Goat milk
Specific breed
Established
Alpine (goat)
French-Swiss Alpine goat breed. More concentrated milk character than Saanen; favored by artisan producers who want pronounced goat character.
Animal
Goat
Kind
Specific breed
Fat content
3.5-3.8%
Protein content
2.9-3.1%
Significance
Established
Yield
~900-1,400L/year — moderate yield. Hardier in difficult terrain than Saanen.
Dominant regions
Originated in the French Alps; now globally distributed. Popular in US small-scale artisan goat dairies.
History
The breed traces to the Swiss-French Alpine region. American Alpines were developed from French Alpine imports in the early 20th century. The breed is colored (multiple patterns) rather than uniform like Saanen.
Flavor character
More intensely "goaty" than Saanen; more concentrated milk character. Favored by artisan producers for the more pronounced expression.
Signature cheeses
- Mixed Loire AOP goat cheeses
- US artisan goat cheese
Used in cheese categories
Fresh
Bloomy rind
Aged goat/sheep