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Cheddar Cheese vs Chèvre (Goat Cheese)
Cheddar Cheese
Chèvre (Goat Cheese)
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cheddar Cheese and Chèvre (Goat Cheese), including:
- "What is the difference between Cheddar Cheese and Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese and Chèvre (Goat Cheese) the same?"
- "How does Cheddar Cheese compare to Chèvre (Goat Cheese) cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Cheddar Cheese compare to Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese or Chèvre (Goat Cheese) better?"
Cheddar Cheese Overview
Cheddar cheese, perhaps the most famous cheese from England, originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. It ranges from mild to extra sharp, with aging times that can extend several years. Cheddar has a firm texture and a deep, nutty flavor that becomes increasingly complex as it matures.
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) Overview
Chèvre is the French word for goat, and it refers to any cheese made from goat's milk. These cheeses can vary widely in texture from soft and creamy to firm and crumbly. Chèvre flavors range from mild and smooth to tangy and bold, depending on the age and production methods.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) originated from France.
Milk Type and Treatment
Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is made with goat milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Cheddar Cheese has a fat content of at least 50% fat in dry matter and a moisture content of up to 39%. Cheddar's texture can be described as "varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)". Chèvre (Goat Cheese)'s texture can be described as "soft".
Taste and Aroma
Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies". Chèvre (Goat Cheese) has a tangy taste. Chèvre (Goat Cheese)'s aroma can be described as "goaty".
Appearance and Aging
Cheddar Cheese's appearance is colored natural or dyed orange , is available in tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks and is aged a few months to several years . Chèvre (Goat Cheese) has a color of white .
Rind and Rennet Type
Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) .
Ranking
Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is ranked #18 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Cheddar | Chèvre (Goat Cheese) | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | Albariño, Asparagus, Bresaola, Cabernet Franc, California Viogniers, Cava, Champagne, Fig Jam, German Riesling, Green Tea, Grüner Veltliner, Honey, Honeycomb, Kiwi, Kombucha, Olives, Pinot Grigio, Raspberry, Riesling, Roasted Vegetables, Salmon, Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling Rosé, Strawberries, Tequila, Vinho Verde, White Burgundy |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | Asti Spumante, Avocado, Beaujolais, Dried Cranberries, Dried Fruit, Gamay, Ginger, Mangoes, Mushrooms, Pear, Pecans, Pesto, Pinot Gris, Pumpkin, Seaweed, Sweet Potato, Viognier |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Cheddar and Chèvre (Goat Cheese) pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Cheddar Cheese | Chèvre (Goat Cheese) | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | France |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Fat Content | At least 50% fat in dry matter | Not Specified |
| Moisture Content | Up to 39% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Not Specified |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Soft |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Tangy |
| Aroma | Varies | Goaty |
| Colors | Natural or dyed orange | White |
| Forms | Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks | Not Specified |
| Age | A few months to several years | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go for Cheddar. But if you enjoy a soft consistency, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) might be the better pick. Cheddar has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) offers a tangy profile, ideal for different meals.
