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Chabichou du Poitou Cheese
Coyau / Wikimedia Commons
About Chabichou du Poitou Cheese
Chabichou du Poitou is a goat's milk cheese from the Poitou-Charentes region of France. This small, cylindrical cheese has a smooth, dense texture and a bright, clear flavor with hints of nuts and a slight tanginess. It is aged for a minimum of two weeks, developing a firm outer rind that contrasts nicely with the creamy interior.
Key Facts
| Country of Origin | France |
| Specific Origin | Haut Poitou |
| Protection | AOC (1990), PDO (1996) |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized or whole |
| Rind | White with blue-gray patches |
| Texture | Soft, creamy to brittle |
| Flavor | Slightly salty |
| Aroma | Goaty |
| Colors | White |
| Forms | Truncated cylinder (bonde) |
| Age | At least 10 days |
What is Chabichou du Poitou Cheese?
Chabichou du Poitou, made from pure goat's milk, is a French cheese shaped like a truncated cylinder known as a "bonde." According to legend, its name "Chabichou" traces back to the eighth century when Arab armies left behind their goats after being defeated by Charles Martel at Poitiers. This cheese, about 5 ounces in weight, is rich in history and embodies the culinary tradition of the Poitevin terroir in western France.
Awarded AOC status in 1990 and PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status in 1996, Chabichou du Poitou must be produced within the limestone-rich Haut Poitou. This region is historically known for goat farming, which contributes to the cheese's unique flavor. Annually, about 400 tons are produced, a third of which is from raw milk. The local goats feed on a diet rich in fodder, cereals, and legumes, all sourced from within the PDO area.
The production of Chabichou du Poitou is meticulous. After adding rennet to the milk, the curd is cut, pressed, and left to rest. It is then churned, salted, molded, and carefully matured for at least ten days. This process ensures the cheese develops its characteristic soft and creamy texture, which can become strong and brittle as it ages. Enjoyed on its own as a table cheese or as an appetizer with Pineau des Charentes, Chabichou du Poitou can also be served melted on toast.
Chabichou du Poitou is not only a culinary delight but also a symbol of the rich agricultural and historical heritage of the Poitou region. It represents the expertise and pastoral traditions that have been passed down through generations in western France.
Alternative Names for Chabichou du Poitou
Chabichou du Poitou AOP, Chabichou du Poitou AOC
