Article by Ann Marier
Cheese is a delicious food product that is made from milk gathered from certain mammals. Two of those animals from which milk is gathered to make cheese are a cow and a goat. There are a number of benefits to using both types of milk to make cheese products.
However, the use of goat’s milk to make goat cheese is a widely popular cheese based on a number of reasons. Two of those reasons that contribute to the popularity of goat cheese are its nutritional value and the actual taste of the goat cheese.
Nutritional Value Of Goat Cheese
If you were to compare the nutritional value of cheese made from cow’s milk and cheese made from goat’s milk you would notice some significant differences. Those specific areas of difference would be in the area of nutrients, calories, cholesterol and fat.
For example, the protein found in goat’s cheese is twice as much as that which is found in cheese made from the milk of a cow. In addition, goat cheese contains fewer calories than other types of cheese. In fact, goat cheese has one less third calories.
Also, if you compare goat cheese with cream cheese you will find that goat cheese has half the cholesterol and fat. This is due to the fact that the fat which is found in milk products comes from fat globules contained in the milk. Characteristically, the fat globules found in goat milk are smaller in nature as compared to the globules found in cow’s milk. In addition, this makes the cheese easier to digest.
The Distinct Taste Of Goat Cheese
When it comes to the actual taste of goat cheese many first time tasters are surprised. This is because goat cheese has a very sharp and exciting flavor.
This tart taste is due to the fact that goat cheese contains fatty acids that can be described at mid range level. These acids are called caprylic, capric and caproic acids. It is these acids that give the goat cheese its tangy flavor. Also, the strength of the taste can be due to the hormonal influence of the female goat.
In addition, the taste of the goat cheese can be heavily influenced by the food that the goat is eating. This is due to the fact that goats have a very powerful digestive system. This allows the goats to eat vegetation that other animals cannot assimilate. Therefore, goats may eat plants that are bitter or pungent in flavor which transfers to the milk that is produced.