Kamil Perry
Nut cheese is a type of vegan cheese, which is made from nuts such as cashews and often includes other ingredients like coconut oil, potato starch, nutritional yeast, and citric acid. The taste and texture of nut cheese vary greatly between brands, with some people finding them to be unpleasant and others finding them to be tasty and versatile. Nut cheese can be used in a variety of dishes, including pizzas, sandwiches, and dips, and can be melted or used as a spread. While some people find that nut cheese does not taste or melt like dairy cheese, others, especially those who follow a vegan or dairy-free diet, enjoy the taste and find that it provides a savoury, cheesy flavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Nutty, salty, sweet, tangy, smokey, bland, musty, cheesy, creamy, decadent, rich, silky, acidic, putty-like, grainy, yeasty, fishy |
| Texture | Dry, crumbly, fluffy, cloud-like, sawdust-like, chalky, plasticky, smooth, gooey, thick, spreadable, runny, creamy, stretchy |
| Smell | Weird, like hard cheese |
| Overall verdict | Not good raw, bland, musty, overpowering, unpleasant texture, pleasant texture, decent, not bad melted, intriguing, too tangy, too much flavor, pleasant, tasty, versatile, awful |
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What You'll Learn
Nut cheese is better melted than raw
Nut cheese is a versatile and tasty alternative to dairy cheese. While some people enjoy the taste of raw nut cheese, others find it bland, musty, or plasticky. However, when melted, nut cheese becomes a game-changer.
First of all, melting nut cheese brings out its flavour. The warmth enhances the savoury, cheesy taste, making it a satisfying addition to any dish. This is especially true for nut cheeses made with cashews, which have a naturally sweet and buttery flavour that is accentuated when melted.
Secondly, melted nut cheese has a superior texture compared to its raw counterpart. When melted, nut cheese becomes gooey and stretchy, resembling the classic melt of dairy cheese. This makes it perfect for dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches, pizzas, or burgers, where a melted cheese topping is essential.
Additionally, melting nut cheese can help mask some of the less desirable flavours that may be present in raw nut cheese, such as an overwhelming coconut taste or an artificial tang. By melting the cheese and combining it with other ingredients, the flavour of the cheese becomes more subtle and complementary to the dish as a whole.
Lastly, melting nut cheese allows it to blend seamlessly with other ingredients, enhancing their flavours without overpowering them. For example, melted nut cheese can add a creamy texture and a subtle cheesy taste to pasta dishes, spinach artichoke dip, or pesto. It can also be used as a tasty topping for pizzas or steamed vegetables, adding a savoury kick to the dish.
In conclusion, while raw nut cheese has its place in certain applications, melting nut cheese elevates its flavour, texture, and versatility, making it a more enjoyable and adaptable ingredient in a variety of recipes. So, the next time you're considering nut cheese, don't be afraid to turn up the heat and let it shine in all its melted glory!
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It's versatile and can be used on pizza, in dips and on sandwiches
Nut cheese is a versatile vegan alternative to dairy cheese. It can be used in a variety of dishes, including pizza, dips, and sandwiches, adding a savoury cheesy taste.
When used on pizza, nut cheese can be spread or squeezed over the base, providing a similar texture to mustard. It can also be used as a dip for steamed vegetables or as a spread on sandwiches. While it may not have the same meltability as dairy cheese, nut cheese can still enhance the flavour of dishes and provide a satisfying cheesy taste.
One popular type of nut cheese is cashew cheese, which can be made at home by blending cashews with salt and water. The consistency of cashew cheese can be adjusted by reducing the amount of water, resulting in a runny sauce, a spreadable paste, or even a thicker texture similar to peanut butter. Cashew cheese is a good source of nutrients and is especially versatile when made at home, as the texture and flavour can be customised to suit individual tastes.
While some people find the taste of nut cheese satisfying, others may find it lacking in comparison to dairy cheese. Some commercial nut cheeses have been described as bland, crumbly, dry, or overly salty. However, when used in cooked applications, such as in dips or melted on sandwiches, the flavour and texture of nut cheese can improve significantly.
In addition to cashew cheese, there are also coconut-based vegan cheeses available, such as the Violife brand, which has been described as having a rich, silky texture and a creamy flavour. Overall, while nut cheese may not perfectly replicate the taste and texture of dairy cheese, it offers a versatile and tasty alternative for those following a vegan diet or looking for dairy-free options.
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It's not an exact replica of dairy cheese
Nut cheese, or vegan cheese, does not taste exactly like dairy cheese. While some brands come close, none are a perfect replica. Many people find the taste and texture of vegan cheese to be inferior to dairy cheese. For example, some vegan cheeses have been described as having a "weird smell", a "very crumbly, dry texture", and an overall "bland and musty" taste. The texture has also been compared to "Play-Doh" and "putty".
However, it is important to note that not all vegan cheeses are the same, and some brands are better than others. For instance, some tasters have found that certain vegan cheeses have a "fairly true-to-form, ricotta-like texture" and a "nice subtle cheesy flavor with herby notes". Additionally, some vegan cheeses made from cashews and coconut oil have been described as having a sweet taste and a grainy texture. While the coconut flavour can be overwhelming, when cooked, these cheeses can develop a "much better" texture and a "needed saltiness".
Some people who have not consumed dairy cheese in a long time may find that vegan cheese provides the savoury, cheesy taste they have been missing. For example, one person who had not tasted dairy cheese in a couple of years found that cashew cheese provided the savoury, cheesy taste they had been craving. Similarly, people with dairy allergies who have never been able to eat cheese may enjoy the taste of vegan cheese without being able to compare it to dairy cheese.
Furthermore, vegan cheese can be used in cooked dishes to enhance the overall flavour without tasting exactly like dairy cheese. For example, vegan Parmesan shreds made from potato starch, coconut oil, and yeast extract have been described as having a "pleasant texture" and a "mildly nutty and yeasty flavour". When added to dishes like salads and pasta, these shreds can enhance the flavour of the dish without tasting exactly like dairy cheese.
In conclusion, while nut cheese does not taste exactly like dairy cheese, it can still be enjoyable and provide a savoury, cheesy taste for those who cannot or choose not to consume dairy.
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The taste depends on the brand
The taste of nut cheese varies depending on the brand. Some brands are praised for their taste, while others are described as awful and bland.
One brand that has received positive reviews for its nut cheese is Violife. A user on Reddit with a dairy allergy mentions that while Violife's vegan coconut feta doesn't taste like feta, it has a rich, silky texture and a creamy flavor. Another user on the same thread mentions that Violife doesn't taste right to them.
Miyoko's is another brand that has received positive reviews for its nut cheese. A user on Reddit mentions that Miyoko's is "pretty close and pretty tasty". The same user also mentions that while the taste of vegan cheese has gotten better, it still doesn't taste like dairy cheese.
Some brands of nut cheese have been criticized for their taste and texture. For example, a review of Go Veggie's mozzarella-style cheese describes it as crumbly, dry, and salty. Similarly, a review of Trader Joe's vegan cream cheese made from cashews and coconut oil found that while the texture was smooth, the taste of coconut overwhelmed the other ingredients.
The taste and texture of nut cheese can also depend on how it is prepared. For example, a review of Trader Joe's vegan Parmesan made from potato starch, coconut oil, and yeast extract found that it had a pleasant texture and mildly nutty and yeasty flavor when used in a salad or melted into pasta. However, the same review found that the cheese did not add any cheese flavor when used on a burger.
In addition to brand and preparation, individual taste preferences can also play a role in how people perceive the taste of nut cheese. For example, some people may prefer the taste of nut cheese if they have not had dairy cheese in a long time, while others may find that it does not live up to their expectations if they are comparing it directly to dairy cheese.
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It's a good option for those with dairy allergies
Nut cheese is a good option for those with dairy allergies. It is made from nuts such as cashews, and can be made at home or bought from health food shops and specialist cheese shops. Nut cheese is a versatile option, as its texture can be altered by reducing the amount of water used in the recipe. For example, a runnier sauce can be made for macaroni, or a thicker spread can be made for sandwiches. Nut cheese can also be melted on pizza or used on steamed vegetables.
Nut cheese has a savoury, cheesy taste, although it does not melt in the same way as dairy cheese. It is also a good option for those who are environmentally conscious or who care about animal welfare. Nut cheese can be used in recipes such as spinach artichoke dip, where it can be combined with other sharp, nutty vegan cheeses to create a thick, creamy texture. Nut cheese can also be used in pesto, adding a nice flavour.
However, some people dislike the taste of nut cheese, finding it bland, chalky, plasticky, or too sweet. It is also more expensive than dairy cheese, and some people may be allergic to nuts.
Overall, nut cheese is a good option for those with dairy allergies, as it provides a savoury, cheesy taste and can be used in a variety of recipes. However, it is important to consider the preferences and allergies of the individual, as well as the higher cost of nut cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
The taste of nut cheese varies depending on the brand and type of nut used. For example, cashew cheese can have a savoury cheesy taste, whereas vegan Parmesan made from potato starch, coconut oil, and yeast extract has a mildly nutty and yeasty flavour.
Nut cheese does not taste exactly the same as dairy cheese, but some brands come close. For example, Violife and Miyoko's are considered by some to be similar to dairy cheese.
Nut cheese is considered by some to taste better than other types of vegan cheese, which can be described as bland, musty, plasticky, or salty.
Yes, cooking with nut cheese can improve its taste and texture. For example, melting cashew cheese on a pizza or adding it to a spinach artichoke dip can make it taste more like dairy cheese.
