Kamil Perry
Whether or not to eat the rind of goat cheese is a common question. While some people enjoy the texture and flavour it adds, others are unsure if it is safe to consume. The general consensus is that unless the rind contains inedible material such as wax, paper, or cloth, it is safe to eat. However, some people may find the taste or texture unpleasant, especially if the cheese is aged and the rind is too hard. Ultimately, the decision to eat or discard the rind of goat cheese comes down to personal preference.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Edibility | All goat cheese rinds can be eaten. |
| Taste | Whether you like the taste of the rind is a matter of personal preference. |
| Texture | Rinds provide a textural contrast to the cheese. |
| Flavour | Some goat cheese rinds are herbed, peppered, wine-infused, or coated in ash, which is meant to be eaten. |
| Type of Cheese | Examples of goat cheeses with edible rinds include Valencay, Brie, Camembert, and Comte. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Goat cheese rinds are edible if they are not made of inedible materials like wax, paper, or cloth
- Some goat cheese rinds are coated in herbs, pepper, wine, or ash, and are meant to be eaten
- Goat cheese rinds can be eaten, but whether you want to eat them depends on your preference
- Goat cheese rinds can be eaten unless they are too hard, in which case they can be used for stock or soups
- Washed goat cheese rinds are bathed in a solution to promote ripening and can be eaten but may be too salty
Goat cheese rinds are edible if they are not made of inedible materials like wax, paper, or cloth
Whether or not to eat cheese rinds is a common question, and one that even professional cheese experts don't always agree on. The general consensus is that goat cheese rinds are edible if they are not made of inedible materials like wax, paper, or cloth.
Goat cheese rinds can be coated in herbs, spices, ash, or other flavourings, and are meant to be eaten. These flavour additions are intended to be eaten and are usually quite tasty. For example, French goat cheeses like Valencay have rinds that are meant to be eaten.
Some goat cheeses are bound in cotton cloth or wrapped in bandages, and while these rinds are technically edible, they are not particularly palatable and can be difficult to chew. Similarly, wax-bound cheeses like Gouda are edible but are not very tasty. In these cases, it is better to use the rind to flavour soups or sauces.
Washed goat cheeses, such as Drunken Goat, are bathed in a solution to promote ripening, and these rinds are considered to be some of the most flavourful. However, those washed in a strong brine solution can be too salty for some people.
Ultimately, whether or not you choose to eat goat cheese rinds is a matter of personal preference. Some people enjoy the textural contrast and added flavour that rinds provide, while others find them unappealing. If you are unsure, the best approach is simply to taste a small amount of the rind and decide for yourself.
Goat Cheese: Greener Option Than Cow Cheese?
You may want to see also
Some goat cheese rinds are coated in herbs, pepper, wine, or ash, and are meant to be eaten
Whether or not to eat cheese rinds is a frequently asked question. The answer is that, in general, all rinds can be eaten. However, whether or not they should be eaten is a matter of taste and preference. Rinds can be formed naturally or by the cheesemaker and are there to protect the cheese and sometimes to flavour it. They provide a textural contrast to the cheese.
Some cheeses have flavours added to the rind, which are intended to be eaten and are usually quite tasty. Common coatings include herbs, spices, and espresso. For instance, Cabra Romero, a Spanish goat milk cheese coated in rosemary, and Barely Buzzed, a cheese from Beehive Cheese in Utah rubbed in espresso and lavender.
However, it is important to note that not all cheeses have rinds. Fresh cheeses like chevre, burrata, feta, and vacuum-sealed cheddar do not have rinds. Additionally, some cheesemakers may advise against eating the rind, as it is considered the "packaging" of the cheese, similar to the skin on a salami. Ultimately, the decision to eat the rind or not is a personal preference, and it is safe to taste a small amount to determine if you enjoy the flavour and texture.
Goat Cheese: Binding or Not?
You may want to see also
Goat cheese rinds can be eaten, but whether you want to eat them depends on your preference
Whether or not goat cheese rinds are edible depends on the type of cheese and the coating of the rind. For example, some goat cheeses are coated in rosemary, herbs, pepper, wine, ash, or egg wash, and these rinds are meant to be eaten. However, if the rind contains inedible materials such as wax, paper, or cloth, it is best to avoid consuming it.
In general, most cheese rinds are edible, but whether you choose to eat them or not is a matter of personal preference. Some people enjoy the textural contrast and additional flavor that rinds can provide, while others find them too hard, bitter, or salty. If you are unsure whether to eat a cheese rind, you can try a small piece to see if you like the taste and texture.
It is worth noting that some cheeses, such as Brie and Camembert, have soft, white "blooming rinds" that are meant to be eaten, according to some cheesemongers, while others say they should be avoided. These rinds can add texture and a mushroomy flavor to the cheese, but if the cheese is overripe, the rind may have an intense ammonia taste.
Ultimately, the decision to eat or discard the rind of goat cheese depends on your personal preference for taste and texture. If you enjoy the flavor and texture of the rind, you can choose to include it in your meal. However, if you do not like the taste or find it too hard or bitter, you can simply remove it before consuming the cheese.
Goat Cheese: A Dairy Allergy Sufferer's Friend or Foe?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Goat cheese rinds can be eaten unless they are too hard, in which case they can be used for stock or soups
Whether or not to eat the rind of any cheese is a matter of personal preference. While some people enjoy the texture and flavour that rinds add to the cheese, others prefer to avoid them.
Goat cheese rinds, in particular, can be eaten unless they are too hard. In that case, they can be used for stock or soups, or to flavour beans. Some goat cheeses, such as those from France, are coated in ash, herbs, pepper, or wine, and these rinds are meant to be eaten. The same goes for goat cheeses coated in rosemary, espresso, or lavender—these rinds are intended to be eaten and will usually be quite tasty.
However, if you find the rind of a goat cheese to be too hard, it's best to avoid eating it directly. Instead, you can utilise it in other ways, such as adding it to stock or soups, as suggested earlier. This way, you can still benefit from the flavour and nutrients that the rind has to offer without the challenge of chewing through a hard texture.
It's worth noting that some sources suggest exercising caution with certain types of cheese rinds, such as those that are wax-bound or bound in cotton cloth. While these rinds are technically edible, they may not be particularly palatable or may become funky near the edge. Ultimately, the decision to eat or discard the rind of a goat cheese depends on your personal preference and the specific characteristics of the rind in question.
Goat Cheese: Healthy Option or Unhealthy Indulgence?
You may want to see also
Washed goat cheese rinds are bathed in a solution to promote ripening and can be eaten but may be too salty
Whether or not to eat cheese rind is a frequently asked question. The answer is that, unless the rind contains non-edible material such as wax, paper, or cloth, it is technically edible. However, whether or not you should eat it is a matter of personal preference. Some people enjoy the textural contrast that the rind provides, while others find it too hard, bitter, or salty.
Goat cheese rinds, in particular, can be washed in a solution to promote ripening, and these rinds can be eaten. However, they may be too salty for some palates. Washed rinds are created by bathing the cheese in a culture solution, which turns the rind into something sticky, orangey, and rather smelly. This process is used to enhance the flavour of the cheese and is a part of its creation, with producers spending a lot of time on it.
Some people enjoy the flavour that washed rinds add to the cheese, while others may find it too intense. Ultimately, the only way to know if you like something is to taste it. If you're unsure about eating the rind of a particular cheese, you can try a small piece to see if you enjoy the flavour and texture.
It's worth noting that some cheeses are coated with herbs, spices, or other flavourings that are intended to be eaten and can enhance the overall cheese experience. On the other hand, some cheeses have rinds that are too hard or bitter, and people may choose to remove them before consumption.
Goat Cheese and Heart Health: What's the Connection?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, goat cheese rind is edible. However, whether or not you want to eat it is a matter of personal preference.
Yes, if the rind contains non-edible material such as wax, paper, cloth, or wood, it is best to avoid eating it.
Some people believe that eating the rind adds texture and flavour to the cheese. Additionally, it can be a source of beneficial bacteria.
While not dangerous, some people find the taste or texture of the rind unpleasant or too hard. In such cases, it is better to avoid eating it.
As a general rule, if the rind melts, it is edible. If it is made of inedible materials such as wax or sticks, it is best to avoid consuming it.
