Patrick Oconnell
Goat cheese has a long history, with evidence of its existence dating back to 5,000 BC in Egypt. It is believed that goats were one of the first animals to be domesticated, around 9,000 years ago in what is now Iran, and the first cheeses were likely made from their milk. Goat cheese has long been considered peasant food, and while there is little documented evidence of its production in the UK, it almost certainly existed due to the large number of goats being milked.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First made | At least 5,000 BC |
| First made in the UK | Likely, but little documented evidence |
| First made in France | 8th century AD |
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese has been made for at least 7,000 years
Goat cheese has long been considered peasant food, and it is likely that goat cheese was made in the UK, even though there is little documented evidence. Goats produce less milk than other animals, and were often kept just for the household. The little goat cheese that was made would have been consumed by the family and not sold.
In the 8th century AD, the Moors brought goats to the Loire Valley, where French goat cheeses, or chèvres, were first made. Chèvre simply means 'goat' in French. India is the biggest goat cheese-making country by volume in the world, and pretty much all domesticated breeds of goat originate from the Middle East.
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Goats were first domesticated 9,000 years ago in Iran
Goats were first domesticated around 9,000 years ago in what is now Iran. 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. Goat cheese was first made in the Loire Valley in the 8th century AD when the Moors brought goats to the region. French goat cheeses are known as chèvres, which simply means 'goat' in French. Goat milk has higher proportions of medium-chain fatty acids, such as caproic and caprylic, which contribute to the characteristic tart/"goat" flavour of the cheese. These fatty acids take their name from the Latin for 'goat', capra. Goat milk and cheese are also high in calcium, vitamins A and K, phosphorus, thiamin, and niacin. They contain anti-inflammatory enzymes, probiotics, antioxidants, proteins, and lipids, and help maintain a healthy metabolism. Goat cheese has long been considered peasant's fare, and to this day goats are often the primary source of milk and cheese in rural communities throughout the world. India is the biggest goat cheese-making country by volume in the world, and pretty much all domesticated breeds of goat originate from the Middle East.
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Goat cheese was first made in the UK, but there is little evidence
Goat cheese has been made for at least 7,000 years, with the first documented proof of humans making cheese of any kind dating to 7,500 years ago in Poland. Goats are thought to be the first animal to be domesticated, around 9,000 years ago in what is now Iran, and the first cheeses to be made were from their milk. Cheese made from goat's milk has been found in Egypt from as far back as 5,000 years ago, and there was even some in Tutankhamun's tomb.
Although there is little documented evidence that goat's cheese was made in the UK, it almost certainly was, because of the sheer number of goats being milked. The reason for the lack of record is probably because goats produce less milk and were often kept just for the household. There was little surplus milk to turn into cheese, and what little goat's cheese was made would most likely have been consumed by the family and not sold. In the 8th century AD, the Moors brought goats to the Loire Valley where French goat cheeses, or chèvres, were first made.
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Goat cheese was first made in France in the 8th century
Goat cheese has been considered peasant food due to its ease of making and the fact that goats were often kept just for the household. There was little surplus milk to turn into cheese, and what was made was likely consumed by the family.
Goats are still the primary source of milk and cheese in rural communities around the world, with India being the biggest goat cheese-making country by volume. All domesticated breeds of goat originate from the Middle East.
Goat milk has higher proportions of medium-chain fatty acids, such as caproic and caprylic, which contribute to the characteristic tart/"goat" flavour of the cheese. These fatty acids take their name from the Latin for 'goat', capra. Goat milk and cheese are also more easily digestible and contain anti-inflammatory enzymes, probiotics, antioxidants, proteins, and lipids, which help maintain a healthy metabolism. They are also high in calcium, vitamins A and K, phosphorus, thiamin, and niacin.
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Goat cheese was found in Tutankhamun's tomb
Goat cheese has been made for at least 7,000 years, with the first documented proof of humans making cheese of any kind dating to 7,500 years ago in Poland. Goats are thought to be the first animal ever domesticated, around 9,000 years ago in what is now Iran, and the first cheeses to be made were from their milk. Goat cheese was found in Tutankhamun's tomb, and is believed to be 3,200 years old. It was made from a mixture of cow, sheep and goat's milk.
Goat cheese has long been considered peasant's fare, due to the ease of making it. In the 8th century AD, the Moors brought goats to the Loire Valley, where French goat cheeses, or chèvres, were first made. Chèvre simply means goat in French. Goats are often the primary source of milk and cheese in rural communities throughout the world, and India is the biggest goat cheese-making country by volume.
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Frequently asked questions
Goat cheese has been made for at least 7,000 years, with the first documented proof of any kind of cheese being made 7,500 years ago in Poland.
Goat cheese was first made in Egypt, with some found in Tutankhamun's tomb.
Goat cheese has a characteristic tart/"goat" flavour due to the higher levels of medium-chain fatty acids, such as caproic and caprylic.
Goats produce less milk than other animals, so there was little surplus milk to turn into cheese. What little goat cheese was made was likely consumed by the family and not sold.
Goat cheese contains anti-inflammatory enzymes, probiotics, antioxidants, proteins, and lipids, which help maintain a healthy metabolism. It is also high in calcium, vitamins A and K, phosphorus, thiamin, and niacin.
