Bushra Griffith
Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, is a popular cheese made from goat's milk. It is known for its tangy, grassy, and floral flavour profile, and its soft, creamy, and spreadable texture. With its growing popularity, several brands have emerged as top contenders for the best goat cheese. This includes Laura Chenel, which offers both plain and flavoured goat cheeses, and Drunken Goat, a wine-soaked goat cheese from Spain. Trader Joe's is also a popular choice for its creamy chevre goat cheese and affordable goat's milk Brie. Other notable mentions include Queso de Murcia al Vino, Humbolt Fog, and Alouette. With its versatility in flavours and textures, goat cheese has become a favourite among cheese enthusiasts, adding a tangy twist to any dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flavour | Tangy, grassy, floral, salty, savoury, sweet, herbaceous, truffle, lavender, fennel, fruity, nutty, cooked milk, lemon, sweet cream, buttery, mellow |
| Texture | Soft, creamy, crumbly, spreadable, semi-soft, firm, smushable, pliant, sticky, runny |
| Colour | White |
| Brand | Laura Chenel, Trader Joe's, Queso de Murcia al Vino, Drunken Goat, Woolwich, Chevre D'Argental, Humbolt Fog |
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What You'll Learn
Flavoured goat's cheese: from sweet to savoury, or herbaceous?
Goat cheese is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of sweet and savoury dishes. Its complex tang and creamy texture make it a perfect addition to appetizers, salads, omelettes, and even desserts.
When it comes to flavoured goat cheese, the possibilities are endless. You can coat or mix soft, fresh goat cheese with various toppings and flavour combinations. Here are some ideas for flavoured goat cheese logs that you can easily make at home:
- Toasted walnuts and honey: This classic combination is a perfect crowd-pleaser and can be served as a simple party appetizer or on a cheeseboard.
- Lemon zest and cracked pepper: This pairing adds a tangy and peppery kick to your goat cheese, making it a refreshing option.
- Strawberry rosemary sea salt: The sweetness of strawberries combined with the aromatic rosemary and sea salt creates a unique and savoury flavour profile.
- Dried fruit and nuts: Think cranberry-pecan, cranberry-walnut, or pistachio-cranberries with dried cranberries and plain, toasted, or candied nuts. This combination is especially festive during the holidays.
- Herbs and spices: Any combination of garlic, fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, tarragon, rosemary, or basil), and Italian herbs will make a great year-round choice.
Additionally, here are some creative ways to incorporate flavoured goat cheese into your dishes:
- Grilled plum and balsamic reduction: Grill ripe plums, then dress them with a balsamic reduction and tangy goat cheese for a simple yet elegant treat.
- Goat cheese and chicken skillet: Surprise your family or guests with a hearty meal that combines goat cheese and chicken.
- Brussels sprouts with garlic and goat cheese: Smother Brussels sprouts with garlic and goat cheese for a delicious side dish or a healthy lunch option.
- Baked goat cheese salad: Bread some goat cheese for a crisp exterior and bake it into a salad for a combination of textures and flavours.
- Cheesecake with goat cheese: Upgrade your traditional cheesecake by adding goat cheese and pairing it with fresh berries for a uniquely tangy and creamy dessert.
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Chevre: what is it, and how does it differ from other goat's cheeses?
Chevre, or chèvre in French, is a type of goat cheese made from goat's milk. Chevre is commonly used to describe various goat cheeses, from fresh and creamy varieties to aged and crumbly ones. The term "chèvre" means "goat" in French. Chevre is typically soft, spreadable, and has a mild, tangy taste. It is often found in logs or small rounds and may be rolled in herbs, spices, or other coatings. As it ages, chèvre can develop a more complex flavour and a firmer, crumbly texture.
Goat cheese, or goat's cheese, is a general term for cheese made from goat's milk. It can be made in a variety of recipes, resulting in different styles of cheeses, from fresh and soft to aged and hard. Goat cheese is produced around the world, and goats were among the first animals to be domesticated for food production.
So, what's the difference between chevre and other goat cheeses? Chevre is specifically a type of goat cheese that is typically fresh, soft, and spreadable, with a mild, tangy flavour. Other goat cheeses can include aged, crumbly, or hard varieties with more complex flavours and textures. Chevre is often sold in logs or small rounds, while other goat cheeses may come in different shapes and sizes.
Some examples of chevre include Trader Joe's chevre goat cheese, described as very creamy with a grassy sweetness, and Laura Chenel, which is known for its smooth texture and bright flavour.
Other types of goat cheese include Drunken Goat, a semi-soft Spanish cheese bathed in red wine, and Humboldt Fog, a mould-ripened goat cheese with a line of edible white ash produced in California.
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The best brands: Laura Chenel, Drunken Goat, and more
When it comes to goat cheese, there are several brands that stand out for their exceptional quality and flavour. Here are some of the best brands to consider:
Laura Chenel
Laura Chenel is widely recognised as one of the top goat cheese brands. They offer both plain and flavoured goat cheeses, all of which are known for their impeccable flavour and texture. Their plain goat cheese is deliciously tangy and peppery, while their flavoured varieties, such as the Marinated Thyme & Rosemary, showcase unique and delectable combinations. The smooth texture and bright flavour of Laura Chenel's goat cheese have made it a favourite among cheese enthusiasts.
Drunken Goat
Drunken Goat, or Queso de Murcia al Vino, is a distinctive goat cheese from Spain. It gets its name from being bathed in red wine, which gives it a bright, fruity flavour. The wine washing process enhances the cheese's earthiness, resulting in a unique blend of sweet and savoury notes. Drunken Goat has a smushable, pliant texture and retains the soft, powdery flavour of goat milk. It is a popular choice for those looking for a fruity and approachable goat cheese.
Trader Joe's
Trader Joe's is a well-known retailer that offers a variety of goat cheeses, including chevre and goat's milk Brie. Their chevre is praised for its creaminess and subtle tang, pairing perfectly with honey or fruit. Trader Joe's goat cheese is versatile and can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a recipe, such as a veggie sandwich or a cheese course with a lightly dressed salad.
Humbolt Fog
For those seeking a harder goat's milk cheese, Humbolt Fog is an excellent choice. It is similar to Parmesan, with a firm texture and a crystalline structure. Humbolt Fog offers a more intense, savoury experience that is perfect for those who enjoy complex flavours. It is a popular option for cheese plates and can be found at many grocery stores.
Alouette
Alouette stands out for its herbaceous goat cheese. This cheese is rolled in a mix of parsley, dill, chives, tarragon, and basil, resulting in an intensely savoury flavour profile. The cheese itself is mildly tangy and creamy, making it perfect for spreading on a burger or lamb burger bun. Alouette's herbaceous goat cheese is a unique and tasty addition to any charcuterie board.
These brands represent some of the finest options in the world of goat cheese, each offering its own distinct flavours, textures, and characteristics that are sure to delight cheese connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.
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How to spot a good goat's cheese: texture, colour, and taste
Goat cheese, or chèvre, is known for its tangy, grassy, and floral flavour profile. It is also characterised by its white colour and creamy texture. When shopping for goat cheese, it is important to look for certain indicators of quality and freshness.
Firstly, examine the texture of the cheese. Goat cheese should be soft, creamy, and spreadable, rather than dry. Even crumbly goat cheese should have some creaminess to it. If the cheese has a slimy, greasy, or rubbery texture, it has likely gone bad.
Next, consider the colour of the cheese. Goat cheese is naturally white due to the absence of beta-carotene in goats' diets. If the cheese has turned yellowish or brownish, it may be a sign of spoilage. However, added ingredients or oxidation during maturation can also affect the colour of the cheese.
Finally, use your sense of smell and taste to evaluate the cheese. Fresh goat cheese should have a tangy, grassy, and floral aroma and flavour. If the cheese smells sour, pungent, or ammoniated, it has likely gone bad. A bitter, acidic, or unpleasantly sour taste is also an indicator of spoilage.
Some popular brands of goat cheese include Laura Chenel, Trader Joe's, and Humbolt Fog. When choosing a brand, consider factors such as texture, flavour, and how you plan to use the cheese. For example, a creamy and tangy goat cheese may be ideal for spreading on toast or crackers, while a more savoury and salty option could be perfect for adding to a sandwich or burger.
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Goat's cheese at the grocery store: what to expect
Goats cheese at the grocery store: what to expect
Goat cheese, or chèvre, is a popular cheese made from goat's milk. It is known for its tangy, grassy, and floral flavour profile, and can be either soft and spreadable or crumbly in texture. When shopping for goat cheese at a grocery store, you can expect to find a variety of brands, flavours, and textures. Here's what to look out for:
Brands
There are several brands of goat cheese available at grocery stores. Some popular options include Laura Chenel, which is known for its smooth texture and bright flavour, and Trader Joe's, which offers a creamy and tangy chevre. Other brands to look out for include Drunken Goat, a Spanish cheese soaked in red wine, and Humbolt Fog, a hard goat's milk cheese similar to Parmesan.
Flavours
Goat cheese comes in a wide range of flavours, from sweet to herbaceous to savoury. Some unique flavours you might find include lavender, blueberry, honey, and truffle. You can also find more subtle flavours, such as nutty and cooked milk notes in aged, firm cheeses. If you're looking for a more intense experience, fresh chèvre is a good option.
Textures
The texture of goat cheese can vary depending on the type and brand. Soft goat cheese should be creamy and spreadable, while still retaining some crumbly texture. Aged and firm goat cheeses tend to have a more pliant and smushable texture.
Uses
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be spread on toast or crackers, added to salads, or used as a topping for burgers or lamb burgers. It can also be dressed up as simple party appetizers or added to a cheese board or charcuterie plate.
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Frequently asked questions
Trader Joe's Chevre Goat Cheese is a good option for chevre. It's creamy with a touch of tang and a grassy sweetness.
Laura Chenel makes one of the best plain goat cheeses. It's deliciously tangy and wonderfully peppery.
Sporked recommends a flavoured goat cheese that tastes like mango lassi with a fruity habanero kick.
Ferme Chevre is a classic French goat cheese that is mould-ripened with a white, soft and bloomy rind. Another option is Dazel Ash, a springtime cheese with an edible ash coating.
Ferme Chevre is a good option for grilling as it has a crumbly interior that gradually develops into a velvety soft creamy cheese.
