Cheese Celebration In August: What's The Special Type?

August is a month of celebrations, observances, and awareness days. While there are no federal holidays, there are many daily, weekly, and monthly celebrations. One of these is National Goat Cheese Month, a time to appreciate and indulge in the many varieties of goat cheese. From tangy and savoury to sweet and creamy, goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in many dishes. So, get ready to celebrate and explore the world of goat cheese this August!

Goat cheese recipes

August is National Goat Cheese Month, and there are plenty of recipes to celebrate!

Baked Goat Cheese

This is an easy, impromptu appetiser that can be served with toasted slices of sourdough bread, pita chips, or toasted pita wedges. For a gluten-free option, serve with sturdy crackers or carrots.

To make this, you'll need to blend goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a food processor. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and drizzle with honey. Bake for 13-15 minutes, then leave to cool for five minutes before serving.

Goat Cheese with Carrots and Beet Horseradish on Toast

A simple, tasty combination.

Fig, Pepita and Goat Cheese Crostini

A tasty snack or appetiser.

Rigatoni with Sausage, Spinach, and Goat Cheese

A hearty meal with goat cheese, perfect for a cold August evening.

Warm Goat Cheese in Phyllo

Creamy goat cheese wrapped in delicate phyllo dough and baked to flaky perfection.

Zucchini and Goat Cheese Tart

A tasty, summery tart using zucchini and goat cheese.

Onion and Goat Cheese Tartlets

Pastry shells stuffed with a creamy, caramelized onion and goat cheese mixture.

Spinach and Goat Cheese Quiche

A delicious, easy-to-make quiche with spinach and goat cheese. Sprinkle in some extra veggies like diced tomatoes or onions, and add some bacon for a heartier meal.

Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes

A creamy, indulgent side dish.

Goat Cheese Grits with Thyme

A savoury, flavourful dish.

Steak and Goat Cheese Salad with Cranberries

A fresh, tangy salad with a sweet twist.

Grilled Chicken Breast with Italian Seasoning, Sun-dried Tomatoes, and Goat Cheese

A tasty, Italian-inspired dish.

Goat Cheese Cheesecake

A tangy twist on a classic dessert.

Broccoli Soup with Goat Cheese

A creamy, comforting soup with a generous helping of goat cheese.

Pasta with Goat Cheese

This recipe combines goat cheese with shallots, chives, dill, parsley, cherry tomatoes, and spinach for a fresh, flavourful dish.

These recipes are a great way to celebrate National Goat Cheese Month and enjoy the creamy, tangy flavour of goat cheese in a variety of dishes.

Goat cheese history

National Goat Cheese Month is celebrated in August. Goat cheese, or Chèvre, is a cheese made from goat's milk. Goats were among the first animals to be domesticated for food production, as far back as 8,000 BC. Goat cheese has been made for at least 5,000 years, with the first documented proof of humans making cheese of any kind dating to 7,500 years ago in Poland.

Goats produce high-quality, nutrient-rich milk, even in difficult environments, making them valuable in areas where cattle and sheep cannot survive. Goat milk has higher proportions of medium-chain fatty acids, such as caproic and caprylic acids, which contribute to the characteristic "goat" flavor of the cheese. These fatty acids take their name from the Latin for "goat", "capra". Goat milk and cheese contain anti-inflammatory enzymes, probiotics, antioxidants, proteins, and lipids, and they help maintain a healthy metabolism.

Goat cheese was enjoyed by the Romans in the first century BC, either raw or cooked with olive oil and white wine. They also invented the press, which perfected draining, a technique that was exported as far as Great Britain. By 77 BC, the manufacturing of goat cheese had been sufficiently mastered to produce no fewer than 13 varieties. In the Middle Ages, goat cheese had become so popular that it was used as currency by pilgrims along the routes leading to Santiago de Compostela.

In the 1980s, Spain's political rebirth ushered in an era of experimentation and innovation in goat cheese-making. Today, Spain produces goat cheeses such as Queso de Murcia al Vino, Garrotxa, Monte Enebro, and Majorero.

French know-how in goat cheese-making is recognized worldwide, and France is the leading European manufacturer of cheeses made with goat milk. 14 goat cheeses from France earned the European Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) label, including Sainte-Maure de Touraine, Chabichou du Poitou, Pouligny-Saint-Pierre, and Selles-sur-Cher.

Goat cheese alternatives

August is a month of celebrations, from National Girlfriend's Day to International Cat Day. But for cheese lovers, August is also National Goat Cheese Month.

If you're looking to join in on the festivities but aren't a fan of goat cheese, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from. Here are some suggestions for goat cheese substitutes:

Dairy Options:

• Feta cheese has a similar texture to goat cheese—crumbly yet soft. It also has a tangy flavour, although it is saltier than goat cheese, so you may want to use less seasoning in your dish.
• Cream cheese is a good option if you're looking for something with a smooth, creamy texture. It has a mildly tangy flavour and works well in both hot and cold recipes.
• Labneh, a type of yogurt cheese from the Mediterranean, is impossibly soft and rich, with a smooth texture similar to goat cheese. It has a milder flavour, so you may want to add a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice to bring out more tanginess.
• Fromage blanc, which translates to "white cheese" from French, is a simple, pure ingredient from northern France and Belgium. It is a bit creamier than goat cheese but has a similar flavour profile.
• Cotija, a Mexican cheese made from cow's milk, is a white, crumbly cheese often used as a topping or added to sauces. It works well as a substitute in recipes that call for a crumbly texture, such as garnishes or toppings for salads or savory dishes.
• Blue cheese has a similar texture to goat cheese but differs in flavour with its distinct sharpness. It is best suited for savory dishes, and you may want to use slightly smaller amounts due to its stronger flavour.
• Camembert has a similar tangy and earthy taste to goat cheese. It works well in hot dishes where a cheesy melt is desired, such as pasta or pizza.
• Ricotta is a great substitute if you're looking for something with a comparable creaminess and texture to goat cheese. Its low-fat nature is also a bonus if you're on a restricted diet.
• Queso añejo, or "aged cheese" in English, is a Mexican goat cheese alternative that replicates the tangy flavour of goat cheese. However, its texture is noticeably harder and drier than fresh goat cheese.
• Parmesan is a good substitute for aged goat cheese, as it has an acidic and tangy taste with a crumbly texture. It works well as a garnish for salads or in dishes like green spaghetti, where it adds a welcome umami flavour.

Non-Dairy Options:

• A handful of olives can provide a salty burst of flavour similar to goat cheese.
• Roasted almonds or other nuts like pine nuts, pistachios, macadamias, or cashews will add texture and flavour to your dish.
• Hummus can provide a similar tang and substance to goat cheese, especially in dips, sandwiches, or wraps.
• Avocado can add creamy goodness and substance to your dish. Adding a squeeze of lemon or lime will bring you even closer to the tangy flavour of goat cheese.
• Sun-dried tomatoes are bursting with flavour and will add a touch of sweetness to your dish.
• A squeeze of lemon or some diced lemon flesh will make up for the tanginess that goat cheese typically provides.

Goat cheese and wine pairings

August is a month of celebrations, from National Girlfriend's Day to International Cat Day. But for cheese lovers, August is all about goat cheese. National Goat Cheese Month is a time to indulge in this tangy, creamy, and versatile cheese. And what better way to elevate your goat cheese experience than by pairing it with the perfect wine? Here are some tips and suggestions for creating harmonious pairings that will delight your taste buds.

The Classic Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc

Goat cheese and Sauvignon Blanc are a match made in heaven. The bright acidity of Sauvignon Blanc beautifully complements the natural punchiness of goat cheese, resulting in a refreshing and rejuvenating pairing. When it comes to regions, look for Touraine, Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, or Saint Bris from the Loire Valley, the birthplace of goat cheese. If you want to stay true to the classic combination, opt for a Sancerre and a Crottin de Chavignol.

Exploring Other Whites

While Sauvignon Blanc is the go-to choice, other white wines can also shine when paired with goat cheese. Chenin Blanc, the Loire Valley's most widely grown white grape, offers an excellent alternative. Seek out labels like Vouvray or Touraine for standout examples. For a Spanish twist, try Albariño, known for its vibrant citrus flavor and tart acidity, which brilliantly contrasts the creamy textures of fresh goat cheese. Unoaked Chardonnay, such as a Chablis of Macon-Villages, also pairs well with complex, aged goat cheese, as its light effervescence contrasts the robust, mature flavors.

Red Wine Options

If you prefer red wine, don't fret! Goat cheese is versatile enough to accommodate reds as well. Cabernet Franc, a lighter-style red from the Loire Valley with herbaceous notes and tart acidity, is an excellent choice. For a fruity contrast to the gamier rinds of goat cheese, Beaujolais Nouveau is a great option. Cool-climate reds like Gamay, Malbec, Merlot, and Syrah are also safe bets, with their higher acidity and delicate flavors.

Beyond the Basics

Feeling adventurous? Explore the diverse world of goat cheese and wine pairings beyond the standard chèvre log. For creamy and spreadable goat cheese, try Crémant de Loire sparklers made with Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir. Goat cheddar cries out for an earthy Pinot Noir, while goat gouda demands a delicate touch with a cool-climate Syrah. Herbed chèvre finds its match in Vermentino, a surprisingly complex and affordable alternative to Sauvignon Blanc. And for blue goat cheese, why not embrace the funk with a natural wine?

Regional Pairings

Remember, when in doubt, think regionally. Goat cheese loves wines from its own backyard. So, if you're enjoying a Loire Valley goat cheese, why not pair it with a wine from the same region? This showcases the unique regional complexities that emerge from the land's influence on both the goat's milk and the grapes.

Goat cheese and mental health

August is a month of celebrations, from International Cat Day to National Lighthouse Day. But did you know that August is also National Goat Cheese Month?

Goat cheese, or chèvre, is a versatile and nutritious dairy product with a wide range of health benefits. It is packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, and its unique composition offers some advantages over cow's milk cheese. Here are some ways in which goat cheese can positively impact your mental health:

Improved Digestion

Goat cheese is easier to digest than cow's milk cheese due to its different protein structure and lower levels of lactose. Many people with lactose intolerance find that goat milk products, including cheese, are gentler on their digestive system. This can help alleviate symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, gas, and diarrhea associated with lactose intolerance.

Reduced Inflammation

Goat's milk contains capric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that capric acid is effective in combating P. acnes, a type of bacteria that contributes to acne development by increasing inflammation. Additionally, goat's milk products have been found to reduce inflammation in the body compared to donkey milk.

Enhanced Satiety

Goat cheese contains a unique fatty acid profile, including high amounts of short- and medium-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids are rapidly digested, providing an immediate source of energy and increasing feelings of fullness. This can help reduce hunger and promote weight loss, as supported by a study where participants who consumed a goat milk-based breakfast with goat cheese reported decreased hunger compared to a cow's milk-based meal.

Boosted Immunity

Goat cheese is a rich source of beneficial probiotics, which are friendly bacteria that promote digestive health, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity. The high-fat content and hard texture of cheese protect these probiotics during digestion, allowing them to reach the gut and contribute to a healthier intestinal environment.

Mental Health Benefits of Nutrients

Goat cheese contains several essential nutrients, including calcium, phosphorus, copper, selenium, magnesium, and vitamins A, B2, and B3. These nutrients have wide-ranging benefits for mental health. For example, calcium helps build strong bones and may protect against cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Selenium, found more often in seafood, helps break down DNA-damaging peroxides, reducing the risk of cancer, thyroid disease, and cardiovascular disease.

In conclusion, incorporating goat cheese into your diet during National Goat Cheese Month can offer numerous benefits for both your physical and mental health. Its unique nutritional profile and ease of digestion make it a delicious and healthy addition to sweet and savory dishes alike.

Frequently asked questions