Goat Cheese

Goat cheese, or Chevre as it is sometimes known, is a soft, white cheese that is prized for its creamy texture and salty, tangy taste. It has been around for centuries and it remains a popular cheese, contributing to many culinary dishes worldwide. The journey from goat to dinner plate can be a complex affair, covering a variety of stages, including production and transportation, before a slice of goat cheese eventually lands on a dinner plate.

From a producer’s point of view, it all begins with the goat. Goats are mammals, generally raised for their milk, meat, or fur, and can be found all over the world, with a variety of breeds available. To produce goat cheese, goats must be milked, either manually or with milking machines. This milk is then transferred to a sanitized container, before the cheesemaking process can begin.

The stage that follows the collection of the milk has several different names, such as ‘pre-ripening’, ‘ripening’ and ‘warming’. In this stage, cultures - carefully prepared bacteria - are added to the milk, resulting in the breakdown of lactose into lactic acid. This has the effect of changing the pH level, meaning that when rennet is added, the goat’s milk will be converted into cheese. Rennet helps with the coagulation, which then separates the curd from the whey. The curd is left to sit for around 12 hours.

When a custard-like consistency has been reached, the mixture is heated in a vat, to approximately 88-90F. Both the temperature of the vat, and the duration of the heating process are very important at this stage, and will depend on the type of cheese being made. Generally, the slower the heating process, the stronger and firmer the texture of the cheese will be. In addition to this stage, a variety of other techniques can be used to add flavor and texture to the cheese, including salting, cutting, stirring and even washing the curd.

Following the heating process, the curds are drained and then lightly pressed into the shape of cheese wheels or logs. There are a variety of shapes that can be produced during this process, each one giving the cheese its own unique characteristics. The cheese is then aged, anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 years, depending on the type of cheese desired. During this process, the cheese undergoes a variety of changes, including the development of flavor, texture and a natural rind.

Once the desired level of ripeness has been reached, the cheese can then be packaged and ready for transportation to a grocery store or grocery store chain. In some cases, the cheese may be packaged in a special packaging, such as waxed paper, in order to make sure that the cheese reaches its destination in good condition.

When the cheese has arrived at the store, it can be stored in cool, dry conditions until it is purchased. As goat cheese has a relatively low shelf life compared to cheese made from cow’s milk, it is important that it is purchased soon after its arrival.

Once the cheese has been purchased, it should be stored at home correctly, as proper storage will ensure that the cheese remains at its best. Usually, cheese should not be stored in the refrigerator, however goat cheese is an exception to this rule. Once at home, it should be kept cold and dry, wrapped in parchment or waxed paper, in order to prevent the cheese from drying out.

Finally, when the time has come to serve it, the cheese can then be enjoyed as part of a meal, or as part of a cheese board. If a cheese board is being served, it is important to let the cheese come to room temperature before serving. Allow the cheese to stand for up to an hour before opening the packaging, as this will ensure that the cheese is at its best when served.

Goat cheese is a versatile and delicious cheese that is popular all over the world. It has a unique creamy texture and a salty, tangy flavor that make it perfect for a wide range of dishes, including salads, sandwiches, main courses and desserts - to name just a few. The journey from goat to dinner plate is complex and interesting, involving the milking of the goats, the production of the cheese, the packaging and transportation, and the correct storage and serving of it at home. Understanding this journey can ensure that goat cheese is always enjoyed at its best.