Randy Chandler
Blue cheese is a divisive food—some people love it, while others hate it. It is often considered an acquired taste, with a strong scent and flavour that some find off-putting. However, it has also been described as having a gently nutty or sweet taste. Blue cheese is made with Penicillium mould cultures, which create its characteristic blue or green veins and tangy, bold flavour. It is a type of cheese that has been around for a long time, with some historians believing that Pliny the Elder wrote rave reviews of Roquefort, a French blue cheese made from sheep's milk, as early as AD 79. While blue cheese may be polarising, it has its enthusiasts, and at the World Cheese Awards in Bergamo, Italy, a blue cheese was named the greatest cheese in the world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Blue cheese is an acquired taste | Yes |
| Blue cheese is divisive | Yes |
| Percentage of people who dislike blue cheese | 34% |
| People who dislike blue cheese can be converted | Yes |
| Blue cheese is safe to eat | Yes, if made with pasteurized milk |
| Blue cheese should be stored | In the refrigerator, wrapped in wax paper or foil, and kept in a sealed container |
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What You'll Learn
Why do some people dislike blue cheese?
Blue cheese is a divisive food, with some people loving it and others hating it. While some people savour its bold, complex taste, others find it off-putting. There are several reasons why some people dislike blue cheese.
Firstly, blue cheese has a strong, tangy flavour and a distinct aroma, which some people find unappealing. The cheese is made with Penicillium mould cultures, which create blue or green veins and contribute to its sharp taste and smell. Some people may be averse to the idea of consuming mouldy cheese, finding it unappetizing or unnatural.
Secondly, blue cheese contains butyric acid, which is also present in rancid butter. This acid can give the cheese an oily texture and a vomit-like taste that may be off-putting to some individuals, especially those with sensitive palates. These individuals, known as "supertasters," are more sensitive to specific flavours and may find the taste of blue cheese unpleasant or overwhelming.
Additionally, the piquancy of blue cheese can be intense, and some people may find it too strong or overpowering. The cheese can have metallic notes and an off-putting texture due to homogenization and standardization in commodity blue cheeses. It is also possible that some people have had negative experiences with blue cheese, especially if they have only tried low-quality or overly strong varieties. A lack of exposure to different types of blue cheese may also play a role in some people's dislike for it.
Lastly, blue cheese is often an acquired taste, and some people may never acquire it. Personal preferences and experiences play a significant role in shaping our food choices, and blue cheese is no exception.
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Why do some people like blue cheese?
Blue cheese is a divisive food, with some people loving it and others hating it. While some people find the idea of mouldy cheese off-putting, others enjoy the bold, complex, sharp, and tangy flavour that blue cheese is known for. Blue cheese is also prized for its depth and richness, and its ability to enhance salads, sauces, and wine pairings.
The mould in blue cheese is called Penicillium, and it is this mould that gives the cheese its characteristic blue or green veins. The mould also creates the tangy flavour that is so appealing to those who enjoy blue cheese. In addition to the mould, the breakdown of milk fats also contributes to the flavour and aroma of blue cheese.
Some people may be hesitant to try blue cheese due to its strong flavour and aroma, which can be overwhelming for some palates. The butyric acid present in blue cheese can also be off-putting, as it is similar to the smell of vomit. However, for those who enjoy strong and pungent flavours, blue cheese can be a delicious treat.
Despite the mixed reactions to blue cheese, it has been gaining popularity. At the World Cheese Awards in Bergamo, Italy, a blue cheese from Oregon's Rogue Creamery was named the "Greatest Cheese in the World". This award-winning cheese, called Rogue River Blue, is swaddled in grape leaves soaked in pear liqueur and has likely helped to increase interest in blue cheese among those who may have previously been hesitant to try it.
Overall, blue cheese is a unique and distinctive cheese that offers a bold and complex flavour profile that some people find irresistible. While it may not be for everyone, blue cheese has a dedicated following among those who appreciate its sharp, tangy, and rich flavour.
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How many people dislike blue cheese?
Blue cheese is a divisive food—some people love it, while others hate it. In a 2019 poll by the British website Good to Know, blue cheese was the seventh most-hated food in the UK, with 34% of respondents saying they couldn't stand blue-veined cheeses like British Stilton, French Roquefort, and Spanish Valdeon.
Several factors may contribute to people's dislike of blue cheese. One reason could be its strong scent, which some find off-putting. The cheese's pungent aroma is due to the presence of blue mold, which also gives it its distinctive colour. People may have an aversion to mold because of the negative associations with spoilage, and the belief that mold is bad for health.
Another reason for the dislike of blue cheese could be its strong, tangy, and complex flavour. Some people may find these flavours overwhelming and off-putting, especially if they are not used to them. The texture of blue cheese, which can be crumbly or semi-soft, may also be unappealing to some.
In addition to sensory factors, people's exposure to and experience with blue cheese can influence their liking for it. Those who have had limited exposure to different types of blue cheese or negative initial experiences with strong-tasting varieties may be less likely to enjoy it. However, some suggest that those who dislike blue cheese may change their minds if they try a true artisan or gourmet blue cheese product, paired with the right food or drink.
While there are no exact figures on how many people dislike blue cheese, it is clear that a significant number of people find it unappealing. However, it is worth noting that the number of people put off by blue cheese may be decreasing, with some suggesting that only a small percentage of people truly dislike it.
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How many people like blue cheese?
Blue cheese is a divisive food—some people love it, while others hate it. In 2019, blue cheese was listed as the seventh most hated food in the UK, with 34% of people saying they can't stand blue-veined cheeses such as British Stilton, French Roquefort, and Spanish Valdeon. However, the same year, a blue cheese was named the "Greatest Cheese in the World" at the World Cheese Awards in Italy.
Some people find blue cheese off-putting due to its strong scent, pungent aroma, and creamy texture. The mold in blue cheese, created by the breakdown of milk fats and the metabolism of blue mold, is also a common reason for aversion. Many people are turned off by the idea of mold in their food, as it is often associated with spoilage. However, mold is used in various types of cheesemaking, and blue cheese wears its mold on its sleeve with its ribboned veins.
Despite the divisiveness of blue cheese, there is a steady appreciation for this flavorful cheese. Those who enjoy blue cheese appreciate its bold, complex, and tangy flavor. Blue cheese can enhance salads, sauces, and gourmet dining experiences when paired with wine. The caliber of blue cheese has also improved over the years, with modern craft cheesemakers creating elegant, properly aged blue cheeses.
While some people may be hesitant to try blue cheese due to its strong reputation, others are willing to give it a chance. Food experts suggest that pairing blue cheese with the right food or drink can help ease haters into enjoying it. For example, instead of introducing blue cheese with wings or salads, which can amplify its strong flavor, it is recommended to pair it with fruit or dessert wine. With an open mind and the right approach, almost anyone can find a type of blue cheese they enjoy.
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How to introduce blue cheese to non-likers
Blue cheese is a divisive food, with some loving and others hating its sharp, tangy flavour and distinct aroma. It is an acquired taste that some will never acquire. However, if you are a fan of blue cheese and want to introduce it to non-likers, there are some ways to do so that might make it more appealing.
Firstly, it is important to note that blue cheese is very versatile and can be eaten in many different ways. It can be crumbled, spread, melted, or eaten on its own. Some people find that eating blue cheese on its own is not appealing, but when paired with other foods, it can be delicious. One of the most common ways to enjoy blue cheese is to crumble and melt it on top of a burger. You can also try adding some minced garlic to some crumbled blue cheese and spreading it on a burger patty. Another option is to make a compound butter with blue cheese and melt it on top of a steak. This can also be done with a bacon-wrapped filet, where the blue cheese is mixed with breadcrumbs and butter and broiled for a short time.
If you are looking for a more subtle way to introduce blue cheese, you can try mixing it with other ingredients. One idea is to mix a 1:1 ratio of unsalted butter and blue cheese, such as Roquefort, and spread it on a fresh baguette. Honey can also be added to this mixture. Blue cheese can also be used in salads, pairing well with fruits such as pear or strawberry, nuts, and a sweet dressing.
For those who are more adventurous, blue cheese can be used in desserts or sweet appetizers. For example, blue cheese, bacon, and candied pecan puff pastry bites offer a tangy and savory flavor with depth.
It is important to remember that not everyone will like blue cheese, and it is okay to have different taste preferences. However, if you are looking to introduce blue cheese to non-likers, these are some creative and tasty ways to do so.
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Frequently asked questions
It is hard to say exactly how many people like blue cheese, but it is a very divisive food. A British website listed blue cheese as the 7th most hated food in the UK, with 34% of people saying they can't stand it. However, blue cheese was also voted the "Greatest Cheese in the World" at the World Cheese Awards in Italy.
Blue cheese has a strong scent and flavour that some find off-putting. It is also mouldy, which can be unappealing to some people.
Blue cheese is loved by those who enjoy bold, complex tastes. It has a sharp, tangy flavour and a distinct aroma.
Some people find that pairing blue cheese with the right food or drink can help them to enjoy it. For example, trying it with honey or a dessert wine.
