide range of types and styles and is a staple in the culinary world. It is made from goat's milk and has a distinct flavour and texture compared to cow's milk cheese. It is known for its delicate flavour and shorter shelf life once opened. When shopping for goat cheese, look for cheese made with all-natural, fresh milk, as this is key to great-tasting cheese. Fresh goat cheese should be white in colour and have a firm, chalky texture. Avoid cheeses with off colours like yellows and pinks or a mushy texture.
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Aged goat cheese develops a more complex flavour profile over time
Goat cheese, or Chèvre in French, is made from goat's milk and is a popular choice in the culinary world. It is versatile, with a wide range of types and styles available, from crumbly to creamy, young to mature, and mild to tangy.
Aged goat cheese is pressed hard for a minimum of 10 days, during which the cheese gets harder as moisture and bacteria dissipate. This process of maturation allows aged goat cheese to develop a more complex flavour profile over time. The flavour can range from nutty and earthy to rich and buttery, with a sharper, more pungent taste compared to fresh goat cheese.
The ageing process also affects the texture of the cheese. While fresh goat cheese never develops a rind, aged variants may have a plethora of different coatings, such as natural or waxed rinds, or white mould coatings similar to Camembert or Brie. The body of the cheese grows firmer without hardening, and the inside may have a fluffy middle and gooey exterior, even as the exterior hardens.
The specific flavour and texture of aged goat cheese depend on various factors, including the region of production, the ageing process, and the recipe used by different cheesemakers. For example, blue goat cheese is made by mixing blue mould into the curds, resulting in a sharper, earthier, and more pungent flavour as it ages. On the other hand, brie goat cheese is more subtle and refreshing compared to its cow milk counterpart.
Goat cheese is a popular choice for cheese lovers, with its diverse range of flavours and textures, and aged goat cheese offers a unique and complex flavour profile for those looking to expand their cheese horizons.
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Goat cheese is great for salads and can be whipped into a spread for crackers
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to appetizers. It has a unique flavour and texture that makes it a popular choice for those looking for something different in their meals. One of the best ways to enjoy goat cheese is to incorporate it into a salad. Its creamy texture and tangy taste complement the other ingredients in a salad, adding a punch of flavour.
A popular recipe that showcases goat cheese in a salad is John's Goat Cheese Salad. This salad is simple to make and features a blend of crisp green leaf lettuce, cranberry-covered goat cheese, sliced shallots, and crisp cucumbers. The cranberries add a sweet and tart flavour to the creamy goat cheese, making the salad a delightful mix of textures and tastes.
To make this salad, you can start by tossing the lettuce in a simple red wine vinaigrette. If you can't find cranberry goat cheese, you can use regular goat cheese and add dried sweetened cranberries. It is recommended to soak the cranberries in hot water beforehand to soften them. You can then add the remaining ingredients and toss them gently with the dressing. The result is a wholesome and sweet salad that is perfect for any occasion.
Another way to enjoy goat cheese is to whip it into a spread or dip. Whipped goat cheese is incredibly easy to make and only requires a few ingredients. You can combine goat cheese, cream cheese, lemon juice, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a food processor and blend until smooth. The whipped goat cheese becomes creamy and tangy, making it perfect for spreading on crackers or using as a dip for vegetables and fruits.
The versatility of whipped goat cheese allows you to customise it to your taste preferences. You can add honey, rosemary, thyme, or salt and pepper to enhance the flavour. For a thinner consistency, you can add a splash of milk or heavy cream. You can even adjust the texture by adding Greek yoghurt for extra creaminess or topping it with chopped nuts or pomegranate seeds for a crunchy surprise. Whipped goat cheese is a great make-ahead option, as it can be stored in the refrigerator for several days and served at room temperature when needed.
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Goat cheese has a strong, gamey flavour and a grassy taste
Goat cheese, or cheese made from goat's milk, comes in a wide range of types and styles. Fresh goat cheese is rindless, chalky-white, and tart in flavor. It is often sold in tubes in supermarkets and can be served straight from the fridge. It is a good choice for salads, as it can be broken into pieces and paired with other ingredients like tomatoes, fresh herbs, tapenade, and balsamic-marinated fruit.
As goat cheese ages, air naturally dries out the exterior of the cheese, forming a soft, edible rind. The flavor becomes more complex and less acidic over time, ranging from nutty and earthy to rich and buttery. The aging process also affects the texture, with aged goat cheese developing a fluffy middle and gooey exterior.
Goat cheese has a strong, gamey flavor and a grassy taste that some may find shocking or unpleasant. It has a distinct animal flavor that can be overwhelming for some palates, especially when consumed in large quantities. However, others appreciate its unique and intense characteristics.
The texture of goat cheese varies depending on its age. Fresh goat cheese is known for its chalky whiteness, while semi-aged varieties may have a white or grayish rind. Some cheeses are coated in edible ash or wrapped in leaves, influencing both their appearance and flavor.
When it comes to serving goat cheese, aged varieties should be brought to room temperature before serving to soften the milk fat and ensure maximum flavor. Proper storage is crucial for preserving the freshness, flavor, and texture of goat cheese. Once opened, it has a shorter shelf life than other cheeses due to its delicate nature.
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Goat cheese has a shorter shelf life than other cheeses
Goat cheese, or cheese made from goat's milk, is a popular dairy product celebrated for its soft texture and tangy taste. It comes in various types, including fresh and aged, which differ in their firmness, flavour, and nutritional value.
Fresh goat cheese is often soft and spreadable with a crumbly or creamy texture, depending on its moisture level. It does not undergo an aging process and typically has a shelf life of up to two weeks after opening. It is recommended to be stored in an airtight container in the fridge, where it can stay fresh for about five days.
On the other hand, aged goat cheese is ripened over a longer period, resulting in a firmer texture that can range from soft-ripened to hard. The aging process can last from a few weeks to several months, and it develops a more complex flavour profile over time, becoming sharper, earthier, and more pungent. Aged goat cheese generally has a longer shelf life due to its reduced moisture content.
Despite the varying characteristics of fresh and aged goat cheeses, both types are susceptible to spoilage and have shorter shelf lives compared to other cheeses. Proper storage is crucial to extending the shelf life of goat cheese. It should be wrapped in wax paper, placed in an airtight container, and stored in the refrigerator at a temperature between 34°F and 40°F. If left at room temperature, goat cheese can spoil within two hours due to bacterial growth.
Additionally, the shelf life of goat cheese is influenced by factors such as its type, packaging, and whether it has been opened. Unopened goat cheese can retain its quality for a few weeks past its printed date when stored correctly in the fridge. However, once opened, goat cheese is exposed to air, accelerating its spoilage. Therefore, proper storage and timely consumption are essential to prevent quality loss and ensure the safety of this perishable dairy product.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, goat cheese is a soft cheese. Fresh goat cheese is rindless and chalky-white in colour, while aged goat cheese develops a soft, edible rind as it matures.
Fresh, unopened goat cheese can be stored in the fridge for up to two months. Once opened, goat cheese has a shorter shelf life than other cheeses, so it's best to buy what you need and not in bulk.
Goat cheese has a distinct, strong, and gamey flavour. Some people describe it as having a soapy aftertaste, while others find it tangy or creamy.
Fresh goat cheese can be served straight from the fridge, while aged goat cheese should be brought to room temperature before serving to ensure maximum flavour.
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in salads, as a spread, or in cooking. It pairs well with crackers, herbs, and fruits like tomatoes and balsamic-marinated fruit. It's also a popular choice for cheese platters and can be melted on pizza.
