Goat Cheese vs Pélardon Cheese
Goat Cheese is a soft, semihard or hard goat-milk cheese, while Pélardon Cheese is soft and made from goat milk, originating in France.
What Is Goat Cheese?
Goat cheese, also called chèvre, is cheese made from goat's milk. It is produced around the world in styles ranging from fresh and soft to aged and hard, and is known for the tart, goaty flavor that comes from the milk's medium-chain fatty acids.
What Is Pélardon Cheese?
Pélardon is a small round goat's milk cheese from the Cévennes range in France's Languedoc-Roussillon region. It ripens under a white mold rind and has carried AOC status since August 2000.
What's the Difference Between Goat Cheese and Pélardon Cheese?
- Texture: Goat Cheese (soft, semihard or hard), Pélardon Cheese (soft)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Goat Cheese | Pélardon Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | France |
| Specific Origin | Worldwide | Cévennes Range, Languedoc-Roussillon, France |
| Milk Type | Goat | Goat |
| Texture | Soft, semihard or hard | Soft |
| Rind | — | Bloomy, white mold |
| Taste | Tart, goaty | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Goat Cheese Taste Like Pélardon Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Goat Cheese for Pélardon Cheese?
In most recipes, Goat Cheese and Pélardon Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are goat-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, semihard or hard bite and body where the recipe calls for soft.
Which Is Better, Goat Cheese or Pélardon Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, semihard or hard cheese, go with Goat Cheese. For a soft profile, Pélardon Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Goat Cheese the same as Pélardon Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Goat Cheese similar to Pélardon Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a goat-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Goat Cheese for Pélardon Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Goat Cheese taste like Pélardon Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Goat Cheese made of?
Goat Cheese is made from goat milk.
What is Pélardon Cheese made of?
Pélardon Cheese is made from goat milk. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Goat Cheese or Pélardon Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Goat Cheese is soft, semihard or hard, while Pélardon Cheese is soft.