Goat's Milk Cheeses

It used to be that goat's milk cheese was pretty boring and not really thought of that highly. It is made in great quantities in the south of France. However it was in the 1970's that people started to realize the greatness that is goat's cheese. Historically, the goats were kept by the Moors in the 8th century. The cheeses that are made today are truly yummy. However you won't find just goat's milk cheese in France. It is also produced in Spain, Portugal, Wales and Greece.

At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter where you get your goat's cheese from. What makes goat's milk different from cow's milk is that goat's milk has more caproic and capric acid which provides the cheese a charper more tangy flavor. You can buy goat's cheese in different varieties including some that are blue veined. The best cheeses are produced between March and November when the young goats are weaned. Normally it takes just a few weeks for the cheese to be made and it's intended to be consumed right away.

There are goat's cheeses which as soft and taste fantastic when spread onto a slice of crusty Baguette. However if the cheese is allowed to age then you will enjoy a harder sheese and you will see that the rind takes on a bluish mold.

There are also goat's cheeses that have been mixed with herbs to offer you something that bit different. If you are looking for some ideas for cheeses to buy then you should consider Crottin de Chavignol which is made from goat's that are in the alps. The cheese has been taken from the vat and mixed with fresh herbs. If you are looking for one that is more mature then that is available too. They are both fantastic in their own ways.

You could also try Picodon de Chèvre which is produced from milk taken from goats that have been raised Ardèche and Drôme regions of France. As with wines, France has an AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) system that guarantees that a certain product really does come from the region of the product's name. In this case, the name is well earned. Pungent, with a slight tartness that is unbeatable, this cheese will disappear from the table fast.

Of course, you don't have to buy goat's cheese because there are people who are making it themselves. You just need to learn how to make goat milk cheese. Why you want to eat goat's cheese it really up to you. Some people simply love the taste whilst others feel that the they need to stay away from cow's milk cheese because of an intolerance to lactose. Anyway, if you aren't already eating goat's milk cheese now is the time to start!