Bushra Griffith
Chevre, the French word for goat, refers to a type of goat cheese. Chevre is made from goat's milk and can be fresh and creamy or aged and crumbly. It is often tangy and can take many forms, including a fresh, crumbly log, a wrinkly round, a creamy blue, or a firm wedge. Chevre is a versatile cheese and can be spread on bread, crumbled over salads, melted on pizza, or mixed into soups and pasta sauces. While chevre is a type of goat cheese, not all goat cheeses are chevre; for example, Fromage Blanc and Fromage Frais are two kinds of younger goat cheeses that are not called chevre.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Goat cheese is a food made from the coagulated, compressed, and usually ripened curd of goat milk, separated from the whey. |
| Texture | Goat cheese can be soft, semi-hard, or hard. |
| Taste | Chevre tastes like a blend of rich and mellow flavors, combining buttery and earthy elements. It can range from gamey and tangy to mild and creamy. |
| Shape | Chevre can be shaped into logs, medallions, cups, rounds, or wedges. |
| Age | Chevre can be young or aged. Young chevre is white, moist, and mild, while aged chevre is yellow, dry, and crumbly. |
| Culinary Uses | Chevre is commonly spread on bread or crackers, crumbled over salads, melted on pizza, mixed into soups or pasta sauces, or added to Italian dishes like lasagna or risotto. |
| Production | Chevre is produced by filtering the milk to remove impurities, adding a curdling agent, molding and separating the curds from the whey, and then drying, flavoring, and curing the curds. |
| Safety | Goat cheese is generally considered safe to eat during pregnancy if made from pasteurized milk. |
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What You'll Learn
Chevre is French for goat
Chevre is indeed French for "goat". Chevre, or goat cheese, is made from goat's milk. Chevre is a versatile cheese, encompassing a range of textures, shapes, and flavours. It can be fresh and creamy or aged and crumbly. Chevre can be tangy, buttery, earthy, mild, or creamy. It can be spreadable or crumbly. Chevre is also used in cooking, as a topping for pizzas, a mix-in for soups, and an addition to Italian dishes.
While chevre is a type of goat cheese, not all goat cheeses are chevres. Chevre is typically used to refer to fresh goat cheese, though it can also refer to aged goat's milk cheeses. Other types of goat cheese include Fromage Blanc, Fromage Frais, Bucheron, Pave de Jadis, O'Banon, Humbug Mountain, and Bonne Buche.
Goat cheese is made in a similar way to other types of cheese. The milk is filtered to remove impurities, and a curdling agent is added. The cheese is then molded and separated from the whey. The curds are then molded, dried, flavoured, and cured. Goat cheese can be made into a variety of cheeses, including gouda, cheddar, and gouda.
Goat cheese has only been available in U.S. markets for around 20 years. Pioneers of the American goat cheese industry include Mary Keehn (Cypress Grove Chevre), Allison Hooper (Vermont Creamery), and Judy Schaad (Capriole Goat Cheese).
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Chevre is a soft, creamy, melt-in-mouth cheese
Chevre, or goat cheese, is a soft, creamy, melt-in-the-mouth cheese that is made from goat's milk. The word "chevre" means "goat" in French, and the cheese is often made in France, though it is now produced around the world. Chevre is a type of goat cheese, but not all goat cheese is Chevre. Chevre can range from soft and creamy to hard and crumbly, depending on its age. Younger Chevre is softer and can be spread on crackers or used in salads, while older Chevre is drier and crumbly, with stronger, tangier flavours. Chevre is usually made from raw or pasteurized goat's milk, and the milk is brought to temperature before cultures are added to help it coagulate. The curds are then drained and moulded, and the cheese is usually salted to enhance its flavour. Chevre is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, bread, pizzas, and even desserts. It pairs well with sweet flavours such as honey, figs, or nuts, as well as savoury vegetables like caramelized onions, roasted beets, or tomatoes.
Chevre is a type of goat cheese that is known for its soft, creamy texture and melt-in-the-mouth quality. While it does not melt in the same way as other cheeses, it can be grilled or baked and added to dishes for a delicious cheesy touch. Chevre is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, enhancing the flavour and texture of the final product.
The process of making Chevre begins with raw or pasteurized goat's milk, which is brought to a specific temperature. Added starter cultures and rennet encourage curds to form, which are then separated, drained, and packed into moulds that determine the shape of the cheese. The curds are then salted, which helps to develop the flavour of the cheese.
Chevre can be purchased in various forms, including tubs, logs, medallions, and cups. It is generally a mid-priced cheese in U.S. grocery stores and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three months if unopened. Once opened, it can be kept in an airtight container for a couple of weeks.
Chevre is a delicious and versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and bread to pizzas and desserts. Its soft, creamy texture and unique flavour make it a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of cheesy goodness to their meals.
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Chevre can be used in a variety of dishes
Chevre, a soft, creamy, melt-in-the-mouth cheese, can be used in a variety of dishes. Chevre is made from goat's milk and has a strong, earthy, and fruity flavour. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in both savoury and sweet dishes.
For savoury dishes, Chevre pairs well with savoury vegetables such as caramelised onions, roasted beets, and roasted tomatoes. It can be used in tarts to enjoy its creaminess and flavour. It can also be served hot as "chevre chaud". Chevre can be used as a substitute for cream cheese in recipes such as cheesecake, providing a unique flavour.
For a more indulgent treat, Chevre can be paired with honey and spices to create a surprising dessert. The sweetness of honey and the warmth of spices balance the tanginess of the cheese. This combination can be used in cheesecakes or other desserts such as ice cream or cake fillings.
Chevre also pairs well with wines, especially fruity ones, which complement the earthiness of the cheese. A glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a Chardonnay can be enjoyed with Chevre, depending on the age of the cheese. For those who enjoy a red wine, a fruity Pinot Noir would work well with the tart flavours of Chevre.
In addition to wine, gin and sparkling wine-based cocktails go well with Chevre due to their complementary herbal qualities. The soft texture of the cheese is a delightful match for the bubbles in the drink.
Chevre is a versatile cheese that can be used in a range of dishes, from savoury tarts to sweet desserts. Its unique flavour and creamy texture make it a delightful ingredient to experiment with in the kitchen.
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Chevre is a type of goat cheese
Chevre, the French word for "goat", is a type of goat cheese. Chevre is made from goat's milk and can be fresh and creamy or aged and crumbly. Chevre is a versatile cheese and can be spread on bread, crumbled over salads, melted on pizzas, or mixed into soups and Italian dishes.
In the United States, Chevre typically refers to fresh goat cheese, which is soft, spreadable, and has a mild, tangy taste. It is often found in logs or small rounds and may be rolled in herbs, spices, or other coatings. However, not all soft, fresh goat cheeses are called Chevre; Fromage Blanc and Fromage Frais are examples of other young goat cheeses.
Chevre can also refer to aged goat's milk cheeses. As Chevre ages, it develops a more complex flavor and a firmer, crumbler texture. Young Chevre is white, moist, and mild, while aged Chevre darkens to yellow, becomes drier and crumbly, and tastes tangier.
Chevre is becoming increasingly common on supermarket shelves in the US. However, goat cheese has only recently gained popularity in the US market, with goat creameries struggling to gain a following when they first started in the 1980s.
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Chevre can be fresh or aged
Chevre, the French word for "goat", refers to cheese made from goat's milk. Chevre can be fresh or aged, with its flavour and texture varying with age and other factors. Fresh chevre is soft, creamy, and spreadable, with a mild, buttery flavour and a colour similar to cream cheese. It is often sold in tubs, logs, or small rounds in the grocery store and may be seasoned with peppercorns, herbs, or other coatings. Aged chevre, on the other hand, is drier, harder, and more crumbly, with stronger, tangier flavours and a golden yellow colour. It is often found in wheels and may be coated in edible ash.
The process of making chevre involves adding a blend of cultures and rennet to raw or pasteurized milk, helping the milk coagulate and form a dense curd. Once the curd has solidified, it is separated and drained of whey. The broken curd is then ladled into special moulds, allowing the cheese to rest and breathe. During this process, any remaining whey is strained naturally with the help of a generous coating of salt, which enhances the flavour and prevents bacterial growth.
Fresh chevre is typically aged for a very short time, if at all, while aged chevre can require up to 12 weeks of maturation. The longer the cheese is aged, the drier and more crumbly it becomes. Chevre can be served hot, such as in "chèvre chaud", or at room temperature to fully display its range of flavours and aromas. When adding chevre to a cheese platter, it is recommended to start with the youngest, softest, mildest cheese and proceed to the strongest, driest, most mature cheese.
While chevre specifically refers to goat's milk cheese, it is important to note that not all soft, fresh goat cheeses are labelled as such. For example, Fromage Blanc and Fromage Frais are two kinds of younger goat cheeses that are not typically called chevre. Additionally, the term caprino encompasses at least 33 different goat milk cheeses produced in Italy, and other cultures have their own goat cheese recipes as well.
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Frequently asked questions
Chèvre is a French word that means "goat".
Chèvre is a soft, creamy, and tangy goat cheese that can be fresh or aged. It is made from goat's milk and can be spreadable or crumbly, with a mild or complex flavour.
No, chèvre is just one type of goat cheese. Other types of goat cheese include Bucheron, Pave de Jadis, O'Banon, Humbug Mountain, and Bonne Buche.
