Andy Montoya
Blue cheese is a type of cheese made using cultures of Penicillium mould, which is responsible for its unique taste, smell, and appearance. While some people enjoy the strong, sharp taste of blue cheese, others find it too intense or off-putting. Blue cheese can be an acquired taste, and some people may never acquire it. The mould in blue cheese further reduces fatty acids to form chemical compounds called ketones, specifically 2-Pentanone, which may be the reason for its strong reputation. The broad variety of blue cheeses means that there may be a specific type of blue cheese that appeals to those who have not yet found one to their liking.
Characteristics and values of blue cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Varies based on origin and aging time; stronger blues tend to be saltier and more pungent, while milder blues have woodsy or herbal flavors |
| Appearance | Pierced blue cheeses with few blue streaks tend to be milder, while stronger blues have many blue or greenish veins and a tan or tawny tint |
| Smell | Most varieties have a strong scent, but should not smell like ammonia; soft cheese has a pungent odor, while firm varieties may smell nutty or smoky |
| Texture | Can be creamy, flaky, crumbly, or buttery |
| Examples of strong blues | Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co.'s Original Blue, Roquefort, Deer Creek Cheese's The Blue Jay, Gorgonzola |
| Examples of mild blues | FireFly Farms MountainTop Bleu, Cambozola, Danish Blue |
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What You'll Learn
- Blue cheese is divisive, with some people loving it and others hating it
- Blue cheese contains edible mould, which gives it a pungent taste and smell
- Heating blue cheese can accentuate its sharp and bitter notes
- Blue cheese can be diluted by mixing it with other ingredients, such as mayonnaise and sour cream
- To keep blue cheese fresh, store it in the coldest part of the refrigerator
Blue cheese is divisive, with some people loving it and others hating it
Blue cheese is a polarising food; some people enjoy its strong flavour and smell, while others find it too intense and off-putting. The taste and aroma of blue cheese can vary greatly depending on its origin and ageing process, with some varieties being milder than others.
Those who appreciate blue cheese often describe it as having a rich, tangy, and savoury flavour with a creamy texture. They enjoy the complexity and depth of flavour that blue cheese brings to dishes, and some people like to pair it with something sweet to balance out the sharpness, such as fresh fruit or honey. Blue cheese is also commonly used in salads, dressings, pizzas, and sandwiches, adding a punch of flavour to otherwise mundane meals.
On the other hand, those who dislike blue cheese often find the taste and smell overpowering and unpleasant. The strong, pungent odour can be off-putting, and the sight of blue or greenish veins throughout the cheese may be unappetising to some. For those who are not accustomed to its unique flavour, blue cheese can be an acquired taste, and some people may never develop an appreciation for it.
The intensity of blue cheese can also vary depending on the type and brand, with some being milder and others packing a stronger punch. For instance, Danish Blue is known for its mild flavour and creamy texture, while Roquefort has a much stronger, saltier, and more pungent taste that may not appeal to everyone. Additionally, the ageing process plays a significant role in the strength of blue cheese, with longer-aged cheeses tending to have a more pronounced flavour.
Ultimately, the divisiveness of blue cheese comes down to individual taste preferences and sensitivity to strong flavours and aromas. While some people revel in the complex and robust flavour profile of blue cheese, others may find it simply too much to handle.
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Blue cheese contains edible mould, which gives it a pungent taste and smell
Blue cheese is a type of cheese that contains edible mould, which gives it a strong, sharp taste and a pungent smell. The mould in blue cheese is called Penicillium, and it is added after the curds have been drained and the cheese has been rolled into wheels. The blue cheese is then left to age for 2–3 months before it is ready to be consumed. Penicillium is responsible for the distinct taste, smell, and appearance of blue cheese.
The mould in blue cheese does not produce toxins and is safe to eat. However, blue cheese can still go bad if it is not stored properly. To prevent spoilage, it is important to store blue cheese tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. If stored properly, blue cheese can last 3–4 weeks in the refrigerator.
Blue cheese that has gone bad may develop fuzzy white, green, pink, or grey spots on its surface. Additionally, spoiled blue cheese may have a strong ammonia-like smell. It is important to note that consuming spoiled blue cheese can cause food poisoning, resulting in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps.
The strong taste and smell of blue cheese are not to everyone's liking. Some people may find it off-putting or too strong, especially those who have had limited exposure to different types of blue cheese or had an initial negative experience with a strong variety. However, blue cheese offers a diverse range of flavours and aromas, and there may be a variety that suits the palate of those willing to explore.
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Heating blue cheese can accentuate its sharp and bitter notes
Blue cheese is a type of cheese characterised by its creamy texture and strong, tangy taste. It is made with blue mould, which grows inside the curd, giving it its distinctive flavour and aroma. While blue cheese is safe to eat, its unique flavour is not to everyone's liking and can be too strong for some.
If you are new to blue cheese, it is recommended to start with milder varieties like Roquefort, a prestigious French blue cheese made from sheep's milk. Roquefort has a unique combination of salty, tangy, and slightly sweet notes, with a rich, creamy, and crumbly texture. Other popular blue cheeses include Gorgonzola (Italy), Stilton (England), Danish Blue Cheese (Denmark), and Bleuchâtel (Switzerland).
It is important to note that blue cheese can spoil, and the best way to tell if it has gone bad is by its smell. Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but if it develops an ammonia-like smell, it is likely spoiled. Changes in colour, texture, and taste can also indicate spoilage.
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Blue cheese can be diluted by mixing it with other ingredients, such as mayonnaise and sour cream
Blue cheese is a pungent and strong-tasting cheese that is not to everyone's liking. It has a very distinct flavour and aroma, which can be off-putting to some. The sharp taste comes from the breakdown of milk fats and the metabolism of blue mould, which produces chemical compounds known as ketones.
If you find the flavour of blue cheese too strong, there are ways to dilute it by mixing it with other ingredients. One popular way to do this is to make a blue cheese dressing by combining it with mayonnaise and sour cream. This creates a creamy and well-balanced dressing that can be used as a dip or as a salad dressing. You can also add other ingredients such as lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Another option to dilute the strong flavour of blue cheese is to use it in a sauce or pasta dish. For example, you can heat a skillet with cream and cheese, then add cooked pasta and stir until the sauce coats the pasta. You can also add other ingredients such as nuts and spinach to make it a more well-rounded meal.
Additionally, blue cheese can be paired with sweeter items such as honey, dates, or fig jam to balance out its sharpness. Some people also enjoy it with fruits, wines, or fortified wines. If you're looking for a more savoury option, blue cheese can be mixed with milder cheeses to create a creamy cheese sauce.
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To keep blue cheese fresh, store it in the coldest part of the refrigerator
Blue cheese is a pungent and divisive food item. Some people love it, while others hate it. It has a strong, sharp taste and a distinctive smell, and it's certainly possible to have too much of a good thing. But how do you know when blue cheese is past its prime and has become too strong? And what is the best way to keep it fresh for as long as possible?
Firstly, it's important to note that blue cheese is a perishable food item and can go bad. The best way to tell if your blue cheese has spoiled is to smell it. Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but this changes as it starts to go bad. If it has an ammonia-like smell, it is probably past its best and should be discarded. The colour of the cheese can also be an indicator of freshness. The creamy part of the cheese may start to turn yellow or pink, which indicates that it is spoiling.
To keep blue cheese fresh, it should be stored in the refrigerator. It is best kept in the coldest part of the refrigerator and should be wrapped in paper, such as butcher or waxed paper, rather than plastic wrap. This helps to prevent the growth of unwanted bacteria. It is also important to allow the cheese to breathe and not wrap it too tightly. Exposing blue cheese to fresh air can help to prolong its life, so it is recommended to lift the lid of a cheese dome or use a breathable storage container. Blue cheese also likes a humid environment, so a high-humidity climate of at least 80% is ideal.
If you want to keep blue cheese for longer, it can be frozen. However, this may affect the taste and texture, and it is recommended to only keep it frozen for up to six months. When freezing blue cheese, it should be cut into small portions and wrapped in paper before being placed in the freezer.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese contains an edible mold that contributes to its pungent taste and scent, which some may find too strong. However, it is safe to eat. If you find the flavor too intense, you can try diluting it by mixing it with other ingredients or using it in smaller quantities.
Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but it changes as it spoils. If your blue cheese has an ammonia-like smell, it has likely gone bad. Additionally, pay attention to the color of the creamy part of the cheese, as this can indicate spoilage.
If you find the taste of blue cheese too strong, you can try using it in a salad dressing or mixing it with butter. Adding something sweet like honey or jam can also help complement the sharp flavor. Alternatively, you can use less blue cheese and mix it with milder cheeses to create a creamy cheese sauce.
