The Chabichou of Poitou.
The Chabichou of Poitou.
Chabichou is a goat's cheese made near Poitiers. According to the legend told by local cheese makers, it comes from the famous battle of Poitiers around 732 between the army of the Franks and that of the caliphate.
Charles Martel defeats the Arabs. These eastern forces are said to have taken goats ("chebli" in Arabic) with them for food. When they leave the area, they leave behind goats and goatherds who teach the locals how to make goat cheese.
It's a nice story: the battle of Poitiers is often presented almost as a conflict between two civilizations, but ultimately with this chabichou, it becomes a real meeting and an enrichment of civilizations.
