We Love Goat Cheese

Goat milk is often consumed by young children, the elderly, those who are ill, or have a low tolerance to cow's milk. Goat milk is more similar to human milk than that of the cow, although there is large variation among breeds in both animals. 

Goat's milk have higher proportion of medium-chain fatty acids such as caproic, caprylic and capric acid than Cow's milk. This contributes to the characteristic tart flavor of goat's milk cheese. Goat milk and goat cheese are preferred dairy products in much of the rest of the world. Because goat cheese is often made in areas where refrigeration is limited, aged goat cheeses are often heavily treated with salt to prevent decay. As a result, salt has become associated with the flavor of goat cheese.

Goat cheese was probably one of the earliest made dairy products. In the most simple form, goat cheese is made by allowing raw milk to naturally curdle, and then draining and pressing the curds. Other techniques use an acid (such as vinegar or lemon juice) or rennet to coagulate the milk. Soft goat cheeses are made in kitchens all over the world, with cooks hanging bundles of cheesecloth filled with curds in the warm kitchen for several days to drain and cure. If the cheese is to be aged, it is often brined so it will form a rind, and then stored in a cool cheese cave for several months to cure.

Goat cheese softens when exposed to heat, although it does not melt in the same way many cow cheeses do. Firmer goat cheeses with rinds are sometimes baked in an oven to form a warm viscous form of the cheese. [1]

Goat cheese, with its pristine white color and distinct flavor is one of the most amazing foods in the world-a humble basic for some, a gourmet delight for others. Our selection of goat cheeses ranges from creamy, mild spreads to pungent, crumbly discs to reinterpretations of favorite cow's milk cheeses. It's an essential part of any cheese plate, a course in itself or the secret behind the subtle tang in favorite recipes. Have a taste and enjoy the modest yet noble virtues of goat cheese.

Why we Love Goat Cheese

Goat cheeses can range in taste from strong and pungent, to delicate and mild. They come in many shapes: cone, disc, wheel, "button," the log-like bûche (say: boosh) and the puck-like crottin (say: cro-TAN). They delight with textures from creamy to crumbly to semi-firm. They are sold fresh, aged or marinated in olive oil or red wine. They may get coated in herbs (lavender is fantastic), black pepper, edible flowers and yes, even chocolate.

Nutrition and Goat Cheese

Compared to cow's milk products such as cream cheese, goat cheese is lower in fat, calories and cholesterol. It also provides more calcium than cream cheese. Even though goat cheese has fewer calories, it has a full, rich and creamy flavor. Goat cheeses at Whole Foods Market are all natural with no artificial additives or preservatives.

Storing Goat Cheese

Exposure to air causes cheese to dry out. Keep pieces wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or wax paper, or place in a zip-style bag and squeeze out all the air before closing. Store in the cheese drawer of your refrigerator at 40°F.

References:

[1]. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goat_cheese

[2]. http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/department/article/goat-cheese

[3]. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goat_cheese (image source)

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