Chevre - Gourmet Guide

While the word "Chevre" might be hard to pronounce (it is a French word translated as "Goat" and is pronounced SHEHV or SHEH-vruh but the second syllable with the R sound is usually silent), it is certainly not hard to enjoy. Fresh, soft and spreadable, French Chevre naturally pairs with crusty French baguette, green grapes and Sauvignon Blanc wine. Chevre offers a mild goaty tang, the signature of any goat's milk product, and is often sold as Bucheron or Montrachet. While Chevre simply means Goat in French, we commonly refer to this cheese simply as Chevre, not Chevre Cheese.

While all Chevre is made from the milk of goats, some people don't consider all goat cheeses to be Chevres. For many connoisseurs, Chevre only refers to soft, fresh or minimally aged French-types of goat cheeses, typically sold in logs or tubs. Then again, for many, the term Chevre is simply a generic term for all goat cheeses, fresh or aged, soft or firm, regardless of style. Soft, fresh Chevre dates back to ancient times, and was mostly likely one of the first cheeses, if not THE first cheese, ever made. A versatile cheese, Soft, fresh Chevre can be enjoyed a a snack on bread or crackers, or used in recpies over salads or stuffed into vegetables or dough as an hors d'oeuvre. Served hot, Chevre is known as Chevre Chaud, and is often enjoyed in green salads drizzled with a vinaigrette.

Like yogurt, Chevre pairs well with fruit and is available in many flavors. Chevre's characteristic tart yet mild goaty flavor contrasts nicely with the sweetness of fruit preserves. Chevres are also available flavored with savory spices or crushed nuts. Known for its easy digestion, Chevre is a popular choice among lactose intolerant individuals. Soft Fresh Chevre has the same spreadable texture as cream cheese, but is sharper and more interesting. Chevre is also available in firmer textures, such as Goat Gouda, Goat Cheddar and even Goat Swiss Cheese.

While many countries produce Chevre, France is best known for its many varieties, such as Bucheron, Valencay, St. Maure and Montrachet. French Chevre naturally pairs with crusty French baguette, green grapes and Sauvignon Blanc wine. The US also has many goat dairies, like Coach Farm and Belle Chevre, that offer a wide variety of unique artisan goat cheeses.

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