Goats Cheese Day

Goat’s Cheese Day: A Celebration of Tangy Delights

Goat’s Cheese Day is an annual celebration dedicated to the rich, tangy, and versatile world of goat’s cheese. This special day honors the diverse flavors and textures of goat’s cheese, from creamy chèvre to crumbly feta, while also recognizing the hard work of farmers and cheesemakers who craft these delicious dairy products.

Quick Facts

When is it?: June 25th
Tagged as: Food holiday, Cheese celebration
What’s the hashtag?: #GoatsCheeseDay
When was it founded?: 1998
Who founded it?: American Cheese Society and Bongrain (now Savencia Fromage & Dairy)

History of Goat’s Cheese Day

Goat’s Cheese Day was established in 1998 as a collaborative effort between the American Cheese Society and French goat cheese producer Bongrain. The day aims to raise awareness about the unique flavors and health benefits of goat’s cheese, as well as to support local farmers and cheesemakers.

Timeline

5000 BCE: Goat’s cheese is believed to have originated in ancient Greece.
Middle Ages: Moors introduce goats to France’s Loire Valley, sparking French goat cheese production.
1980s: Laura Chenel brings French cheese-making techniques to California, boosting U.S. goat cheese production.
1998: Goat’s Cheese Day is established by the American Cheese Society and Bongrain.

Goat’s Cheese Day Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	June 25	Wednesday
2026	June 25	Thursday
2027	June 25	Friday
2028	June 25	Sunday
2029	June 25	Monday
2030	June 25	Tuesday

Observed Goat’s Cheese Day

Goat’s Cheese Day is observed worldwide by cheese enthusiasts, foodies, and culinary professionals. Celebrations often include cheese tastings, cooking demonstrations, and special menus featuring goat’s cheese dishes at restaurants.

Many cheese shops and specialty food stores offer promotions and samplings of various goat’s cheese varieties. Some farms and creameries host open houses or tours, allowing visitors to learn about the cheese-making process and meet the goats responsible for producing the milk.

Social media plays a significant role in spreading awareness, with food bloggers and influencers sharing their favorite goat’s cheese recipes and pairings using the hashtag #GoatsCheeseDay.

Fun Facts About Goat’s Cheese

Goat’s cheese is lower in fat and calories compared to many cow’s milk cheeses.
It takes about three days to produce goat’s cheese.
Goats start producing milk at around two years old.
Approximately 100 pounds of goat’s milk yields 16 to 25 pounds of cheese.
Goat’s cheese doesn’t melt in the same way as cow’s milk cheese when heated.

Quiz

What is the French word for goat’s cheese?
Which Greek cheese is often made from a mixture of goat’s and sheep’s milk?
What is the name of the Spanish hard goat’s cheese with a distinctive flavor?
Which type of goat’s cheese is often used in Mediterranean salads?
What is the name of the French goat’s cheese log often coated in ash?

(Answers: 1. Chèvre, 2. Feta, 3. Garrotxa, 4. Feta, 5. Bucheron)

FAQs

Q: Is goat’s cheese lactose-free?
A: While not entirely lactose-free, goat’s cheese typically contains less lactose than cow’s milk cheese, making it easier to digest for some people with lactose sensitivities.

Q: Can pregnant women eat goat’s cheese?
A: Pregnant women should avoid soft, unpasteurized goat’s cheeses but can safely consume pasteurized varieties.

Q: How long does goat’s cheese last?
A: Unopened goat’s cheese can last 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator, while opened cheese should be consumed within 5-7 days.

Q: What wine pairs well with goat’s cheese?
A: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Chenin Blanc are excellent wine pairings for goat’s cheese.

Q: Can I freeze goat’s cheese?
A: While it’s possible to freeze goat’s cheese, it may affect the texture. It’s best consumed fresh for optimal flavor and consistency.

Importance of Goat’s Cheese Day

Goat’s Cheese Day plays a crucial role in promoting the diversity of cheese varieties beyond the more common cow’s milk cheeses. It encourages consumers to explore new flavors and textures, expanding their culinary horizons.

This day also supports small-scale farmers and artisanal cheesemakers, highlighting the importance of sustainable and local food production. By celebrating goat’s cheese, we acknowledge the rich cultural heritage associated with cheese-making traditions around the world.

Furthermore, Goat’s Cheese Day raises awareness about the nutritional benefits of goat’s cheese, which is often more easily digestible and lower in calories than many cow’s milk cheeses, making it a valuable option for health-conscious consumers.