The slopes of Mount Haleakala are home to many goats. One herd is made up exclusively of the French Alpine and Swiss Saanen breeds. What makes this group of Valley Isle goats unique is that it is known for producing milk for the award-winning cheeses of Surfing Goat Dairy.
The gourmet goat cheese is churned out daily from the 42-acre Maui lot and is distributed to businesses near and far. Being808 made its first Neighbor Island trek to meet some friendly goats and sample the dairy’s “udderly delicious” chevre.
Why choose goat cheese over cheese made from cow’s milk? Although this is still being researched, it’s thought some people who cannot tolerate cow’s milk are able to drink and consume products made from goat’s milk. Goat cheese also comes in at about 20 calories per ounce less than cow’s milk cheese. Visitors to Surfing Goat Dairy get to hear fun goat milk facts and also learn about the cheese-making process. You can even meet the milking herd and greet each four-legged member by name.
There was one interesting fact that stood out on the tour of the facility. When coagulating the milk after pasteurization, vegetable rennet is used instead of calf stomach extract. This process, along with using organic cheese cultures, makes the dairy’s products vegetarian safe and certified kosher.
After dusting off the hay from the dairy tour, visitors finally have the opportunity to indulge in its creamy labor of love. Samples from Surfing Goat Dairy’s roster of more than 30 flavors are offered with a bed of crackers. Their flavors include such natural ingredients as jalapenos, garlic, apple bananas and mangos.
Some of the Hawaiian Islands are known for their bread. Others are known for their ice cream. Thanks to the furry residents of Surfing Goat Dairy, goat cheese is putting Kula, Maui, on the map.
Surfing Goat Dairy
3651 Omaopio Rd
Kula, HI 96790
www.surfinggoatdairy.com
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