Goat Cheese: Why Do Some People Hate It?

why do people not like goat cheese

Goat cheese is a polarizing food item that some people love and others detest. While some people enjoy its pungent flavor and smell, others find it disgusting and repulsive, comparing it to the smell of a goat or a barnyard. This phenomenon may be due to the pheromones produced by bucks during breeding season, which can permeate the milk if they live in close proximity to the does. Additionally, individual differences in taste perception and sensitivity to certain flavors can also contribute to varying preferences for goat cheese. Some people also find the texture of goat cheese off-putting. While it is a common ingredient in gourmet restaurant menus, goat cheese has not gained widespread popularity in the US, possibly due to the dominance of cow's milk in the dairy industry.

Characteristics Values
Taste Some people dislike goat cheese because of its distinctive, goaty" flavor, which can be described as tasting like a goat's smell or a barnyard. Others describe it as tasting like a dumpster in the sun or driving behind a trash truck in August.
Smell Goat cheese can have a strong smell, which some people find unpleasant and associate with a barnyard or a goat's cologne.
Texture Some people may dislike the texture of goat cheese, as it tends to coat the palate with fat.
Lactose Intolerance Goat cheese contains lactose, which some people cannot digest. However, it has slightly less lactose than cow's milk, making it easier on some people's stomachs.
Cultural Factors In the U.S., goat's milk is less common and has not gained widespread traction, which may contribute to a dislike for goat cheese among some Americans.
Individual Preferences Some people may simply dislike the taste, smell, or texture of goat cheese due to individual preferences, just as some people dislike other strong-tasting cheeses like blue cheese or brie.

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Goat cheese can have a goaty, barnyard-like taste and smell

Goat cheese is known for its pungent flavours and smells, with some describing it as "goaty" and "barnyardy". This unique taste and smell can be off-putting to some people, who find it disgusting or repulsive.

The "goaty" flavour of goat cheese is often attributed to the presence of fatty acids and pheromones in the goat's milk, which can be more pronounced if the bucks and does are kept together year-round. During the breeding season, bucks produce pheromones to attract does, and this strong scent can permeate the milk if they are housed together. As a result, the cheese made from this milk can take on a more pronounced "goaty" or "barnyard-like" flavour and smell.

Some people are particularly sensitive to these flavours and smells, perceiving them as much stronger than others. For these individuals, the taste of goat cheese may be overwhelming and unpleasant, while others may find it mild and tangy. It is also worth noting that goat cheese tends to be fairly acidic, which can make it tricky to pair with wine, as the combination of acids can be harsh on the palate.

However, not all goat cheese has a strong "goaty" flavour. According to Pete, a cheese expert, well-made goat cheese should be relatively mild in flavour. The freshness of the milk can also play a role, as cheese made from milk produced during the breeding season may have a stronger scent.

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Goat cheese is fairly acidic, which can be harsh on the palate

Goat cheese is known to be quite acidic, which can be a tad harsh on the palate. This is one of the reasons why some people dislike goat cheese. While some people enjoy the tanginess of goat cheese, others may find it too sharp or tart.

The acidity in goat cheese comes from the higher levels of caprylic, capric, and caproic acids found in goat's milk. These fatty acids give goat cheese its characteristic tangy flavour and also contribute to its creamy texture. However, for those with more sensitive palates, the acidity can be a bit overwhelming.

When it comes to pairing goat cheese with drinks, it is often suggested to avoid highly acidic wines. The high acidity in some wines can accentuate the already acidic nature of goat cheese, making the combination unpleasantly harsh. Instead, a less acidic beverage, such as beer, is often recommended. The bubbles in beer can cut through the richness of the cheese, providing a more balanced and enjoyable sensory experience.

Additionally, the production process and quality of milk used can also influence the acidity and overall taste of goat cheese. For instance, during the breeding season, male goats produce pheromones to attract female goats, and if they live in close proximity, these pheromones can permeate the milk, resulting in a stronger "goaty" flavour. Therefore, some farmers separate male and female goats to prevent this from occurring and to produce a milder-tasting cheese.

While goat cheese may be an acquired taste for some due to its acidity, it is a beloved ingredient for many, featuring in various cuisines and gourmet dishes.

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Some people are lactose intolerant and goat cheese has a fair amount of lactose

Goat cheese is not liked by all, and one of the reasons could be that some people are lactose intolerant. Lactose is the sugar found in milk, and while goat milk does have a fair amount of lactose, it is slightly less than cow's milk. This makes goat cheese easier on the stomach for some people. However, for those who are lactose intolerant and cannot digest lactose, the amount of lactose in goat cheese can still be significant enough to cause discomfort.

Lactose intolerance can cause various symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea. The severity of these symptoms can vary depending on the individual's level of lactose intolerance and the amount of lactose consumed. For those with severe lactose intolerance, even a small amount of lactose can trigger unpleasant symptoms.

Goat cheese, while having a lower lactose content than cow's cheese, can still contain enough lactose to cause issues for those with moderate to severe lactose intolerance. This could be a significant reason why some people avoid or dislike goat cheese. They may associate it with the unpleasant symptoms they experience after consumption.

Additionally, the perception of goat cheese's flavor and smell can also play a role. Some people describe goat cheese as having a "goaty" or "barnyard" flavor, which can be off-putting to those who are not accustomed to such strong flavors. This perception may be due to the presence of pheromones in the milk during the breeding season, giving it a distinctive goat-like aroma. However, this varies depending on the cheese-making process and how the goats are housed.

Personal taste preferences also come into play. Some people may simply not enjoy the flavor or texture of goat cheese, just as they may dislike other foods. It is essential to respect individual preferences and not force anyone to consume something they do not like.

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Goat cheese may have an unpleasant texture

While some people enjoy goat cheese, others find it unappealing due to its distinctive texture and flavour. This dislike can be attributed to various factors, including individual taste preferences, cultural influences, and sensory experiences. Here are some reasons why goat cheese may be unappealing to some:

Goat cheese is known for its creamy and crumbly texture, which can be off-putting to those who prefer smoother, more consistent cheese varieties. Its soft and spreadable nature can be unappealing to those who favour firmer, more sliceable cheeses. The texture of goat cheese can also vary depending on its age, with younger cheeses being softer and older ones developing a firmer, more crumbly texture.

Goat cheese is produced from goat's milk, which has a unique flavour resulting from the presence of specific fatty acids and pheromones. During the breeding season, male goats produce pheromones to attract females, and this strong scent can permeate the milk if the male and female goats are housed together. As a result, the milk and resulting cheese can take on a "goaty" flavour and aroma, resembling a barnyard or petting zoo.

The perception of goat cheese's flavour and texture can vary significantly between individuals. Some people are more sensitive to certain flavours and aromas, detecting subtle nuances that others may not perceive. For example, some individuals describe goat cheese as tasting "muttony," while others find it mildly tangy. Additionally, cultural influences can shape preferences, as cow's milk dominates the dairy industry in the US, making goat's milk less familiar to American consumers.

Goat cheese tends to be fairly acidic, and when paired with an equally acidic companion like wine, it can be harsh on the palate. However, pairing it with beer can help cut through the fat and enhance the tasting experience.

It's important to acknowledge that individual differences in taste and sensory perceptions play a significant role in determining one's preference for goat cheese. While some people may find its texture and flavour unappealing, others may acquire a taste for it over time or learn to appreciate its unique characteristics.

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Goat cheese is not widely consumed in the US, so some people are unfamiliar with it

Goat cheese has a reputation for having a distinctive "goaty" flavor and aroma, often likened to the smell of goats or a barnyard. This perception may be influenced by the living conditions of the goats, as bucks produce pheromones during breeding season to attract does, and if they live together year-round, the does' milk can take on a stronger "goaty" scent and flavor. However, some people appreciate this unique flavor, describing it as gamey, tangy, or even lightly sweet.

The aversion to goat cheese may also be attributed to individual differences in taste perception. Some people are more sensitive to certain flavors, and what may taste mildly tangy to some can taste overwhelmingly muttony to others. Additionally, cultural and regional factors could play a role, as certain foods are more prevalent in specific areas, influencing the diversity of flavors people are exposed to.

Furthermore, goat cheese has a fairly acidic profile, which can be harsh on the palate when paired with wine, another factor that may contribute to its unpopularity among some consumers. Pairing it with beer, for example, can provide a more balanced tasting experience.

While goat cheese may not be as widely consumed in the US as other types of cheese, it is gaining traction, and those willing to try it may find that it offers a range of flavors to suit different palates.

Frequently asked questions

People may dislike goat cheese due to its distinctive, pungent smell and strong, tangy flavor, which some describe as tasting like a goat or a barnyard.

The unique scent and flavor of goat cheese can be attributed to the fatty acids present in goat milk, which can vary depending on the goat's diet, breeding season, and living conditions.

Yes, some people may be averse to the texture of goat cheese, or they may have a lactose intolerance, as goat milk still contains lactose, although less so than cow milk.

Absolutely! It is perfectly normal to have certain foods that you do not enjoy, and it is okay to not like goat cheese. Individual preferences vary, and it is important to respect others' tastes.

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