Randy Chandler
Goat's milk cheese is a popular delicacy worldwide, with 65% of the world using goat milk as their standard. However, in the US, goat's milk cheese is still considered a novelty, with many Americans deterred by its reputation for a strong, tangy flavour. This flavour, known as goatyness, is influenced by factors such as the age of the milk and the proximity of male goats to females during their heat. Despite its polarising reputation, goat's milk cheese offers a unique taste and texture that can enhance dishes like creamy macaroni and cheese or comforting soups.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Cream cheese-esque, tangy, strong, musky, weird, melony-musky |
| Smell | Distinct, acrid, sour, strong |
| Texture | Creamy |
| Taste | Goaty, rancid |
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What You'll Learn
Why does goat's milk have a bad reputation?
Goat's milk has a reputation for having a strong, tangy "goaty" flavour, which some people dislike. This "goatyness" can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor hygiene, the age of the milk, and the living conditions of the goats. If the male and female goats are kept in the same pen, the male goats can emit a strong odour which can affect the flavour of the milk. The longer the milk is left before being chilled or frozen, the more bacteria will multiply, resulting in a stronger flavour.
Goat's milk also has a reputation for being unethically sourced. Goats used for their milk suffer in the dairy industry, with baby male goats considered "byproducts" and sold to be killed for meat. Female goats are forcibly impregnated and have their babies taken from them, just as in the cow dairy industry. Goats are social animals that form strong bonds, and the separation of mother and baby goats is cruel.
Goat's milk also has a higher cholesterol and saturated fat content than cow's milk, which has been linked to heart disease and unhealthy weight gain. It also contains lactose, which can be difficult for people to digest, causing symptoms such as cramps, gas, bloating, and vomiting. While some people with allergies to cow's milk can consume goat's milk, over 90% of the time, people allergic to cow's milk are also allergic to goat's milk.
In addition, goat's milk may not be suitable for those looking for plant-based alternatives to cow's milk, as it is not vegan or vegetarian.
However, it is important to note that some people prefer the taste of goat's milk and find it easier to digest than cow's milk. Goat's milk is also more commonly consumed worldwide than cow's milk and is considered an important source of calories and nutrition in many developing countries.
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What causes the goaty taste?
The "goaty" taste of goat's milk is influenced by a variety of factors, some harmless and some indicative of potential issues. One key factor is the age of the milk when it is processed; the longer milk is left warm before being chilled or frozen, the more bacteria will multiply, resulting in a stronger goaty taste. This is why Lively Run Dairy never uses milk that is more than four days old, as head cheesemaker Pete Messmer believes that older milk contributes to a stronger goaty flavour.
Another factor is the presence of male goats. During the breeding season, male goats produce strong-smelling pheromones to attract female goats. If a male goat is kept in the same pen as the females all year round, these pheromones can permeate the milk, resulting in a goaty flavour. Goat farmers typically separate male and female goats during the breeding season to prevent this from occurring.
The presence of certain chemicals in the milk, such as 6-trans nonenol, can also contribute to the goaty flavour. Additionally, the health of the goat can impact the taste of the milk. Low-grade infections, illnesses, or viruses may cause the milk to taste "off" or goaty, and proper care and cleanliness of the goat and milking equipment are crucial to reducing the possibility of bad bacteria influencing the taste.
Finally, the processing and handling of the milk can affect its flavour. Store-bought goat milk is typically pasteurized, killing live enzymes, bacteria, and nutrients, and it may also contain levels of antibiotics, steroids, and medicines that can alter its flavour.
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Why is goat's milk preferred over cow's milk?
Goat's milk is preferred over cow's milk for several reasons. Firstly, goat's milk is considered to have a unique flavour that some people enjoy. This "goaty" flavour is well-known and sought after by those who prefer goat's milk. However, others find it too strong and tangy, especially in the form of goat's milk cheese, which has a reputation for being an acquired taste.
Goat's milk also has health benefits that make it preferable to cow's milk for some consumers. It is lower in lactose, has smaller fat molecules, and a different protein profile, making it easier to digest for people with milk intolerances. Goat milk is also an excellent source of protein, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, and vitamin A. It is naturally homogenized, meaning the fat does not separate, creating a creamier texture.
In addition, goat's milk is more accessible in certain parts of the world. Goats are smaller and require less feed than cows, making them easier to keep in developing countries. As a result, goat's milk is a more important source of calories and nutrition in these regions.
Lastly, goat's milk is preferred by some consumers due to ethical concerns. The conventional dairy production process for cows, especially in the UK, involves housing cows indoors for several months and feeding them a diet of conserved forage and concentrate feeds. In contrast, goat farming systems are more intensive, with goats housed and fed a constant diet year-round. This more intensive system may be less desirable to those who prioritize animal welfare.
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Why does goat cheese vary in taste and smell?
Goat cheese is known to have a distinct "goaty" flavor and smell, which some people dislike. This "goatyness" can be attributed to several factors, which I will outline below.
Firstly, the presence of male goats can significantly impact the taste and smell of goat cheese. During the mating season, male goats emit strong-smelling pheromones to attract female goats. If male and female goats are housed together, these pheromones can permeate the milk of the females, resulting in a more "`goaty`" flavor. Goat farmers typically separate male and female goats during this period to prevent this from occurring.
The age of the milk used in cheese-making also plays a crucial role in determining the level of "goatyness". Older milk is more likely to develop a stronger goat-like taste, while cheese made with fresh milk tends to have a milder flavor. Pete Messmer, head cheesemaker at Lively Run Dairy, emphasizes that high-quality goat cheese should be relatively mild, contrary to the common misconception that fresher cheese equates to a more intense goat flavor.
Additionally, the processing and storage methods of goat milk can influence its taste. Store-bought goat milk often undergoes pasteurization, killing live enzymes, bacteria, and nutrients, which can affect its flavor. The time taken for processing, handling, packaging, and delivery can also impact the freshness of the milk. Proper filtration and rapid chilling of milk after milking are essential to inhibit bacterial growth, which can result in a more "goaty" taste.
It is worth noting that individual taste preferences also come into play. Some people enjoy the "goaty" flavor, while others may tolerate it or prefer their goat milk to taste like cow milk. The perception of goat cheese's taste and smell can vary, and it may be an acquired taste for some.
In summary, the variation in the taste and smell of goat cheese can be attributed to factors such as the presence of male goats, the age of the milk, processing methods, and individual taste preferences. These factors collectively contribute to the diverse sensory profiles of goat cheese.
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How does goat milk taste different in stores?
Goat's milk is known to have a distinct "goaty" flavor, which some people enjoy, while others dislike. This "goatyness" is more prominent in store-bought goat's milk, which has often been processed differently from fresh, raw goat's milk. Here are some factors that contribute to the difference in taste:
Age of the Milk
The age of the milk when it is processed plays a crucial role in determining its flavor. Older milk tends to have a stronger "goaty" taste. Lively Run Dairy's head cheesemaker, Pete Messmer, emphasizes the importance of using fresh milk, preferably not more than four days old, to ensure a mild and pleasant flavor in the final product.
Temperature and Storage
Goat's milk is highly perishable and sensitive to temperature. It should be chilled or frozen as soon as possible after milking to inhibit bacterial growth, which can lead to a more pronounced "goaty" taste. Proper storage temperature is crucial, as goat's milk should be kept at 38 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to prevent the multiplication of lactic acid, which intensifies the "goaty" flavor.
Goat Husbandry and Diet
The diet and living conditions of goats can significantly impact the taste of their milk. Goats that are allowed to free-range and graze on seasonal growths, such as perennial grasses, wild garlic, and onions, will have milk with varying flavors depending on their diet. Additionally, the presence of male goats (bucks) in the same pen as female goats (does) during the breeding season can affect the milk's flavor due to the pheromones produced by the bucks.
Pasteurization and Processing
Store-bought goat's milk often undergoes pasteurization, a process that involves heating the milk to kill bacteria, live enzymes, and nutrients. This process can alter the flavor profile of the milk. Additionally, the time taken for processing, handling, packaging, and delivery can affect the freshness and taste of the milk.
Health of the Goat
The health of the goat can also influence the taste of its milk. Low-grade infections, illnesses, or viruses may cause the milk to taste "off" or goaty. A common condition called mastitis, which is an inflammation of the mammary gland, can lead to a chemical and physical reaction in the milk, altering its flavor.
Individual Goat Variation
Even within the same herd, different goats may produce milk with varying flavors. This can be attributed to their genetic makeup, diet, or other factors related to their individual care and processing.
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Frequently asked questions
Goat's milk cheese can have a strong "goaty" flavor, which is attributed to several factors, including the age of the milk, the presence of male goats, and the health of the goat.
The "goaty" flavor in goat's milk cheese is influenced by two key factors: the age of the milk used and the proximity of male goats to female goats during milking. Older milk tends to have a stronger goaty taste, and the presence of male goats can impart their distinct odor to the milk.
Yes, it is possible to produce goat's milk cheese with a milder flavor. Goat dairy farmers can minimize the "goaty" flavor by keeping male and female goats separated and using milk that is no more than a few days old.
Some people prefer goat's milk cheese because it is easier to digest and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is also a good alternative for those with sensitivities to cow's milk. Additionally, goat's milk has a cream cheese-like flavor that enhances dishes like macaroni and cheese or soup.
Yes, the taste of goat's milk cheese can provide insights into the health of the goat. Off-flavors or stronger "goaty" tastes may indicate low-grade infections, illnesses, or viruses in the goat. Treating these health issues can help restore a good flavor to the milk.
