Goat cheese what is

Goat cheese comes in a wide variety of flavors and textures, from soft and spreadable fresh cheese to salty, crumbly aged cheese.

This article explains the nutritional benefits of goat cheese and provides creative ways to add this delicious cheese to your diet.

It is available in many forms including fresh cheese logs, aged cheddar and even brie. The nutritional content of goat cheese varies depending on the processing method used, such as aging or curing.

All types of goat cheese contain nutrients that are beneficial to your health such as healthy fats, protein, vitamins and minerals. Although the recommended serving size for goat cheese is small, eating just one ounce 28 grams provides impressive amounts of nutrients. A one-ounce gram serving of soft-style goat cheese provides 1 :. A serving of goat cheese delivers 6 grams of filling protein along with a powerful combination of calcium, phosphorus and copper — nutrients that are essential for healthy bones 2.

Plus, goat cheese provides healthy fats , including medium-chain fatty acids, that can improve satiety and benefit weight loss 3. These are rapidly broken down and absorbed by the body and are less likely to be stored as fat 4. Test-tube and animal studies have found that capric acid is effective in combating P. Goat cheese is a good source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals.

Depending on the type, goat cheese can contain a wide variety of probiotics including L. Diets rich in probiotics have been shown to promote digestive health, reduce inflammation and boost immunity 7. Interestingly, cheese is a superior carrier of probiotics due to its high fat content and hard texture, which provides protection for the bacteria.

It has been found that cheese protects probiotics during the digestion process, allowing greater numbers to be delivered to the gut where the bacteria contribute to health 8. They are also naturally lower in lactose. Experts suggest that most people with lactose malabsorption can consume a small amount up to around 12 grams of lactose before experiencing digestive symptoms However, those with lactose intolerance should keep in mind that softer cheeses contain more lactose than hard, aged cheeses, regardless of what milk the cheese is made from.

Goat milk products contain mostly A2 casein, a type of protein that has been shown to be less allergenic and less inflammatory than the A1 variety. For example, a study in 45 people with lactose intolerance found that drinking milk containing A1 casein caused digestive distress and increased markers of inflammation. When these people switched to milk containing only A2 casein, digestive symptoms were not aggravated and intestinal inflammation improved significantly Often an aged goat cheese will be covered in an edible ash to prevent it from drying out and to keep its surface clean.

It may have a fluffy middle and a gooey exterior. Readily available aged goat cheeses include Chevrot, Valencay, and Selles sur Cher. To buy: Murray's Cheese Shop; murrayscheese. Tomme style refers to a wheel of cheese with a rind. Humboldt Fog, produced by Cypress Grove in northern California, proves that high-quality French-style goat cheese is available domestically. The cheese is covered in edible ash, which keeps a crust from developing. To buy: Cypress Grove; cypressgrovecheese.

Blue mold is mixed into the curds. As the cheese ages, the flavor changes, making blue goat cheese sharper, earthier, and more pungent than the fresh variety. Traditionally feta is made using sheep milk, but commonly, it can be made using sheep, goat or cow milk, or any combination of the three.

Feta has a salty and pleasantly tangy taste. Texturally, it can range from firm and crumbly, to rich and creamy. In crumbled form, feta has a firm texture and salty flavor that brings out the best in bright, summery dishes. Try simply sprinkling some on salads or flatbreads to amplify their flavor. In chunk form , this cheese provides a balance of creaminess and saltiness.