Goat cheese

Goat Cheese

A selection of goat cheeses

Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, is cheese made from goat's milk. It is a versatile dairy product that can be found in a variety of textures and flavors, ranging from soft and fresh to hard and aged.

Production

Goat cheese is produced by curdling goat's milk, either by adding rennet or by allowing the milk to naturally acidify and curdle. The curds are then drained and pressed to form the cheese. The specific methods of production can vary widely, resulting in different types of goat cheese.

Types of Goat Cheese

Fresh Goat Cheese

A roll of fresh goat cheese

Fresh goat cheese is soft, creamy, and often spreadable. It is typically white and has a tangy flavor. Fresh goat cheese is often used in salads, on bread, or as a topping for various dishes.

Aged Goat Cheese

Aged goat cheese can range from semi-soft to hard. As it ages, the cheese develops a more complex flavor and a firmer texture. Some aged goat cheeses are covered in ash or herbs to enhance their flavor.

Brined Goat Cheese

Cubes of brined goat cheese

Brined goat cheese is stored in a saltwater solution, which helps preserve it and gives it a distinct salty flavor. This type of cheese is often used in Mediterranean dishes.

Flavored Goat Cheese

Purple Haze chèvre flavored with lavender and fennel pollen

Flavored goat cheese is made by adding herbs, spices, or other flavorings to the cheese. Popular additions include garlic, herbs de Provence, and pepper.

Regional Varieties

Kesong Puti

Kesong puti, a Filipino goat cheese

Kesong puti is a soft, white cheese from the Philippines, traditionally made from carabao's milk but also made from goat's milk. It is often wrapped in banana leaves.

Tulum Cheese

Otlu tulum peynir, a type of tulum cheese with herbs

Tulum cheese is a Turkish cheese traditionally made from goat's milk and aged in a goatskin casing. It has a crumbly texture and a tangy flavor.

Bryndza

Aged Bessarabian bryndza

Bryndza is a type of cheese made in Eastern Europe, particularly in Slovakia and Romania. It is a soft, crumbly cheese with a strong flavor.

Culinary Uses

Goat cheese is used in a wide variety of dishes. It can be crumbled over salads, spread on bread, or used as a filling for pastries. It pairs well with fruits, nuts, and honey.

Nutritional Information

Goat cheese is rich in protein, calcium, and healthy fats. It is often easier to digest than cow's milk cheese due to its lower lactose content and different protein structure.

Related Pages

• Cheese
• Dairy product
• Milk
• Rennet