Bushra Griffith
Cheese is a milk-based food that comes in a wide range of flavours, textures, and forms. There are thousands of types of cheese worldwide, with Switzerland alone being home to over 450 varieties. The UK produces over 700 named cheeses, while Germany produces approximately one-third of all European-made cheeses. Some cheeses, like Gouda, originate from a certain area but are now produced around the world. Cheeses can be categorised by their texture, such as soft cheese (Camembert), semi-hard cheese (Cheddar), and blue cheese (Danish Blue).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | Switzerland, UK, Germany, Mongolia, Latin America |
| Texture | Soft, semi-hard, creamy |
| Flavour | Wide-ranging |
| Form | Wide-ranging |
| Milk type | Cow, sheep, goat |
| Pasteurisation | Yes/No |
| Butterfat content | High/low |
| Bacteria and mould | Yes/No |
| Processing | Yes/No |
| Aging | Yes/No |
| Colour | Yellow, red |
| Diet of animal | Various |
| Flavouring agents | Herbs, spices, wood smoke |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Soft cheese (e.g. Camembert)
There are thousands of types of cheese worldwide, with Switzerland alone producing over 450 varieties. Soft cheese is one of the main categories of cheese, along with semi-hard and blue cheese. Soft cheese is characterised by its creamy texture and mild flavour. Examples include Camembert, which is made from cow's milk and has a white rind, and Brie, which is also made from cow's milk and has a similar flavour and texture to Camembert. Soft cheese is typically made from cow's milk, but it can also be made from sheep or goat milk. The milk is typically pasteurised and then inoculated with bacteria to start the cheese-making process. Soft cheese is typically aged for a shorter period of time than harder cheeses, which gives it its softer texture and milder flavour. It is often served as part of a cheese board or used in cooking, such as in a baked Camembert dish.
Cheese Choices for the Perfect Cuban Sandwich
You may want to see also
Semi-hard cheese (e.g. Cheddar)
There are thousands of types of cheese worldwide, with Switzerland alone producing over 450 varieties. Semi-hard cheeses are one of the most popular types of cheese. Cheddar is a classic example of a semi-hard cheese. It has a firm texture and a sharp, tangy flavour. Other semi-hard cheeses include Colby Jack, Edam, Gouda, and Mozzarella. These cheeses are generally made with cow's milk, although some are made with sheep or goat milk. They are often used in cooking, as they melt well and have a strong flavour.
Cheese and the Law: What's Illegal?
You may want to see also
Blue cheese (e.g. Danish Blue)
There are thousands of types of cheese worldwide, with blue cheese being one of the most distinct categories. Blue cheese is made from cow's milk, which is used in about 99% of cheese production. The remaining share is made up of sheep and goat milk. Blue cheese is characterised by its blue veins, which are caused by the introduction of mould cultures, such as *Penicillium roqueforti*. The mould cultures are added to the curds before the cheese is formed, and the blue veins develop as the cheese matures.
Blue cheese has a strong, sharp flavour and a creamy texture. Danish Blue is one of the most well-known varieties of blue cheese. It is made from cow's milk and has a creamy, slightly salty taste. Danish Blue is often used in cooking, particularly in salads and pasta dishes, and pairs well with sweet wines such as Port or Sherry.
Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be melted on top of burgers or steaks, crumbled over salads or soups, or used as a flavourful addition to sauces or dips. Blue cheese also makes a great snack or appetiser when served with crackers or bread, and it pairs well with sweet or savoury accompaniments such as honey, jam, nuts, or dried fruit.
When purchasing blue cheese, it is important to look for a firm texture and a slightly moist appearance. The cheese should have a strong, pungent aroma, and the blue veins should be clearly visible. Blue cheese can be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped in wax paper or foil, for up to two weeks.
Cheese for Lactose Intolerant: What's the Best Option?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Regional cheeses (e.g. Red Leicester)
There are thousands of types of cheese worldwide, with many different classes, regional varieties, and local recipes. Regional cheeses are those that are associated with a particular locale or culture within a single country, such as Red Leicester in the UK, or queso blanco in Latin America.
Switzerland is home to over 450 varieties of cheese, with 99% of these made from cow's milk. Germany produces around one-third of all European-made cheeses. The UK, meanwhile, produces over 700 named British cheeses.
Some indigenous sociolinguistic groups in China, such as Inner Mongolia, Tibet, and Yunnan, have strong cheese traditions. There are two types of Mongolian cheese, both similar in taste to a cross between mozzarella and unsalted feta. түүхий сүүний is a creamy version of Mongolian cheese made by boiling the milk and keeping the cream top, while болсон сүүний is similar but made without the cream.
Other cheeses originate from a certain area but are now produced around the world, such as Gouda.
Cheese Classification: Is Cheese a Kind of Cheese?
You may want to see also
Low-fat cheese (e.g. Cottage cheese)
There are many different types of low-fat cheese. Some of the most popular include cottage cheese, Colby Jack, Edam, Mozzarella, Cheddar, and Gouda. These cheeses are made with reduced-fat milk or other low-fat alternatives, resulting in a healthier option that still retains the flavour and texture of their full-fat counterparts.
Cottage cheese is a soft, mild-flavoured cheese with a creamy texture. It is made by curdling milk with rennet or an edible acid, such as lemon juice or vinegar, and draining the resulting curds. This process gives cottage cheese its characteristic curds-and-whey composition. Cottage cheese is a versatile cheese that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It is often eaten for breakfast with fruit and granola, or as a topping for baked potatoes or pasta bakes.
Colby Jack, also known as Co-Jack, is an American cheese that combines Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses. It has a mild, buttery flavour and a semi-soft, open texture. Colby Jack is often used as a melting cheese, making it a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, nachos, and other comfort foods.
Edam is a Dutch cheese with a mild, nutty flavour and a firm, slightly dry texture. It is easily recognisable by its red paraffin wax coating and spherical shape. Edam is a versatile cheese that can be sliced, cubed, or grated, making it a popular choice for cheese platters, sandwiches, and salads.
Mozzarella is a soft, stretchy cheese with a mild, milky flavour. It is made from buffalo or cow's milk and is often used in Italian dishes such as pizza, lasagne, and caprese salad. Mozzarella is a popular choice for melting due to its stretchy, stringy texture when heated.
Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese with a sharp, tangy flavour. It is one of the most popular cheeses in the world and is widely used in cooking and as a table cheese. Cheddar is often aged to develop a stronger flavour and a more crumbly texture.
Gouda is a Dutch cheese with a sweet, nutty flavour and a firm, smooth texture. It is made from cow's milk and can be aged to develop a more complex flavour and a harder texture. Gouda is a versatile cheese that can be used in cooking, grated over dishes, or enjoyed on its own.
Cheese Options for the Perfect Hamburger Experience
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Camembert is an example of a soft cheese.
Cheddar is an example of a semi-hard cheese.
Danish Blue is an example of a blue cheese.
Queso blanco is a type of cheese associated with Latin America. There are also two types of Mongolian cheese, түүхий сүүний and болсон сүүний, which are similar in taste to a cross between mozzarella and an unsalted feta cheese.
There are over 700 named British cheeses produced in the UK, including Red Leicester.
