Goat cheese is a popular addition to a wide range of meals, featuring a smooth, creamy texture that perfectly complements the main dish. It's also a time-honored choice for crackers and salads. However, while this product may be widely available, not much is known about its origins. Here’s a closer look at how it became such a common ingredient and what makes it stand out from other types of cheese. 

The History of Goat Farming

Goats began to be domesticated around 11,000 years ago. The local farmers in what is now known as Iran would round up the wild herds and care for them in exchange for their meat, milk, and hides. 

These were soon found to be a valuable form of currency and became an important part of religious rituals. Fathers would even use them as dowries, offering a certain number of goats in order to secure desirable marriages for their daughters. 

How Goat Cheese Became Popular

Due to the animal's adaptability, goat herding began to spread throughout the surrounding regions. The French farmers in the Loire Valley were introduced to the concept around the 8^th century C.E., and they found that goat's milk was useful for making a thick, creamy cheese known as chévre. Literally translated as “goat,” this product made its way through the small artisanal farms until it became a mainstream ingredient that required mass production. 

How It Differs From Other Cheeses

Goat cheese is known to contain a higher level of fatty acids, which is where it gets its tangy flavor. This causes the cheese to acquire an almost spreadable consistency and allows it to melt at a much faster rate. This type of cheese can be produced fresh or aged, which results in different flavor profiles. Many connoisseurs prefer the rich, milder taste of fresh cheeses.

Cow’s milk, on the other hand, has more proteins and features a more subtle flavor. It’s a robust product that ages well, producing a variety of cheeses like sharp cheddar, Gouda, and soft Brie. 

Many varieties associated with cow's milk can be produced from goat's milk with bolder, sought-after flavors. Goat's milk is also lower in lactose, which is an extra benefit to those who experience intolerance to this natural sugar.

If you’re interested in sampling fresh goat cheese, reach out to Surfing Goat Dairy in Kula, HI. They are a family-owned goat farm that’s been making award-winning cheeses, truffles, and soaps since 1999. As the only certified humane farm in the state, they commit to upholding the highest standards of animal friendliness and develop new products every year. Call (808) 878-2870 to schedule a visit or check out their website for additional information on their current stock.