Representing a wide range of cheeses, chevre describes a classic French variety of goat cheese. The texture of chevre ranges from firm and sliceable to creamy and spreadable, so no matter what kind of recipe you’re making, or dish you’re preparing, there’s probably a chevre that would be perfect for it. Generally characterized by intensely earthy notes of flavor finished by the singularly tangy taste intrinsic to goat’s milk products, our assortment of chevre is as delightful and diverse as they come. Browse through our complete selection of this French specialty for a delicious and authentic taste of Gallic cuisine!
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What is Chevre?
One of the cornerstones of the French cheese-making tradition, chevre is made from goat’s milk, lending it a distinct flavor profile and tangy finish. First produced in the pastures and valleys of the French countryside, classic chevre cheese-making is heavily influenced by the western European climate. It’s flavor profile, directly affected by the native grasses on which the goats graze. The classic method for making chevre is devoted to promoting the raw flavor of the milk used and enhancing the nuances of taste developed from the goat’s environment. Like a fine wine, chevre cheese develops terroir, and artisan cheese makers rely on their expertise to highlight it.
Made using fairly standard cheese-making procedures, chevre is made through a combination of cultures and rennet to help coagulate the milk and form a curd. As it separates, the whey is left behind and is eventually drained off. Poured into molds and covered in a generous coating of salt, the chevre is then either packaged immediately for fresh cheese varieties or allowed to go through an aging process, which can last for as long as twelve weeks. With an emphasis on quality and integrity of craftsmanship, true chevre never contains any artificial fillers, additives, or preservatives.
The Taste of Chevre
As with all cheeses, the younger a chevre is, the more mild and subtle its flavors are. As they age, they develop sharper tastes, and as the natural evaporation process occurs, their interior texture grows increasingly denser and more crumbly. Available in many shapes and sizes, you’ll see chevre available formed into patties, logs, drums, loaves, even pyramids, making them an excellent visual element for any cheese platter or charcuterie board. Excellent dessert cheeses or served alongside an aperitif, feature chevre at your next dinner party or event!
Some of our favorite chevre varieties include: Bucheron, Chabis, and Crottin de Chavignol. Try these and more at Gourmet Food Store, and start experiencing the joys of this delightful French culinary tradition!