Grocery
Sainte Maure de Touraine Goat Cheese
What it is
Sainte Maure de Touraine is a traditional French goat cheese originating from the Loire Valley. It is made from raw goat's milk and is characterized by its distinctive ash-coated rind and a straw running through its center, which helps it maintain its shape. The cheese has a semi-firm texture and a rich, tangy flavor that becomes more pronounced as it ages. Its appearance is typically log-shaped and covered in a fine, greyish-blue mold.
How people cook with it
This versatile cheese can be enjoyed in many ways, from simple snacking to enhancing complex dishes.
- Served on a cheese board
- Crumbled over salads
- Melted into warm dishes
- Paired with fruit and nuts
Sainte Maure de Touraine is excellent served at room temperature to fully appreciate its complex flavors. It can be sliced and enjoyed on its own, perhaps with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of fig jam. It also melts beautifully, making it a wonderful addition to gratified dishes or as a topping for toasted bread. When used in salads, its crumbly texture adds a delightful tang. The straw can be removed before serving or left in for visual appeal. It pairs well with crusty bread and a glass of crisp white wine.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike some younger, softer goat cheeses, Sainte Maure de Touraine develops a more robust flavor and a firmer texture with age. The ash coating on its rind contributes to its unique appearance and a subtle earthy note, distinguishing it from unripened or rindless goat cheeses.
Who it is for
Anyone who appreciates fine artisanal cheeses will enjoy Sainte Maure de Touraine.
How to keep the rest
To store leftover Sainte Maure de Touraine, wrap it tightly in cheese paper or parchment paper, then place it in a plastic bag or airtight container. Refrigerate it in the warmest part of your refrigerator, usually the vegetable crisper. It is best consumed within a week or two for optimal flavor.