Patrick Oconnell
Saga cheese is a mix of blue cheese and brie, originating from Denmark. It is a creamy, blue-veined cheese with a white-mould rind and a mild tangy flavour. Saga blue is made from cow's milk and has a very soft texture. It is aged for more than 60 days and is now also largely produced and sold in America. In this paragraph, we will explore how this unique Danish cheese is made.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | Denmark |
| Type | Blue cheese and brie |
| Texture | Soft |
| Cream | Double |
| Rind | White-mould, edible |
| Flavour | Mild, tangy |
| Ageing | More than 60 days |
| Wine pairing | Sweeter white wines, Riesling, hearty red wines |
| Producers | Arla Foods |
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What You'll Learn
Saga cheese is a mix of blue cheese and brie
The process of making Saga cheese involves introducing a specific type of mould to cow's milk curds. This mould culture is what gives the cheese its characteristic blue veins and unique flavour. The curds are then drained and placed in moulds to form the desired shape. The cheese is then aged for at least 60 days to allow the flavours to develop and the texture to become creamy and soft.
The result is a unique blend of blue cheese and brie characteristics, combining the sharp, tangy flavour of blue cheese with the creamy, soft texture of brie. The white mould rind is also edible and contributes to the overall flavour and texture of the cheese.
Saga cheese is often enjoyed with sweeter white wines, such as Riesling, or with hearty red wines. It can be found in specialty cheese shops and upscale supermarkets. While it is originally from Denmark, it is now also produced and sold in America, with Arla Foods being one of the largest producers.
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It's a Danish double cream cheese
Saga cheese is a Danish double cream cheese, originating in Denmark. It is a mix of blue cheese and brie, with a creamy texture and blue veins. The cheese is made from cow's milk and has a mild, tangy flavour. It is aged for more than 60 days and has a delicate blue mould that may not be typical of other blue cheeses. The mould forms an edible, white rind. Saga is a very mild blue-veined cheese with a soft, creamy texture similar to brie.
Saga blue cheese is best paired with sweeter white wines, such as Riesling, or hearty reds. It is often found in speciality cheese shops and upscale supermarkets. Saga cheese is also produced and sold in America, with Arla Foods being one of the largest Saga cheese producers in Denmark.
The cheese has received mixed reviews, with some customers complaining about the smell and taste, stating that it had gone bad during shipping. However, others have praised the cheese, describing it as "wonderful" and "soft and delicious".
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It's aged for more than 60 days
Saga cheese is aged for more than 60 days. This ageing process is an important part of what gives Saga its distinctive characteristics. As a blue cheese, it features a delicate blue mold that may not be apparent in other blue cheeses. This mold is crucial to the ageing process, as it helps to break down the cheese's curds and contributes to its characteristic flavor and texture.
The ageing process for Saga cheese takes place in carefully controlled environments, such as temperature- and humidity-controlled rooms. These conditions are crucial for the development of the cheese's flavor and texture. During this time, the cheese is regularly turned and brushed to ensure even mould growth and moisture distribution.
The duration of ageing influences the final product's texture and flavor profile. In the case of Saga cheese, the ageing process of more than 60 days results in a soft and creamy texture. This lengthy ageing period contributes to the cheese's characteristic tanginess and mellowness, making it a mild-flavored blue cheese.
The ageing process also affects the appearance of Saga cheese. The white-mold rind that characterizes this variety of cheese develops during ageing. This rind not only adds to the visual appeal of the cheese but also helps to seal in moisture, contributing to its creamy texture.
Overall, the ageing process of more than 60 days is essential in transforming Saga cheese into a soft, creamy, and mild-flavored product with its distinctive blue veins and white-mold rind. This process, combined with the cheese's Danish origin and specific production methods, results in a unique variety of blue cheese that is enjoyed by connoisseurs around the world.
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It has a delicate blue mold
Saga cheese is a mix of blue cheese and brie, with a very soft texture and a mild tangy flavour. It is a Danish double cream cheese made from cow's milk, and it has a delicate blue mould that is not always found in other blue cheeses. This blue mould gives the cheese its characteristic blue veins, which are very subtle. The mould also contributes to the cheese's mild, tangy flavour. Saga cheese is aged for more than 60 days, during which time the mould develops and contributes to the cheese's flavour and texture. The mould is safe to consume and gives the cheese its distinctive character.
The blue mould in Saga cheese is likely a type of Penicillium, a fungus commonly used in the production of blue cheeses. This mould is carefully cultivated and controlled during the cheese-making process to ensure the safety and quality of the final product.
While some people may be put off by the idea of mouldy cheese, the blue mould in Saga cheese is perfectly safe to consume and is a key part of its unique flavour and texture. In fact, the mould is what gives Saga cheese its characteristic tanginess and creaminess.
The delicate blue veins of Saga cheese are a signature feature, distinguishing it from other blue cheeses that may have more prominent veining. These veins are created by the controlled growth of the blue mould throughout the cheese, giving it an elegant and refined appearance.
The mould also contributes to the cheese's edibility and longevity. The white mould rind, which is also edible, helps to seal in moisture and protect the cheese from spoilage, ensuring that it remains soft, creamy, and delicious during its shelf life.
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Saga cheese is largely produced and sold in America
Arla Foods is one of the largest producers of Saga cheese in Denmark. However, the cheese is also produced and sold in significant quantities in the United States. While it can be found in specialty cheese shops and upscale supermarkets, some customers have reported difficulty in finding it in stores.
The unique production process of Saga cheese involves ageing the cheese for more than 60 days to develop its delicate blue mold and characteristic flavour. This mild blue mold may not be present in other varieties of blue cheese, contributing to the distinct appearance and taste of Saga.
Saga blue cheese is known for its soft, creamy texture and mild, tangy flavour. It pairs well with sweeter white wines, such as Riesling, or hearty red wines. The Saga family of cheeses includes a range of varieties, such as blue, blue brie, camembert, creamy brie, and Gorgonzola.
While Saga cheese is widely enjoyed, some customers have expressed concerns about the strong smell of the cheese, particularly when it is not properly stored or transported. Proper cooling during transit is essential to maintain the quality and safety of the cheese, as it can quickly turn bad and become unsafe for consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
Saga is a mix of blue cheese and brie that originated in Denmark. It is a creamy, blue-veined cheese with a white-mould rind.
Saga Bleu Cheese is made from cow's milk as a double cream cheese. It contains a delicate blue mould that is not typical of other blue cheeses.
Saga cheese has a mild tangy flavour and is very soft in texture. It is known to pair well with sweeter white wines like Riesling or hearty red wines.
While Saga cheese originated in Denmark, it is also largely produced and sold in America. Arla Foods is one of the largest Saga cheese producers in Denmark.
Saga Blue cheese can be found in specialty cheese shops and many upscale supermarkets. However, some customers have mentioned that it is hard to find in stores nowadays.
