Four Reasons to Savour Goat's Milk Cheeses this Spring and Beyond, Plus Our Top Picks
I founded The Cheese Lady with a firm belief that fine (farmhouse & artisan) cheeses are good for you. Fine cheeses are good for your body and soul. So today, let's dive into the world of goat's milk cheese, a treasure trove of flavours, textures, and styles with a host of health advantages.
Throughout my two-decade career in fine cheese, I've noticed a certain hesitancy surrounding goat's milk cheeses among some cheese aficionados. However, it's worth highlighting that goat's milk cheeses span a diverse spectrum of styles. While French soft goat's milk cheeses may be a bit “farmyardy”, Dutch goat's milk goudas exude a gentle, nutty, and caramel notes —making them exceptionally crowd-friendly. Intrigued to learn more?
Why Choose Goat's Milk Cheese?
Goat's milk cheese has been cherished for centuries, not just for its unique taste, but also for its numerous health benefits. Here are just a few reasons why goat's milk cheese deserves a place on your cheeseboard:
- Protein Rich: Goats' milk is an excellent source of protein, essential for tissue repair, hormone production, and immune function.
- Complete Proteins: Contains all nine essential amino acids necessary for good health, potentially in higher levels compared to cows' milk.
- Digestive Health: Easier to digest due to its protein composition, forming a softer curd during digestion, which may alleviate bloating and discomfort.
- Low in Lactose: Contains less lactose than cow's milk, making it suitable for those with lactose sensitivity.
- Prebiotic Content: Contains oligosaccharides acting as natural prebiotics, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, and reducing intestinal inflammation.
- Boosts Immune Function: Rich in selenium, essential for immunity, and supports gut flora, directly impacting immune effectiveness.
- Improves Sleep Quality: Contains magnesium and tryptophan, aiding relaxation and promoting better sleep.
- Heart Health: Lower in cholesterol than cows' milk, and contains calcium and potassium, beneficial for maintaining healthy blood pressure.
- Skin Health: Hypoallergenic properties and anti-inflammatory action may improve conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. High in vitamin A, promoting skin cell production and moisturizing ability.
- Potential Benefit for Asthma: While more research is needed, studies suggest potential protective effects against airway inflammation.
Now, let's explore some of my favourite goat's milk cheeses, each offering a unique taste experience and a dose of goodness for your body.
Chevre d'Argental: A Sophisticated Delight
With its velvety texture and delicate flavour, Chevre d'Argental is a true masterpiece of goat's milk cheese. Ideal for both newcomers and connoisseurs, this cheese captivates with its creamy richness and subtle tang. Pair it with sparkling, rosé, or white wines for a truly indulgent experience.
Bonnet: A Taste of Scottish Tradition
Named after the historic town of Stewarton, Bonnet cheese pays homage to Scotland's cheese-making heritage. Crafted from the finest Swiss Saanen and Toggenburg goat's milk, this firm cheese delights with its elegant nutty flavour and creamy sweetness. Enjoy it on a cheeseboard or incorporate it into your favourite dishes for a touch of Scottish charm.
Bonnington Linn: A New Classic
From the esteemed farmhouse cheesemaker Errington Cheese comes Bonnington Linn, a cheddar-like delight made from raw goat's milk. With its firm, crumbly texture and nutty flavour, this cheese is a testament to dedication to raw milk cheese craftsmanship. Pair it with your favourite red wines or enjoy it on its own with some oatcakes and chutney for a truly satisfying treat.
For a taste sensation like no other, indulge in Biggar Blue, Scotland's newest farmhouse cheese from Errington Cheese Ltd. Made using the Roquefort recipe and raw goat's milk, this cheese boasts a creamy yet crumbly texture and complex flavour medium-strength profile. Pair it with red wines, sweet wines, or stout for a memorable experience.
At The Cheese Lady, we're proud to offer a diverse selection of goat's milk cheeses, each one crafted with care and dedication. Whether you're seeking a creamy indulgence or a bold flavour adventure, our goat's milk cheeses are sure to delight your senses and nourish your body. Discover the magic of goat's milk cheese today and elevate your cheese experience to new heights.
Cheers to good health and great taste!
The Cheese Lady x
P.S. If you'd like to order some amazing British cheeses with a delicious 10% discount, click HERE.
REFERENCES:
- Review on Goat Milk Composition and its Nutritive Value, 2016. Journal of Nutrition and Health Sciences
- Current status of global dairy goat production: an overview, 2019. Asian-Australasia Journal of Animal Science
- A 100-Year Review: Advances in goat milk research, 2017. Journal of Dairy Science
- Size distribution of fat globules in goat milk, 2000. Journal of Dairy Science
- Comparison of Surti goat milk with cow and buffalo milk for gross composition, nitrogen distribution, and selected minerals content, 2016. Veterinary World
- Hypoallergenic and Physicochemical Properties of the A2 β-Casein Fractionof Goat Milk, 2017. Ko-rean Journal of Food Science of Animal Resources
- Goat Milk Consumption Enhances Innate and Adaptive Immunities and Alleviates Allergen-Induced Airway Inflammation in Offspring Mice, 2020. Frontiers in Immunology