ABSTRACTSamples of blue‐mold surface ripened goat milk cheese were analyzed for fat and protein breakdown during ripening. After 2 wk, cheese had a pH of 4.96 and 9.13 micromoles of free fatty acids (F.F.A.)/g fat. After 6 wk, the pH increased to 6.43 and F.F.A. were 160.85 micromoles/g fat. At this time, the cheese rind pH was 7.18 with 253.81 micromoles FFA/g fat. Water soluble protein in the cheese increased from 20.47% at 2 wk of ripening to 26.62% after 4 wk of ripening.