Kamil Perry
Parmesan cheese is traditionally made from cow's milk, but some cheesemakers also produce goat's milk parmesan. Goat Parmesan has a nuttier and creamier taste than regular parmesan and can be grated over pasta.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Milk | Goat |
| Taste | Nuttier and creamier than Parmesan |
| Ripening Time | 10 months |
| Uses | Pasta, risotto, pesto, sandwiches, crackers |
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What You'll Learn
Parmesan can be made from goat milk
Parmesan cheese is traditionally made from cow's milk. However, it is possible to make Parmesan cheese from goat's milk, and some companies and individuals have done so. For example, LaClare Family makes a raw goat Parmesan cheese, and Robinne Weiss has made homemade goat Parmesan.
Goat Parmesan cheese is an interesting alternative to traditional Parmesan cheese, and it can be a great option for those who are allergic or intolerant to cow's milk. It also has a unique flavor that can enhance dishes such as pasta, risotto, and pesto.
The process of making goat Parmesan cheese is similar to that of making traditional Parmesan cheese. However, there may be some adjustments made to the recipe or technique to account for the different properties of goat's milk compared to cow's milk. For example, goat's milk has a lower fat content than cow's milk, so the cheese may turn out drier and less salty.
Goat Parmesan cheese can be made at home, although it requires time and patience, as it takes at least ten months to reach full ripeness. The end result is a flavorful and decadent cheese that can be enjoyed on its own or as a topping on various dishes.
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Commercial parmesan is less flavourful
Commercial parmesan is often considered less flavourful than its artisanal or Italian-made counterparts. There are several reasons for this perceived lack of flavour. Firstly, commercial parmesan is often produced outside of Italy, particularly in the United States and Australia, where regulations regarding the production and standards for parmesan cheese are more lenient. As a result, these commercial parmesans may be made with different production methods and ingredients, leading to variations in taste and quality.
Secondly, commercial parmesan often contains additives and fillers, such as powdered cellulose, which is used to prevent clumping in pre-grated varieties. While safe for consumption, these additives can affect the texture and flavour of the cheese, making it less flavourful than fresh, grated parmesan. Butyric acid, a compound present in parmesan, may also contribute to a stronger scent and taste in fresh parmesan compared to the powdered variety.
Additionally, the ageing process and duration play a significant role in the flavour development of parmesan cheese. Parmigiano-Reggiano, the traditional Italian parmesan, is aged for at least two years, with some varieties aged for three or four years. This extended ageing contributes to the complex flavour and granular texture associated with high-quality parmesan. Commercial parmesans may not undergo the same lengthy ageing process, resulting in a less flavourful product.
Furthermore, the specific regions and areas of production in Italy, such as Emilia-Romagna, are known for producing superior-quality parmesan with distinct characteristics. The combination of traditional methods, local ingredients, and expertise contributes to a more flavourful cheese. Commercial parmesan, produced on a larger scale, may lack the nuanced flavours that come from these specific terroirs and production techniques.
Lastly, the type of milk used and the percentage of milk fat can impact the flavour of parmesan cheese. While traditional parmigiano-reggiano is made from skimmed or partially skimmed cow's milk, commercial parmesans may use different types of milk or have varying standards for milk fat content, leading to differences in flavour and texture.
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Goat parmesan can be purchased online
Parmesan cheese is traditionally made from cow's milk. However, it is possible to make goat Parmesan, and you can buy it online from certain retailers. For example, Instacart offers LaClare Family Evalon Raw Goat Parmesan Cheese, which can be delivered to your home or picked up from a store near you. You can place your order via the Instacart app or website, and they will connect you with a personal shopper in your area to deliver your order. Delivery fees start at $3.99 for same-day orders over $35, and you can get $0 delivery fees with an optional Instacart+ membership.
If you are interested in making your own goat Parmesan at home, you can find recipes online. Some people who have made goat Parmesan report that it is a "divine, flavourful cheese" that is drier, less salty, and more flavourful than standard commercial Parmesan. It takes at least ten months to reach full ripeness, but the wait is reportedly worth it.
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Goat parmesan can be made at home
Yes, you can make goat parmesan at home! It is a rewarding process, resulting in a gourmet decadence with a flavour punch.
To make goat parmesan at home, you will need goat's milk. You can either raise your own goats or buy goat's milk from a store. If you are raising goats, you can ensure that nothing unwanted is in their milk, and you can be sure of the quality of the milk.
To begin making the cheese, warm 4 gallons of fresh goat's milk to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of thermophilic DVI culture onto the milk's surface and allow it to rehydrate for a few minutes. Next, stir the milk and cover it, allowing it to ripen for 40 minutes. Dilute 1 teaspoon of rennet in 1/2 cup of cool water, and then add this mixture to the milk, stirring well. Maintain the temperature for 45 minutes until a clean break is achieved. Cut the curd to 1/4 inch and let it rest for 10 minutes. Stir the curd with a large whisk while raising the temperature to 125 degrees Fahrenheit over an hour, then let the curds settle. Drain the curd and place it in a cheesecloth-lined press. Press at 5 lbs for 15 minutes, then remove from the press, flip, and redress. Repeat this process, increasing the weight and pressing time with each step: press at 10 lbs for 30 minutes, then press at 15 lbs for 2 hours, and finally, press at 20 lbs for 12 hours.
After pressing, the cheese needs to age. Wax the cheese with cheese wax, ensuring it is completely covered to prevent moulding. Two coats of wax are better than one thick coat. Return the waxed cheese to the refrigerator and age for 2 months. Then, remove the wax and return the cheese to the refrigerator for another 8 months at 55 degrees Fahrenheit and 85% relative humidity. After this time, your goat parmesan will be ready to cut and use!
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Goat parmesan can be used in a variety of dishes
Parmesan cheese is typically made from cow's milk, but goat parmesan is also available. Goat parmesan can be used in a variety of dishes, adding a rich, flavourful taste.
Goat parmesan can be used in a variety of pasta dishes, such as creamy goat cheese pasta. To make this, goat cheese is added to a skillet with butter and garlic and whisked until smooth. The cooked pasta is then added, along with pasta water, to create a creamy sauce. Fresh basil, parsley, lemon juice, and zest are also added for flavour, and the dish is finished with grated parmesan cheese.
Another pasta dish that uses goat parmesan is parmesan crisps with goat cheese. This recipe combines parmesan cheese and flour, which are formed into mounds and baked in the oven until brown. Goat cheese is then spread on top of the crisps, creating a delicious appetizer.
Goat parmesan can also be used in sandwiches or on crackers for a tasty snack. It can even be grated over a salad, adding a nutty, savoury flavour. The versatility of goat parmesan makes it a great ingredient to elevate a variety of dishes.
Goat parmesan is available from various retailers, such as LaClare Family, who offer raw goat parmesan cheese that can be delivered through services like Instacart. With its unique flavour and texture, goat parmesan is a wonderful alternative to traditional parmesan cheese, adding a gourmet touch to any meal.
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Frequently asked questions
No, traditional Parmesan cheese is made from cow's milk.
Yes, you can make Parmesan cheese from goat's milk, and some companies like Evergreen Acres offer this product.
Goat's milk is commonly used to make ricotta, cheddar, and Chevre.
In the US, the FDA allows the term "Parmesan" to be used for cow's milk cheese with a hard and brittle rind and a granular texture that grates readily. As such, the milk used to make this type of "Parmesan" can be reconstituted dry milk, skim milk, or cream.
Some alternatives to Parmesan cheese include Grana Padano, Pecorino Romano, and Piave.
