Bushra Griffith
Goat's cheese curd is a versatile, fresh, light cheese with a milky flavour and silky texture. It is made from goat's milk, which is high in fat, and is usually eaten young. Goat's cheese is made in a similar way to other cheeses, with the milk being filtered and a curdling agent added, such as rennet or starter bacteria. The curds are then moulded, dried, flavoured and cured. Goat's cheese curd is a popular ingredient for chefs, who use it in salads, tarts, cakes and ice cream.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Moist, silky |
| Flavor | Milky |
| pH | 4.60 |
| Rennet | A small quantity may be used |
| Molding | Can be molded but is usually drained through cloth |
| Salt | Salted (but not always) |
| Storage | Below 8°C to prevent the growth of yeasts and molds |
| Uses | Salads, tarts, cakes, ice cream, canapes, yogurt substitute in dessert recipes, cheese board, dip, dressing, smear on crusty toast |
| Ingredients | Farmstead Goat Milk, Salt, Rennet, & Culture |
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What You'll Learn
Goat's cheese curd is a versatile cheese
Goat's cheese curd is a favourite among chefs due to its versatility in a range of dishes, from savoury to sweet. It can be used in salads, tarts, cakes, and even ice cream. Its mild flavour and creamy texture make it a perfect base for other ingredients, such as turmeric, beetroot powder, lemon, olive oil, or chilli flakes. It can be smeared on blinis or toast, used as a dip, or added to roast vegetables.
The cheese is typically stored below 8°C to prevent the growth of yeast and mould, ensuring its freshness and quality. It should be consumed within two weeks of opening to guarantee the best taste and texture.
Goat's cheese curd is a great option for those who want a versatile and delicious cheese to keep in their fridge. It can be used as a simple snack or as an ingredient in more complex dishes, making it a handy staple for any kitchen. Its mild flavour and creamy texture make it a crowd-pleaser, perfect for canapes or a cheese board.
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It's made from goat's milk
Goat's cheese curd is made from goat's milk. It is a fresh, light, and versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and tarts to cakes and ice cream. Goat's milk is high in fat, which makes it ideal for creating creamy curd. The process of making goat's cheese curd involves acidifying the milk over several hours until it reaches a pH of around 4.60, forming a loose, high-moisture curd. A small quantity of rennet may also be used in this process.
The curd can be moulded but is typically drained through cloth, salted (optional), and packed in tubs. It is then stored below 8°C to prevent the growth of yeasts and moulds. Goat's cheese curd has a moist and fresh texture with a mild, milky flavour. It is often used as a spread or dip and can be paired with a variety of ingredients, such as lemon, olive oil, chilli flakes, or beetroot powder.
Goat's cheese curd is a popular ingredient for chefs due to its versatility and fresh, lively palate. It can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. For example, it can be smeared on blinis or crusty toast, topped with vegetables, or used as a yoghurt substitute in dessert recipes like pannacotta. Goat's cheese curd also works well in salads, adding a creamy and mild flavour to the dish.
The mild flavour and creamy texture of goat's cheese curd make it a versatile ingredient that can enhance the taste of other components in a dish without overwhelming them. It is a staple item to keep in the fridge, offering endless possibilities for cooking, spreading, and dipping. Whether used as a simple snack or a sophisticated canape, goat's cheese curd made from goat's milk is a delicious and versatile option.
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It's a fresh, young cheese
Goat cheese curd is a fresh and youthful cheese with a soft, creamy texture and a mild, tangy flavor. It is typically made from goat's milk that has been pasteurized and then allowed to curdle and separate into curds and whey. The curds are then drained and gently pressed to form a soft, cohesive mass. This cheese is often enjoyed as a spread or used as an ingredient in various dishes, particularly those featuring summer vegetables or salads. One of its key characteristics is its freshness, and it is meant to be consumed soon after production for the best experience.
Being a young cheese, it hasn't undergone any aging or ripening processes, which gives it a very different character from more mature goat cheeses. Young cheeses are made to be enjoyed immediately and are not designed for long-term storage or aging. They are usually milder in flavor, with a softer, more delicate texture, and their production process is faster and simpler than that of aged cheeses. This freshness and simplicity are key attributes that make goat cheese curd so appealing to many consumers.
The mild tang and creamy texture of this cheese are a result of its short production time and lack of aging. Without the aging process that harder, more mature cheeses undergo, young cheeses like this retain a gentle acidity and a smooth, spreadable consistency. They are not designed to develop complex flavors or hard, crumbly textures, but rather to showcase the pure, fresh taste of goat's milk. This makes them extremely versatile in the kitchen, as they can be used in a wide variety of recipes without overwhelming other ingredients.
Goat cheese curd is an excellent choice for those who appreciate mild, fresh cheeses. It pairs well with sweet and savory flavors alike, making it a versatile ingredient for cooking and baking. Try spreading it on crackers or bread, using it as a topping for pizzas or flatbreads, or even incorporating it into dips or fillings for a unique twist on classic recipes. Its soft, creamy texture and subtle tang will elevate any dish without overpowering the other flavors present.
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It's a staple for all fridges
Goat's cheese curd is a versatile staple that deserves a place in every fridge. This fresh, light cheese is made from goat's milk and is crafted to be eaten young. It has a moist, silky texture and a mild, milky flavour. The high fat content of goat's milk makes it ideal for creating a creamy curd.
Goat's cheese curd is a chef's favourite, providing a fresh and lively palate for cooking, dipping and spreading. It can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes, from salads and tarts to cakes and ice cream. For a simple, yet effective canape, mix the curd with turmeric or beetroot powder, or keep it classic with lemon, olive oil and chilli flakes. It can also be used as a yoghurt substitute in desserts, such as pannacotta, or as a dip with crusty bread and toppings.
The cheese-making process involves acidifying the milk over several hours until it reaches a pH of around 4.60, forming a loose, high-moisture curd. A small amount of rennet may be used in this process. The curd is then usually drained through cloth, salted and packed into tubs. To preserve the quality of the cheese, it should be stored below 8°C to prevent the growth of yeast and mould.
Goat's cheese curd is a delightful, versatile cheese that can elevate any dish. Its mild flavour and creamy texture make it a perfect addition to your fridge, ready to be used in your next culinary creation.
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It's used in sweet and savoury dishes
Goat's cheese curd is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of sweet and savoury dishes. Its fresh and milky flavour, silky texture, and high fat content make it a favourite among chefs and home cooks alike.
On the savoury side, goat's cheese curd can be used as a spread on blinis or crusty toast, or as a topping for salads, roast vegetables, and french fries. It can also be mixed with ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, and chilli flakes to create a simple yet tasty dip for bread or vegetables. For something more substantial, the curd can be smeared on toast and topped with tomatoes and salt or bananas and honey for a sweet and savoury breakfast or brunch option.
When it comes to sweet dishes, goat's cheese curd can be used as a yoghurt substitute in desserts like pannacotta or even ice cream. It can also be used in baking, adding a creamy and tangy flavour to cakes and other treats. Its versatility means it can be paired with a variety of drinks, from local pale ales to wine or even coffee.
Goat's cheese curd is typically made by acidifying goat's milk over several hours until it reaches a pH of around 4.60 and forms a loose, high-moisture curd. A small quantity of rennet may also be used in the process. The curd is then usually drained through cloth, salted, and packed in tubs. To maintain its freshness and prevent the growth of moulds, it should be stored below 8°C.
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Frequently asked questions
Goat's cheese curd is a type of cheese made from goat's milk. It is a fresh, light, and moist cheese with a milky flavour and silky texture.
Goat's cheese curd is made by first filtering the goat's milk to remove impurities. A curdling agent is then added, such as rennet or starter bacteria, which affects the curd's size and the cheese's consistency. The cheese is then separated from the whey and moulded, dried, flavoured, and cured.
Goat's cheese curd has a milky flavour and a silky texture. It is typically eaten very young and is moist and fresh.
Goat's cheese curd is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be mixed with spices or kept simple with a squeeze of lemon and olive oil. It can be used in salads, tarts, cakes, or even ice cream.
