Andy Montoya
Fermented foods are known to be healthy, containing live probiotic cultures, or good bacteria, that can contribute to gut and overall health. While not all cheeses are fermented, some famous cheeses are, and they can be a great way to include probiotics in your diet. Some examples of fermented cheeses include Swiss, Gouda, Edam, Gruyere, Cottage cheese, and Feta. When buying cheese, look for live active cultures on the label to ensure you're getting the probiotic benefits.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Feta: A mild, creamy, crumbly cheese with health benefits
Feta is a mild, creamy, and crumbly cheese with a salty, tangy flavour. It is a staple of Greek cuisine, traditionally made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk.
Feta is lower in calories and fat than other cheeses, making it a great choice for those watching their weight. It is also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, and protein. These nutrients offer various health benefits, such as improved bone health, boosted immunity, and lower risk of anemia. Feta is also a good source of probiotics, which can contribute to gut health and overall health. The cheese contains Lactobacillus plantarum, a beneficial bacteria that can protect against harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella.
However, it is important to consume feta in moderation due to its high sodium content, which can contribute to high blood pressure. It also contains saturated fats, which should be limited in the diet, and tyramine, a substance linked to increased blood pressure and heart palpitations in people taking certain medications. Additionally, pregnant women are advised to avoid unpasteurized feta cheese due to the risk of bacterial infection.
Overall, feta is a delicious and healthy addition to most diets when consumed in moderation. It can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and pizzas to appetizers and desserts.
Best Limburger Cheese Brands: Taste and Aroma
You may want to see also
Camembert: Faster fermentation than Brie, stronger flavour and more pungent
While there are many types of fermented cheeses, Camembert and Brie are two of the most well-known. Both cheeses are made from cow's milk and have similar production processes, but there are some key differences that set them apart.
One of the main differences between Camembert and Brie is the fermentation time. Camembert is fermented or ripened in smaller sizes, typically around 150g to 250g, allowing the process to occur at a faster rate. It is aged for a slightly shorter period, usually around three to four weeks. Brie, on the other hand, is traditionally made in larger, flat wheels of around 3kg. It is aged for a longer period, typically between five and ten weeks, resulting in a milder flavour.
The difference in fermentation time contributes to the variation in flavour between the two cheeses. Camembert has a stronger, deeper, and more pungent flavour compared to Brie. It is described as having earthy, garlicky, and mushroomy notes, with a hint of bitterness and some sour aromas. The addition of stronger lactic starters during the cheese-making process contributes to its more intense flavour. Brie, on the other hand, has a milder, creamier, and smoother flavour profile. It is characterised by its buttery, nutty, and slightly sweet taste. The cream added to the milk before fermentation contributes to its creamy texture and milder flavour.
In terms of texture, Camembert is denser and creamier due to its smaller size. It has a soft, creamy texture that melts quickly when cooked. Brie, being larger, is softer and more delicate. It holds its shape better than Camembert, making it suitable for dishes like baked Brie.
While both cheeses have their unique characteristics, the choice between Camembert and Brie ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer the stronger, more pungent flavour of Camembert, while others may favour the milder, creamier taste of Brie.
Chicken and Cheese: The Perfect Pairing
You may want to see also
Brie: Softer, creamier and milder than Camembert
While there are many types of cheese, and it's hard to make absolute statements about which is best, Brie is certainly a strong contender. This soft, creamy cheese originates from the Brie region in Northern France. It has a milder and creamier flavour than its close cousin Camembert, which is also made in France, in the town of Camembert in Normandy.
Brie has a soft centre surrounded by a chewy rind. Its milder flavour is due to the addition of cream to milk before fermentation, and the smaller amount of bacterial cultures such as lactic acid added to it. Brie is a good source of probiotics, which are good bacteria that can contribute to gut and overall health. Probiotics can be found in fermented foods, yoghurt, and dietary supplements. They can help to foster the growth of good bacteria in the gut, aiding digestion and boosting the immune system.
Camembert, on the other hand, is fermented or ripened in smaller sizes, which means the process occurs at a faster rate. This is why Camembert ages quicker and has a stronger, more pungent taste. It also has a deeper flavour and a hint of sour notes. The strong smell of Camembert tends to put some people off.
Brie is a very versatile cheese. It pairs well with fruits, cured ham, or wine on a cheeseboard. It is also a good ingredient to cook with, melting instantly and releasing its flavour.
Where to Find the Ultimate Chili Cheese Fries
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Probiotics: Fermented cheeses with health benefits
Fermented foods have become increasingly popular due to their health benefits. Fermented cheese, in particular, is one of the most easily found and ancient techniques of fermentation.
Fermented cheese contains probiotics, which are good bacteria that can contribute to gut and overall health. Probiotics are typically found in cheeses that have been aged but not heated afterward. This includes both soft and hard cheeses, such as Swiss, provolone, Gouda, cheddar, Edam, Gruyère, and cottage cheese. These cheeses are excellent options for individuals with lactose intolerance as the fermentation process breaks down lactose, making them easier to digest. Fermented cheese can also be a good option for those who struggle to digest lactose and dairy products more generally.
The probiotics in fermented cheese can help restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut, which may be linked to a host of conditions, such as allergies, mood disorders, and arthritis. Additionally, fermented cheese can improve digestive function and boost immune modulation.
It is important to note that cheese tends to be high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. However, with the right approach, fermented cheese can be a beneficial addition to your daily meals and positively impact your overall gut health.
Romano Cheese: Which Brand Reigns Supreme?
You may want to see also
Calorie content: Some fermented cheeses are high in calories
Fermented foods are known to be rich in probiotics, which are good bacteria that can improve gut and overall health. While some cheeses are fermented, not all of them are. Fermented cheeses include Swiss, Gouda, Edam, Gruyere, Cottage cheese, Parmesan, and some Cheddar cheese.
When it comes to calorie content, some fermented cheeses are indeed high in calories. For example, 100 grams of Brie contains around 300 calories. Similarly, Mascarpone, a soft, creamy, Italian cheese, has 429 calories per 100-gram serving. Sour cream, another fermented dairy product, is also high in fat and calories, with just one tablespoon containing nearly 24 calories and over 2 grams of fat.
On the other hand, some fermented cheeses are lower in calories. Feta cheese, for instance, has 264 calories per 100 grams, which is considered lower compared to other types of cheese. Cottage cheese is also mentioned as being low-calorie and a common addition to various diets.
While fermented cheeses can offer health benefits due to their probiotic content, it is important to remember that cheese, in general, tends to be high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium. Therefore, it is advisable to consume cheese in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Cheese for Gestational Diabetes: What's Best?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Fermented cheese is a type of cheese that contains live probiotic cultures, which are good bacteria that can improve gut and overall health.
Some popular fermented cheeses include Feta, Swiss, Gouda, Edam, Gruyere, Cottage cheese, and Provolone.
Yes, fermented cheese can provide several health benefits due to its probiotic content. Probiotics can aid digestion, boost the immune system, and potentially improve mental health.
While fermented cheese can be a tasty and healthy addition to one's diet, it is important to consume it in moderation due to its high-calorie content, saturated fat, and sodium levels.
Fermented cheeses are widely available at local grocery stores, specialty food stores, and online retailers such as Amazon, Murray's, and Walmart.
