Patrick Oconnell
Goat cheese is a polarising food product, with some people loving it and others despising it. The strong flavour and smell of goat cheese, often described as goaty or barnyardy, can be off-putting to some. However, others enjoy the tangy, earthy flavours that goat cheese offers. The goatyness of goat cheese is influenced by factors such as the age of the milk used and the living conditions of the goats, with bucks producing a distinct odour that can affect the scent and taste of the cheese. While goat cheese may have a reputation for being pungent, not all varieties are created equal, and it is possible to find mild and lightly sweet options as well.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smell | Goat-like, barnyard-like, pungent |
| Taste | Tangy, strong, earthy, gamey, sweet, mild |
| Texture | Creamy, soft, firm, dense, crunchy |
| Ease of digestion | Easier to digest than cow's milk |
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What You'll Learn
Why does goat cheese smell?
Goat cheese is known for its strong, pungent smell, often described as "goaty" or "barnyardy". This distinct aroma is a result of the natural aging process of goat's milk, which occurs faster than that of cow's milk due to its natural homogenization. The longer the milk takes to be processed, the stronger the "goatyness" of the cheese will be.
The scent of goat cheese is influenced by two key factors: the age of the milk when processed and the living conditions of the goats. Goat's milk ages quickly and can go bad faster than cow's milk, leading to a stronger and more pronounced "goaty" flavour in the cheese. During the breeding season, male goats (bucks) produce pheromones, which contribute to the distinct odour of the milk and, subsequently, the cheese.
Some people may find the smell of goat cheese unpleasant or aversive. This could be due to individual differences in taste preferences or prior negative experiences with the cheese. It is also possible that the aversion is related to close contact with goats, as those familiar with the animal's scent may be more sensitive to its presence in the cheese.
However, it is important to note that not all goat cheese is created equal. Depending on its production, goat cheese can range from gamey and tangy to mild, lightly sweet, or even creamy. High-quality goat cheese produced from fresh milk by reputable dairies, such as Lively Run Dairy, may offer a more pleasant and milder flavour for those who are hesitant about the strong "goaty" scent.
Additionally, the tanginess of goat cheese can be influenced by the living conditions of the goats. When male and female goats (bucks and does) are housed in separate pens year-round, the cheese produced from their milk tends to be less affected by the bucks' scents, resulting in a more subtle "goatyness".
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Goat cheese's tanginess
Goat cheese is known for its tanginess, often described as "goatyness" or "goaty". This tanginess is influenced by two key factors: the age of the milk when processed and the living conditions of the goats. Older goat milk tends to have a stronger, more pronounced "goaty" flavour, while milk from goats housed in the same pen as bucks can also contribute to this characteristic taste.
The tanginess of goat cheese can range from mildly tangy to intensely tangy, depending on various factors during production. One crucial factor is the age of the milk; as goat's milk ages, it develops a stronger and more pronounced "goaty" flavour. Therefore, the longer the time between milking and cheese-making, the tangier the cheese is likely to be.
Another factor influencing the tanginess of goat cheese is the living conditions of the goats. Specifically, whether the male goats (bucks) are housed in the same pen as the female goats (does) can impact the flavour of the milk. During the breeding season, bucks produce pheromones, resulting in a stronger scent and flavour in the milk. As a result, milk from does living in close proximity to bucks may contribute to tangier goat cheese.
The tanginess of goat cheese is a distinctive characteristic that sets it apart from other cheeses. While some people enjoy this tangy flavour, others may find it unpleasant or overwhelming. However, it's important to note that not all goat cheeses are equally tangy, and factors such as milk age and goat husbandry play a significant role in determining the intensity of tanginess.
Additionally, the tanginess of goat cheese can be influenced by the type of cheese being made. For example, soft and fresh goat cheeses tend to be tangier than firmer varieties, such as goat Gouda or goat Cheddar, where the tanginess may be more subdued due to the ageing process and the development of other flavour compounds.
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Goat cheese and lactose intolerance
Goat cheese is a popular option for people with lactose intolerance, as it contains less lactose than cow's cheese. However, it is important to note that goat cheese is not completely lactose-free. The amount of lactose in cheese depends on the type of cheese and its age, with harder and more aged cheeses containing less lactose than softer, younger varieties.
Lactose-intolerant individuals vary in their severity of reaction, with some experiencing gas, digestive distress, diarrhoea, or bloating after consuming lactose. Goat's milk typically contains about 4% lactose, while cow's milk contains about 5%. This difference can make goat's milk and goat cheese easier to digest for those with mild to moderate lactose intolerance. Additionally, the shorter fat molecules in goat's milk further enhance its digestibility.
The ripening time of cheese also affects its lactose content. Older cheeses, whether made from cow's or goat's milk, tend to have lower lactose levels due to the breakdown of lactose by bacteria during the ripening process. As a result, aged goat cheeses may be better tolerated by those with lactose intolerance, as they can become almost lactose-free.
While goat cheese can be a good option for those with lactose intolerance, it is always recommended to consult with a medical professional before making dietary changes. Individual experiences may vary, and other factors, such as the quality of the milk and the production process, can also influence the digestibility of goat cheese.
Regarding the smell of goat cheese, some people associate it with a strong, tangy, and pungent odour, often described as "goaty" or "barnyardy". This characteristic is influenced by factors such as the age of the milk, the living conditions of the goats, and the quality of the milk. However, not all goat cheeses have a strong odour, and the stereotype of goat cheese as being overwhelmingly "stinky" is not universally true.
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Goat cheese pairings
Goat cheese, or chèvre, is known for its tangy, strong flavour, often described as "goaty" or "barnyardy". However, this stereotype is not entirely accurate, and the taste of goat cheese can range from mild and sweet to gamey and tangy, depending on how it is produced.
Pairing Goat Cheese
Goat cheese pairs well with a variety of ingredients, and can be used in both savoury and sweet dishes. Here are some ideas for foods that complement goat cheese:
- Salads: Goat cheese can be added to a variety of salads. Try combining it with arugula or spinach, roasted beets, and a light balsamic vinaigrette. You can also add other ingredients such as walnuts, orange wedges, or toasted pecans.
- Flatbreads and Crackers: Goat cheese is a great topping for flatbreads or crackers. Try adding some prosciutto, honey, and figs for a sweet and savoury combination. You can also experiment with other toppings such as mixed nuts, thyme, or dried roses for a springtime touch.
- Sandwiches: Create a delicious sandwich by combining grilled portobello mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and goat cheese on ciabatta bread. You can also add other ingredients such as soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, or garlic to enhance the flavour.
- Tarts: For a savoury option, try making a goat cheese and artichoke tart, with the option of adding pancetta or prosciutto. For a sweeter preparation, combine honey and figs with the goat cheese.
- Soups: Goat cheese can be added to soups, such as tomato soup, to create a creamy and indulgent texture.
- Fruit: Goat cheese pairs well with fruits such as strawberries, which offer a nice contrast between sweetness and acidity.
- Vegetables: Sugar snap peas and asparagus are springtime favourites that go well with goat cheese. Blanch your asparagus and season it with salt and pepper for extra flavour.
- Drinks: When it comes to drinks, goat cheese is often paired with wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc. However, according to Hayley Nessler of Cypress Grove, a Northern Californian cheese manufacturer, beer may be a better option due to its lower acidity. The bubbles in beer can cut through the fat of the goat cheese, allowing you to taste more of the cheese and the beer.
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Goat cheese's digestibility
Goat cheese is a trending topic, currently up 20% in popularity. It is also a staple in many diets around the world, with 65% of the world using goat milk as their standard. However, in the US, goat milk is still a foreign concept, with cow milk dominating the dairy industry.
Goat cheese is known to have a strong flavour and smell, often described as "goaty" or "barnyardy". This distinct flavour is caused by the natural homogenisation of goat's milk, which makes it age faster than cow's milk. The longer the milk takes to be processed, the stronger the "goatyness" of the cheese will be.
Despite its strong flavour, goat cheese is easier to digest than cow cheese. Goat's milk has a different protein composition, with smaller fat globules, which makes it easier for the body to process. It also has lower levels of lactose and A1 beta-casein, making it a better option for people with lactose intolerance or dairy intolerances.
Goat cheese is also a good source of beneficial probiotics, which are healthy bacteria that can improve gut and immune health. It is high in calcium, an essential nutrient for bones, teeth, and organs, and has lower fat and calorie content compared to popular cow cheeses.
Overall, goat cheese is a nutritious and digestible option for many people, offering a range of health benefits alongside its strong flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
Goat cheese is known to have a strong, pungent smell and taste, often described as "goaty" or "barnyardy". This flavour, known as "goatyness", is due to the milk aging quickly and is more pronounced the longer the milk is left before processing.
Goat's milk is naturally homogenized, which means it ages much faster than cow's milk. The older the milk is when it is processed, the stronger the "goatyness" will be in the cheese.
During breeding season, male goats produce pheromones to attract female goats. These pheromones smell like a strong goat cologne, and if the male and female goats are kept in the same pen, this scent can be transferred to the milk and, subsequently, the cheese.
