Andy Montoya
Goat cheese, also known as goat's cheese or chèvre (from the French word for goat), is a type of cheese made from goat's milk. Goats were among the first animals to be domesticated for food production, and their ability to produce high-quality, nutrient-rich milk in difficult environments makes them valuable in arid or mountainous regions where other livestock cannot survive. Goat cheese comes in a variety of textures and flavours, from fresh and soft to aged and hard, crumbly to creamy, mild to tangy, and with hints of hazelnut, dried herbs, and earthy mushrooms. Goat's cheese is also a good option for people with lactose intolerance due to its low lactose content.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Goat cheese, goat's cheese, chèvre |
| Origin | Worldwide |
| Texture | Crumbly, creamy, soft, hard |
| Flavor | Tangy, tart, earthy, nutty, herbal, salty |
| Color | White, Brown, Blue |
| Rind | Natural, waxed, white mold |
| Lactose content | Low |
| Health benefits | Contains capric acid, which promotes the development of good intestinal bacteria |
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese is made from goat's milk
Goat cheese, also known as goat's cheese or chèvre, is indeed made from goat's milk. The term chèvre comes from the French "fromage de chèvre", which means "goat cheese". Goat cheese is made around the world, resulting in a variety of recipes and styles, from fresh and soft to aged and hard.
Goats were among the first animals to be domesticated for food production, and their ability to produce high-quality, nutrient-rich milk even in difficult environments makes them valuable in arid or mountainous regions where other animals cannot survive. Goat milk is commonly used to make cultured dairy products, including cheese.
The flavour of goat cheese varies from tart to earthy and tangy, with hints of mushroom, cream, and dried herbs. Its texture can be crumbly, creamy, or spreadable, and it is known for its relatively low lactose content, making it a good choice for people with lactose intolerance.
Some popular types of goat cheese include:
- Garrotxa: a dense and aged Spanish cheese with a lemony tang and impressions of toasted hazelnuts.
- Ticklemore: a floral and herbaceous cheese from Devon, England, with a distinctive saucer shape.
- Humboldt Fog: a tall, cakey cheese from the US with a waivering line of blue-grey vegetable ash.
- Bonne Bouche: a French-inspired cheese from Vermont Creamery with a thin rind and a sweet, mellow flavour.
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It comes in many flavours and textures
Goat cheese, also known as goat's cheese or chèvre, is made from goat's milk. Chevre, meaning "goat" in French, is typically used to refer to fresh goat cheese. Goat cheese comes in a variety of flavours and textures, ranging from crumbly to creamy, mild to tangy, and earthy to savoury. The flavour of goat cheese is influenced by what the goats are fed, as they tend to eat many bitter plants due to their hardy digestive systems.
The texture of goat cheese can vary depending on its age. Fresh goat cheese never develops a rind and has a soft, almost spreadable texture. As it ages, the cheese becomes firmer without hardening, and the flavour becomes more creamy and nutty. Aged variants of goat cheese have different coatings, such as natural or waxed rinds, or fluffy jackets similar to Camembert or Brie.
Goat cheese can be white, coated with ash or herbs, or wrapped in grape leaves. It can also be blue, with a sharp aroma and creamy texture, or brown, such as the Norwegian cheese Brunost. Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in salads, sandwiches, appetizers, and even desserts.
The tang of goat's milk softens as it matures, taking on hints of rural mushroom and rich cream. This maturation process allows other flavours to stand out, making goat cheese a great pairing for honey, sliced pear, and walnuts.
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It is called Chèvre in French
Goat cheese, or goat's cheese, is a cheese made from goat's milk. It is called "Chèvre" in French, which means ""she-goat"" (a male goat is called a "bouc"). The word "Chèvre" comes from the French "fromage de chèvre", which means "cheese from goat". The Latin root of "chèvre" is "capra", which is where the characteristic fatty acid in goat cheese, capric acid, gets its name.
Goat cheese has been made for at least 5,000 years, with the first documented proof of humans making cheese of any kind dating back 7,500 years in Poland. Goat cheese is made in a similar way to other cheeses, but the milk is first filtered to remove impurities. A curdling agent is then added, which can be rennet or a starter bacteria. The cheese is then moulded and separated from the whey. The curds are moulded, dried, flavoured, and cured. Goat cheese can be made with fresh or aged milk, and its flavour and texture vary from soft and creamy to hard and crumbly.
France produces a great number of goat milk cheeses, especially in the Loire Valley and Poitou. Chèvre is a soft, creamy, melt-in-mouth cheese that can have a fruity taste to it. It is usually covered in a light-coloured rind or skin and is not aged for very long. It is sometimes served hot as "chèvre chaud".
Goats were among the first animals to be domesticated for food production, and they produce high-quality, nutrient-rich milk even in difficult environments. Goat milk is heavily influenced by what the goats eat, and because goats have hardy digestive systems, they tend to eat many bitter plants that more delicate animals such as cows and horses will not. Goat milk has higher proportions of capric acid, which gives goat cheese its characteristic tart/"goaty" flavour, and makes it more easily digestible. Goat milk and cheese are also high in calcium, vitamins A and K, phosphorus, thiamin, and niacin.
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Goat cheese is low in fat and a lighter alternative to other cheeses
Goat cheese is a popular alternative to cheese made from cow's milk. It is made from goat's milk and is available in soft and hard forms. Goat cheese is a good source of selenium, an essential trace mineral more often found in seafood. Selenium helps the body break down DNA-damaging peroxides, which can lower the risk of developing conditions like cancer, thyroid disease, and cardiovascular disease.
Goat cheese is also a great source of calcium, which is important for building and strengthening bones and teeth, as well as protecting against diseases. It is also rich in vitamin D, vitamin K, and B vitamins like thiamine, niacin, and riboflavin. Riboflavin, in particular, is essential for promoting tissue health and the production and functioning of new cells.
In addition to its nutritional benefits, goat cheese is also lower in fat and calories than other types of cheese. It contains less fat than regular cheese, with just a little more than half the amount of fat found in other cheeses. For example, replacing cheddar with goat cheese can reduce your calorie intake by 200-300 calories. Goat cheese is also lower in sodium, with less than half the amount found in regular cheese.
Goat cheese has a mild and earthy flavor and is easier to digest than cheese made from cow's milk. It can be used in place of cow's milk cheese in most recipes and can be found in most supermarkets or health food stores. Overall, goat cheese is a healthy and delicious alternative to other types of cheese, offering a lighter option for those looking to reduce their fat and calorie intake.
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Goat cheese is versatile and can be used in salads, sandwiches, appetisers, and desserts
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, sandwiches, appetisers, and even desserts.
Salads
Goat cheese is a popular ingredient in salads, adding a creamy texture and a tangy flavour. A simple goat cheese salad can be made by tossing crisp green leaf lettuce in a red wine vinaigrette, along with cranberry-covered goat cheese, sliced shallots, and cucumbers. For added flavour and texture, some recipes suggest using arugula or micro greens. If you can't find cranberry goat cheese, you can use regular goat cheese and add dried sweetened cranberries to the salad.
Sandwiches
Grilled goat cheese sandwiches are a delicious and easy-to-make vegetarian option for lunch or dinner. This sandwich typically combines multiple cheeses, including goat cheese, with pesto, arugula, and tomatoes. You can also add meat or other vegetables to customise the sandwich to your liking. Sourdough, multigrain, French bread, or whole wheat are good bread choices for this sandwich, as long as the bread is good quality and not too thin.
Appetisers
Goat cheese also makes a great appetiser when served with a cheese spreader and a basket of crackers or baguette slices. To prepare this appetiser, you can top a goat cheese log with a garlic-herb dressing. Score the cheese lengthwise and crosswise to allow the dressing to sink in, and then serve it with crackers or sliced baguette. This appetiser can be prepared in advance and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Desserts
Goat cheese can even be used in desserts, such as goat cheese puddings. To make this dessert, you blend custard with goat cheese, butter, lemon juice, and salt until smooth. Then, pour the mixture into ramekins and refrigerate until chilled. Top with raspberries and a drizzle of honey before serving.
With its distinct flavour and creamy texture, goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can enhance a variety of dishes, from savoury salads and sandwiches to appetisers and sweet desserts.
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Frequently asked questions
Goat cheese, also known as goat's cheese or chèvre, is a type of cheese made from goat's milk.
Goat cheese has a tangy, earthy flavor and a soft, crumbly texture. As it ages, goat cheese becomes firmer and develops hints of hazelnut and dried herbs.
Examples of goat cheese include Chevre, Yagi cheese, Harbourne Blue, and Snøfrisk.
You can buy goat cheese at specialty cheese shops or online.
