Bushra Griffith
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can add a tangy, creamy flavor to a variety of dishes, from salads to pastas. It is made from pasteurized goat milk and comes in many forms, including logs, tubs, and crumbles. The difference between crumbly and creamy goat cheese is the moisture content, which is affected by the drying time during production. Creamy goat cheese has a higher moisture content, resulting in a softer, cream cheese-like consistency, while crumbly goat cheese is drier and easier to crumble or grate over dishes. Achieving the perfect crumbles can be challenging, and some people suggest briefly placing the cheese in the freezer to dehydrate it slightly and make it easier to crumble. Goat cheese crumbles can enhance the taste and texture of a dish, making them a popular choice for chefs and home cooks alike.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Tangy and creamy |
| Texture | Crumbly and dry |
| Moisture Content | Less moisture than creamy goat cheese |
| Preparation | Can be frozen to achieve a crumbly texture |
| Use Cases | Salads, pastas, hiking and camping snacks |
| Ingredients | Pasteurized goat milk, salt, cheese cultures, rennet, cellulose |
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What You'll Learn
Why is goat cheese crumbly?
Goat cheese, or Chevre, is crumbly because of its moisture content. The crumbly variety is dried longer than the creamy variety, resulting in less moisture. The moisture content of goat cheese is what determines its texture, with the creamy variety having a soft, cream cheese-like consistency.
The process of making goat cheese involves allowing the milk to curdle and then separating the curds from the whey. The curds are then drained and pressed to remove excess moisture. For crumbly goat cheese, this drying process is extended, resulting in a firmer texture.
The longer drying time also affects the flavor of the cheese. Crumbly goat cheese tends to have a tangier, sharper flavor than its creamy counterpart. This is because the drying process concentrates the flavors and allows for the development of more complex flavors.
Due to its lower moisture content, crumbly goat cheese has a longer shelf life than creamy goat cheese. It is also easier to crumble and sprinkle over salads, pastas, and other dishes, making it a popular ingredient in both home and restaurant kitchens.
While some people prefer the convenience and texture of pre-crumbled goat cheese, others prefer to crumble it themselves. To do this, they might place the cheese in the freezer for a few minutes to make it firmer and easier to crumble. However, this method has been debated, with some people arguing that domestic freezers do not cause significant dehydration.
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How to crumble goat cheese?
Crumbling goat cheese can be a tricky task, especially if the cheese is on the creamier side. However, there are a few tricks you can use to achieve the perfect crumbles for your salad or recipe.
First, it's important to understand the difference between crumbly and creamy goat cheese. The crumbly variety is dried for a longer period, resulting in less moisture content. So, if you're looking for a goat cheese that crumbles easily, opt for a drier version. Ask your local cheesemonger for recommendations on dryer goat cheese options.
Now, if you already have a creamy goat cheese and want to crumble it, there are a few methods you can try. One popular suggestion is to place the cheese in the freezer for 5-10 minutes. The colder temperature in the freezer will cause the water in the cheese to freeze, reducing its moisture content and making it easier to crumble. However, some people have expressed doubts about the effectiveness of this method, especially if the cheese is wrapped.
Another approach is to use gloves or a fork to crumble the cheese. Gloves can provide a bit less messy, and using your hands allows you to delicately crumble the cheese. Alternatively, you can use a fork to achieve a similar result.
If you're feeling creative, you can experiment with different techniques. One person suggested using a colander by pushing the cheese through the holes, but they didn't find it very successful. Another idea is to try drying the cheese in cheesecloth; tightly wrap the cheese in the cloth and hang it, similar to how yogurt is hung for straining. This method may help force some of the liquid out, resulting in a drier and potentially more crumbly cheese.
In summary, achieving the perfect goat cheese crumbles may require a bit of trial and error. You can experiment with different drying methods, freezing, or simply using your hands or a fork to crumble the cheese to your desired consistency. Remember that the key difference between crumbly and creamy goat cheese is the moisture content, so any technique that reduces moisture is worth exploring.
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What are some recipes that use crumbled goat cheese?
Crumbled goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes, from salads to main dishes. Here are some ideas for recipes that use crumbled goat cheese:
Salads
A popular way to use crumbled goat cheese is to sprinkle it over a salad. Some specific salad ideas include:
- Kale salad with pears, olive oil, and sea salt
- Roasted carrot salad with almonds, honey, and lemon
- Veggie-packed salad with greens, red onions, and quinoa dressed with a strawberry vinaigrette
Omelets and Frittatas
Another option is to mix crumbled goat cheese into an omelet or frittata. You can add other ingredients such as mushrooms, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Pasta
Cook some pasta and saute vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, and mushrooms in a pan. Add the cooked pasta to the vegetables and stir in some sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled goat cheese.
Asparagus Tart
Spread goat cheese over puff pastry, top with asparagus, and bake in the oven for a tasty breakfast or brunch dish.
Quiche
Fill a pie crust with goat cheese, caramelized onions, and egg custard for a savoury quiche.
Chicken
Make a weeknight goat cheese-stuffed chicken dish by stuffing chicken breasts with goat cheese and sauteed spinach.
Avocado Toast
Spread goat cheese on toast with avocado, arugula, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a quick and easy snack.
Strata
This bread-and-egg casserole typically features cheese, veggies, and/or meat. Try a version with roasted butternut squash, prosciutto, and goat cheese.
Desserts
Goat cheese can even be used in desserts! Try stirring it into a buttery brioche pudding with maple syrup and berries, or use it as a topping for a sweet crumble or cobbler.
These are just a few ideas, but the possibilities are endless when it comes to using crumbled goat cheese in your recipes!
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Where can I buy goat cheese crumbles?
Yes, goat cheese is crumbly. The crumbly texture of goat cheese is due to the lower moisture content compared to its creamy counterpart. The creamy variety has a soft and creamy texture, which can make it challenging to crumble by hand.
If you're looking to buy goat cheese crumbles, there are several options available:
Whole Foods Market:
Vermont Creamery offers classic goat cheese crumbles, which can be purchased at Whole Foods Market. The product is available in 4 oz packages, and you can find nutrition, ingredient, allergen, pricing, and sale information on their website.
Trader Joe's:
Trader Joe's sells a tub of delicious goat cheese crumbles, as mentioned by a user on Reddit. This option is convenient if you're looking for ready-to-use crumbles without having to crumble the cheese yourself.
Local Cheese Shops or Counters:
If you have specialty cheese shops or counters in your area, they may offer goat cheese crumbles or provide recommendations for dryer varieties that are more prone to crumbling. You can ask the staff for suggestions or advice on which cheeses crumble easily.
Online Retailers:
Amazon, through the Whole Foods Market, offers Vermont Creamery goat cheese crumbles for purchase. You can find the product listing on their website, which includes information on ingredients, allergens, and nutritional content. However, it's always a good idea to read labels and follow directions before consuming any product.
Other Grocery Stores:
Depending on your location, you may find goat cheese crumbles at various grocery stores. One Reddit user mentioned that Wegmans stocks the Vermont Creamery brand, so it's worth checking similar stores in your area.
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What are some brands that sell goat cheese crumbles?
Goat cheese is a popular dairy product that can be crumbled and added to various dishes, such as salads, omelettes, and pasta. The process of crumbling goat cheese involves drying the cheese for a longer period of time to reduce its moisture content. This results in a cheese with a firmer texture that can be easily crumbled by hand or with a fork.
Several brands offer goat cheese crumbles for convenience and flavour. Here are some notable brands that sell goat cheese crumbles:
- Whole Foods Market: Whole Foods offers a 6-ounce package of goat cheese crumbles that customers praise for its creamy texture and flavour. It is considered a good value for money and is often used in salads, omelettes, and pizzas.
- Good & Gather: Target's private label brand, Good & Gather, offers a 4-ounce package of goat cheese crumbles.
- Trader Joe's: Trader Joe's sells a tub of goat cheese crumbles, providing a convenient option for consumers.
- Boar's Head: Boar's Head is mentioned by customers as a comparable brand to Whole Foods Market's goat cheese crumbles, with the latter offering a more competitive price.
- Cypress Grove: Cypress Grove is a brand that offers goat cheese products, including crumbles.
These brands provide convenient and tasty options for those seeking goat cheese crumbles, allowing consumers to enhance their culinary creations with a bold and nuanced flavour profile.
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Frequently asked questions
Goat cheese that is not crumbly is likely to be a variety that is more moist and creamy.
To make goat cheese crumbly, you can try putting it in the freezer for 5-10 minutes. The colder temperature will dehydrate the cheese, making it easier to crumble.
Crumbly goat cheese is a great addition to salads and pastas, adding a tangy and creamy flavour.
Crumbly goat cheese can be purchased from specialty cheese shops, gourmet delis, and online retailers. Some brands that sell crumbly goat cheese include The Cheese Guy, Eden Creamery, and Freeze Dry Wholesalers.
