Patrick Oconnell
Goat cheese is a divisive food product, with some people loving it and others despising it. One of the reasons for this is its strong goaty smell and taste, which can be off-putting to those who are sensitive to it. The goatyness of goat cheese is influenced by factors such as the freshness of the milk used and the separation of male and female goats during breeding season. The older the milk is when it's processed, the more goat-like the cheese will taste. This unique aroma and flavor of goat cheese can be described as pungent, tangy, or even reminiscent of a barnyard animal. Despite its strong reputation, goat cheese can also be mild and lightly sweet when produced under the right conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Goat cheese smell | Goaty, barnyardy, pungent, tangy, strong, gamey, sweaty |
| Goat cheese taste | Goaty, barnyardy, tangy, strong, gamey, sweet |
| Goat cheese texture | Chalky, bitter |
| Reasons for smell/taste | Milk not fresh, male goats in the same pen as females, milk from a dirty goat |
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese can smell like a sweaty goat
Goat cheese is a divisive food product, with some people loving it and others despising it. One of the most common reasons people dislike goat cheese is its strong "goaty" flavour and smell, which is often compared to a barnyard or a sweaty goat. However, it is important to note that not all goat cheeses have this pungent odour and that the "goatyness" of the cheese can vary depending on several factors.
The first factor is the freshness of the milk used to make the cheese. Older goat milk tends to have a stronger goaty taste, so cheese makers like Pete from Lively Run Dairy ensure that they only use milk that is less than four days old to maintain a relatively mild flavour. In addition, male and female goats should be kept separate, especially during the breeding season when male goats produce strong-smelling pheromones to attract females. If male and female goats are kept together, these pheromones can permeate the milk and make the resulting cheese taste and smell more like a goat.
Some people also believe that the living conditions of the goats can affect the flavour of the cheese. For example, if the goats are not properly cleaned, the cheese may take on a goaty or barnyardy flavour. This can be especially true if the bucks (male goats) are not neutered, as they can have a very strong odour that can rub off on the cheese.
It is worth noting that not everyone finds the goaty flavour and smell of goat cheese unpleasant. Some people enjoy the tanginess and complexity that it adds to the cheese. Ultimately, whether or not one appreciates the smell and taste of goat cheese is a matter of personal preference. However, it is important to source high-quality goat cheese from reputable dairies to ensure a pleasant experience.
In conclusion, while it is true that goat cheese can sometimes smell like a sweaty goat, this is not always the case. By understanding the factors that influence the "goatyness" of the cheese and sourcing fresh, high-quality products, consumers can find goat cheeses that suit their taste preferences.
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The older the milk, the stronger the smell
Goat milk that is more than four days old is likely to produce cheese with a stronger goaty flavour. The smell of the cheese is directly related to the age of the milk used, with older milk producing a stronger scent. This is because male goats, or bucks, produce pheromones to attract female goats, or does, during breeding season. If the bucks are kept with the does, these pheromones will permeate the milk, resulting in a stronger "goaty" flavour in the cheese.
The presence of bucks in the herd can also affect the flavour of the cheese, with some people claiming that the intact bucks have a stronger odour that can be transferred to the milk and cheese. However, others have stated that they have only kept wethers (neutered males) and still noticed a goaty flavour in the cheese.
The processing and production methods can also impact the flavour of goat cheese. For example, hard cheeses tend to have a stronger flavour than soft, fresh cheeses. Additionally, the quality of the milk used can affect the taste, with some people claiming that goat cheese made from less fresh milk can have a chalky, bitter, or tangy flavour.
Despite the strong flavour, goat cheese is a delicacy enjoyed by many. It is also a good option for those who are lactose intolerant, as goat milk has slightly less lactose than cow's milk and is easier to digest due to its different protein composition and smaller fat globules.
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Goats' milk is easier to digest than cows' milk
Goat cheese is known for its strong "goaty" flavour, which some people dislike. This distinctive taste and smell may be due to a few factors, such as the age of the milk used, the presence of bucks in the herd, and the quality of the cheese. Despite this, goat milk and its products are widely consumed and offer several benefits over cow milk.
Goat milk is generally easier to digest than cow milk due to its smaller fat globules, which are more readily absorbed by the body. It is also naturally homogenized, meaning the fat molecules remain distributed instead of separating and floating to the top. This makes it gentler on the digestive system, especially for those with impaired digestion or sensitivities. Additionally, goat milk has a different protein profile than cow milk, with 89% less A1 β-casein, a protein that can be difficult to digest and cause stomach issues.
The digestibility of milk can also be improved through fermentation, which introduces beneficial bacteria that predigest proteins, consume lactose, and add probiotics. Both goat and cow milk can be fermented into kefir, yogurt, or other similar products, enhancing their digestibility. However, it is important to note that goat milk is not suitable for those with lactose intolerance, as it still contains lactose.
Goat milk offers several other advantages over cow milk. It is thicker, creamier, and has more protein and nutrients, including vitamins and minerals. It may also have potential health benefits, such as reducing cholesterol levels and the risk of certain diseases. In developing countries, goat milk is an important source of calories, protein, and fats, and it is easier to produce due to the smaller size and feed requirements of goats.
While goat milk provides these benefits, it is important to consider individual preferences and tolerances. Some people may object to the taste of goat milk, and it may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. Additionally, cow milk is more easily accessible and affordable in certain regions, such as the United States, due to the lower consumption and commercial availability of goat milk.
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Goats' milk is often not fresh
Goat's milk is often not fresh, which can result in a strong "goaty" flavour in the cheese. The older the milk is when it is processed, the more intense the "goaty" taste will be. This is because male goats, or bucks, produce strong-smelling pheromones to attract female goats, or does, during breeding season. If the bucks are kept in the same pen as the does all year round, their pheromones will permeate the milk, giving it a very goaty" flavour.
The goatyness" of goat's cheese is a common reason why some people dislike it. The tanginess of goat's cheese is often associated with the milk not being fresh. However, this tanginess can be desirable when the cheese is made from high-quality, fresh milk.
The tanginess of goat's cheese can be influenced by factors other than milk freshness. For example, the type of goat used, the age of the cheese, and the method of production can all affect the flavour. Hard, aged goat cheeses tend to have stronger flavours than soft, fresh cheeses.
It is worth noting that not all goat's cheeses are created equal. Some people may have only tried poor-quality goat's cheese, which can taste chalky, bitter, and have an unpleasant texture. High-quality goat's cheese made from fresh, clean milk can have a mild and lightly sweet flavour.
Goat's milk has a different protein composition than cow's milk, with smaller fat globules that are more easily digested by humans. This makes goat's cheese a good option for those who are lactose intolerant or have sensitive stomachs.
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Male goats produce strong-smelling hormones that can affect females' milk
Goat cheese is known for its strong "goaty" smell and flavour, often described as resembling the scent of a goat's body odour. This distinctive aroma is particularly associated with male goats, who produce a characteristic "goaty" smell that repels humans but attracts female goats.
This "goaty" smell is caused by pheromones, specifically the chemical compound 4-ethyloctanal, which is emitted by male goats and has an orangy, floral odour. These pheromones are generally synthesized in the male goat's head skin and can be detected by female goats, even at a distance. When female goats sniff these pheromones, it stimulates their brains, increasing the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and promoting ovulation. This phenomenon is known as the "'male effect', where the presence of a male, or even just his scent, sends female goats into heat.
While the "male effect" and the role of pheromones have been long suspected by scientists, it was only recently confirmed by researchers from the University of Tokyo, led by reproductive biologist Yukari Takeuchi. They designed a special hat containing a material that captured the odorous molecules from male goats' heads and compared these compounds with those from castrated males. By isolating individual chemicals and testing their effects on female goats, they discovered that 4-ethyloctanal was the key compound responsible for triggering the hormonal chain reaction in female goats' brains.
In the context of goat cheese, the "goatyness" or "goaty" flavour is influenced by two main factors: the age of the milk used and the proximity of male goats to the female herd. Older milk is more likely to have a stronger "goaty" taste, while the presence of male goats, or "bucks", living in close quarters with female goats, or "does", can impart their distinctive odour to the milk, making it very "goaty". This occurs especially during the breeding season when male goats produce stronger pheromones to attract females. As a result, cheese makers must carefully manage these factors to control the level of "goatyness" in their cheese and ensure a mild and pleasant flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
Bad goat cheese is often described as having a "goaty" and barnyardy smell, similar to the odour of a sweaty or unclean goat.
The "goatyness" of goat cheese can be influenced by factors such as the freshness of the milk used and the separation of male and female goats during breeding season. Older milk or the presence of male goats can result in stronger "goaty" flavours and odours.
While the smell may be unpleasant, it is generally not harmful to consume unless the cheese is spoiled or contaminated. However, always use your best judgement and avoid consuming any cheese that appears or smells suspicious.
To avoid bad-smelling goat cheese, look for products made with fresh, high-quality milk. Check the production date and try to purchase cheese made with milk that is no more than a few days old. Also, consider the reputation of the dairy or cheesemaker, as some producers are known for upholding high standards in their goat milk production.
Yes, if you are not a fan of goat cheese, there are plenty of other options available. Cow's milk cheeses, for example, tend to have a milder odour and flavour and can be a good alternative for those who prefer a less pungent cheese. You can also explore different types of goat cheese, as the "goatyness" can vary depending on the production methods and dairy.
