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What Are the Types of Goat Cheese?

Last Updated on March 7, 2023 by Lauren Beck

Goat cheese has gained immense popularity in the culinary world due to its unique flavor, creamy texture, and versatility. It is a cheese made from goat’s milk and can be used in various dishes like salads, pasta, sandwiches, and pizzas. 

In this article, we will discuss what are the different types of goat cheese, the production process, taste, and health benefits.

10 Types of Goat Cheese:

  1. Chevre: This is the most popular type of goat cheese, made from fresh curdled goat milk. It has a soft, creamy texture and a tangy, citrusy flavor.
  2. Bucheron: This cheese is cylindrical in shape and has a white, bloomy rind. It has a creamy texture with a nutty, earthy flavor.
  3. Crottin de Chavignol: This cheese is made from raw goat’s milk and has a dense, crumbly texture. It has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor.
  4. Garrotxa: This cheese is produced in Catalonia, Spain, and has a natural rind with a slightly grayish color. It has a nutty, fruity taste with a slightly tangy finish.
  5. Caprino: This Italian cheese is made from a blend of goat and cow’s milk. It has a soft, creamy texture with a mild, sweet flavor.
  6. Pouligny-Saint-Pierre: This cheese is made from raw goat’s milk and has a pyramid shape. It has a dense, creamy texture with a subtle, nutty flavor.
  7. Rocamadour: This cheese is small and cylindrical, made from raw goat’s milk. It has a creamy, smooth texture with a nutty, slightly sweet taste.
  8. Valencay: This cheese has a pyramid shape with a flat top and a blue-gray rind. It has a tangy, nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness.
  9. Chabichou du Poitou: This cheese has a cylindrical shape and a wrinkled, white rind. It has a tangy, slightly sour taste with a creamy texture.
  10. Bleu de Chevre: This cheese is made from goat’s milk and has blue veins running through it. It has a tangy, slightly spicy flavor with a creamy texture.

What Is Goat Cheese?

Goat cheese is a type of cheese made from goat’s milk, which is higher in fat, protein, and lactose than cow’s milk. 

The cheese can be made in various textures and shapes, ranging from soft and creamy to hard and crumbly. It is a popular cheese in the Mediterranean region, France, and Spain.

How Is Goat Cheese Made?

The production process of goat cheese involves curdling the goat’s milk with a coagulant, such as rennet, lemon juice, or vinegar, to separate the solid curds from the liquid whey. 

The curds are then drained, molded, and aged for different periods to achieve the desired texture and flavor. The cheese can be flavored with herbs, spices, or fruits during the aging process to enhance the taste.

How Does Goat Cheese Taste?

a type of goat cheese

Goat cheese has a distinct tangy and earthy flavor, which is influenced by the breed of goats, the type of feed, and the aging process. The cheese can range from mild and delicate to pungent and strong, depending on the age and texture. Fresh goat cheese is creamy and mild, while aged goat cheese is drier and sharper in taste.

Goat Cheese Substitutes:

If you cannot find goat cheese or are allergic to it, you can use other cheeses as a substitute, such as feta, ricotta, queso blanco, or queso fresco. These cheeses have a similar texture and flavor to goat cheese and can be used in various recipes.

What Is the Difference Between Chevre and Goat Cheese?

Chevre is a specific type of goat cheese that is made from fresh goat’s milk and has a soft, creamy texture. It is often used interchangeably with the term “goat cheese,” but technically, goat cheese refers to any cheese made from goat’s milk, including aged varieties.

Is Goat Cheese the Healthiest Cheese?

Goat cheese is a healthier cheese option compared to other types of cheese [1], as it is lower in calories and fat content. It is also a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D. However, it is still high in sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation.

Conclusion

Goat cheese is a delicious and versatile cheese that comes in various textures and flavors. Whether you are using it in a salad or as a topping for your pizza, goat cheese adds a unique tangy flavor to any dish. With its health benefits and versatility, it’s no wonder why goat cheese has become a favorite among cheese lovers around the world.

Reference:

  1. https://www.insider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/healthiest-cheese#:~:text=Some%20of%20the%20healthiest%20cheeses,option%20for%20people%20with%20hypertension.
Lauren Beck
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