Bushra Griffith
Blue cheese is a divisive food—some people love it, while others detest it. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind these differing opinions and try to determine what percentage of people like or dislike blue cheese. We will also discuss the different types of blue cheese available and how they are made. Finally, we will offer some tips on how to enjoy blue cheese, even if you are usually a critic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of people who dislike blue cheese | 34% |
| Percentage of people who like blue cheese | 2-3% |
| Reasons for disliking blue cheese | Strong scent, metallic notes, acidity, off-putting texture, health concerns, and presence of mold |
| Reasons for liking blue cheese | Sweet and nutty taste, pairing with the right food or drink, and acquiring a taste for it |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Why do some people detest blue cheese?
Blue cheese is a polarizing food—you might hate it, while your sibling might love it. In fact, blue cheese was listed as one of the 10 most hated foods in the UK, with 34% of people saying they can't stand blue-veined cheeses. Despite this, a blue cheese was named the "Greatest Cheese in the World" at the World Cheese Awards in 2019. So, why do some people detest blue cheese?
One of the main reasons people dislike blue cheese is its strong smell, which some find unpleasant and off-putting. The odour of blue cheese can be described as pungent and lingering, which makes it less enjoyable to eat. The piquancy and acidity of blue cheese can also be overwhelming for some palates. David Gremmels, president of Rogue Creamery, notes that the metallic notes and off-putting texture of homogenized and standardized blue cheeses are turn-offs for many people.
Another factor that may contribute to the aversion to blue cheese is its appearance. Blue cheese is characterized by its blue veins, which may be unappetizing to some. The veins are created by the Penicillium mold culture used in the cheesemaking process. While moldy cheese may be unappealing to some, it is important to note that the mold in blue cheese is safe to consume and adds to the unique flavour profile.
Additionally, some people may have negative associations with blue cheese due to its strong flavour. Blue cheese is often described as having a sharp, tangy, or salty taste. For those who are not accustomed to such bold flavours, blue cheese can be unappealing. It is also an acquired taste for many, and those who are not exposed to or familiar with blue cheese may be less likely to enjoy it.
Lastly, individual differences in taste perception may play a role in the dislike of blue cheese. Some people may be more sensitive to certain flavours, such as the butyric acid present in blue cheese, which has been described as resembling the taste of vomit. These individuals, known as "supertasters," may find the flavour of blue cheese particularly unpalatable.
The Unique Taste of Fontina Cheese: An Italian Delicacy
You may want to see also
Why do some people love blue cheese?
Blue cheese is a polarizing food, with some people loving it and others hating it. While it is difficult to determine the exact percentage of people who enjoy blue cheese, it is clear that this variety of cheese has a dedicated fan base. So, why do some people love blue cheese?
Firstly, blue cheese has a unique and strong flavour that some people find appealing. It is known for its piquancy, with notes of acidity and metallic flavours that can be overwhelming for some but intriguing for others. The butyric acid present in blue cheese can be off-putting for those who associate it with the taste of vomit, but this is not a universal aversion. Those who appreciate blue cheese often savour its complexity and intensity of flavour.
Secondly, blue cheese has a long history and is considered a classic in the culinary world. The process of making blue cheese involves nurturing specific microorganisms that create the distinctive blue veins. This controlled fermentation method has been used for centuries as a means of food preservation, and blue cheese's longevity has contributed to its popularity.
Thirdly, blue cheese offers a wide range of varieties, allowing enthusiasts to explore and discover their favourites. From the famous British Stilton to French Roquefort and Spanish Valdeon, each type of blue cheese has its own unique characteristics. The award-winning Rogue River Blue, for instance, is swaddled in grape leaves soaked in pear liqueur, adding a layer of sweetness and complexity to the cheese's flavour and aroma.
Lastly, blue cheese is often paired with other foods and drinks to enhance their flavours. It is commonly paired with wines, and its strong flavour can elevate salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. Some people enjoy the contrast of blue cheese with sweet or salty ingredients, creating a dynamic sensory experience.
In conclusion, while blue cheese may not be for everyone, those who love it tend to appreciate its distinct flavour, historical significance, diverse varieties, and versatility in culinary applications. It is a cheese that has inspired passion and dedication among its fans, who savour its complexity and uniqueness in the world of cheese.
Cotswold Cheese: A Tangy, Creamy Delight
You may want to see also
Is blue cheese an acquired taste?
Blue cheese is a polarizing food—some people love it, while others hate it. It is often described as an acquired taste, meaning that it takes some getting used to before one can fully appreciate it.
Blue cheese is said to be one of the most hated foods in the UK, with as much as 34% of people saying they can't stand blue-veined cheeses like British Stilton, French Roquefort, and Spanish Valdeon. However, this statistic may not tell the whole story, as blue cheese has also impressed expert judges, even winning the title of "Greatest Cheese in the World" at the World Cheese Awards in 2019.
So, what is it about blue cheese that makes it so divisive? One factor may be its unique appearance. Blue cheese is easily recognizable by the blue or blue-green veins that run through it, which are caused by the Penicillium roqueforti mold. This mold is added to the curds or milk during the cheesemaking process and needs oxygen to "bloom." The veins can range from slight wispy clouds to dark navy blue on the surface, and the texture of blue cheese can vary from crumbly and dry to soft and fudgy.
Another factor that may contribute to the polarizing nature of blue cheese is its strong flavor and aroma. Blue cheese is known for its piquancy and acidity, as well as its metallic notes and off-putting texture. These characteristics can be overwhelming for some people, especially those with sensitive palates. The butyric acid in blue cheese, for example, is said to have a vomit-like taste that can be off-putting to some. On the other hand, blue cheese can also be sweet, and some varieties are described as having a creamy texture with notes of salted caramel.
Despite the mixed reactions to blue cheese, it seems that the number of people who are put off by it may be decreasing. David Gremmels, president of Rogue Creamery, has a challenge for blue cheese skeptics: he asks them to taste a small crumble of his company's Smokey Blue cheese, which is cold-smoked over hazelnut shells. He claims that at least 95% of the time, he is able to convert people to blue cheese lovers with this challenge. Gremmels believes that blue cheese reticence could be based on a lack of experience, and that with the right guidance, most people can find a blue cheese they enjoy.
Brie Cheese: A Beginner's Guide to Taste and Texture
You may want to see also
Explore related products
What are some blue cheese varieties?
Blue cheese is a general classification of cheese that has had cultures of the mould Penicillium added, resulting in a distinct smell and appearance. The mould requires oxygen to grow, so the texture of blue cheese must be open, and the cheese is pierced with needles to allow the fungal spores to germinate and grow. Blue cheese is typically aged in a temperature-controlled environment such as a cave.
Blue cheese is divisive, with some people loving it and others hating it. Some people are turned off by the acidity, metallic notes, and texture of homogenization and standardization in commodity blue cheeses. However, others believe that everyone should be able to find a blue cheese they love, and that reticence to blue cheese could be based on a lack of experience.
There are many varieties of blue cheese, each with its own unique characteristics and manufacturing methods. Some of the best-known varieties worldwide include:
- Gorgonzola: An Italian blue cheese made from cow's milk.
- Roquefort: A popular French blue cheese made from sheep's milk.
- Stilton: A British blue cheese made from cow's milk with a creamy texture.
- Danablu: Also known as Danish Blue, this variety is made from cow's milk.
- Bleu d'Auvergne: A French blue cheese made from cow's milk.
- Cabrales: A Spanish blue cheese made from cow's milk.
In addition to these classic varieties, there are also many other types of blue cheese produced in different regions, such as the American Maytag Blue, which was created by a German immigrant in the mid-1800s and is commonly used as a salad topper. California is also known for its blue cheeses, including Point Reyes Farmstead's Original Blue, Bay Blue, Valley Ford Cheese's Grazin' Girl, and Central Coast Creamery's Big Rock Blue.
Government Cheese: What It Looks Like and Why
You may want to see also
How can haters be converted into blue cheese lovers?
Blue cheese is a very divisive food, with some people loving it and others hating it. In fact, in a 2019 list of the most hated foods in the UK, blue cheese was ranked 7th, with around 34% of people saying they can't stand it. However, this also means that 66% of people do not dislike blue cheese, and it has even been called the "Greatest Cheese in the World" at the World Cheese Awards. So, how can those in the former category be converted into blue cheese lovers?
One reason why some people dislike blue cheese is because of its strong smell and pungent aroma, which can be off-putting. This is often due to the noticeable blue mold within the cheese, which can trigger an instinctive aversion to visible spoilage. However, it's important to note that mold is used in some capacity in almost all cheesemaking processes, and the mold in blue cheese is safe to consume. By understanding that the mold in blue cheese is not indicative of spoilage, some haters may be able to overcome their aversion.
Another reason for the dislike of blue cheese could be a lack of exposure or experience. Some people may only be familiar with low-quality, mass-produced blue cheeses that are commonly found in grocery stores. These cheeses often have an overly acidic or metallic taste and an off-putting texture. However, there is a wide variety of blue cheeses available, including artisan and specialty cheeses, which offer a completely different taste and sensory experience. By encouraging blue cheese haters to try a higher-quality, artisan blue cheese, they may find that they enjoy it.
Additionally, pairing blue cheese with the right food or drink can help ease haters into enjoying it. Introducing blue cheese to people through dishes like wings or salads, which often include vinegar or hot sauce, can amplify the strong flavors of the cheese. Instead, it may be better to pair blue cheese with fruit or dessert wine, or even honey, as the sweetness can balance out the pungency of the cheese.
Finally, it's important to keep an open mind and remember that not all blue cheeses are created equal. With a wide range of flavors and varieties available, from mild and spreadable to strongly-flavored and crumbly, there is likely to be a blue cheese out there for everyone. By sampling different types of blue cheese and finding the right one for their taste preferences, even the most reluctant individuals may be converted into blue cheese lovers.
Mold on Fresh Mozzarella: Identifying the Danger Signs
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It is unclear what percentage of people like blue cheese. However, blue cheese is considered to be a very divisive food, with some people loving it and others hating it.
Some people are put off by the strong scent of blue cheese, or the idea of eating mouldy food. Others dislike the acidity, metallic notes, and texture of certain blue cheeses.
Blue cheese lovers appreciate the range of flavours it encompasses, from gently nutty to sweet and fudgy. It can also be paired with certain foods and drinks, like fruit or dessert wine, to make it more enjoyable.
If you are a blue cheese skeptic, you may need to explore different types of blue cheese to find one that suits your taste. It is also recommended to pair blue cheese with the right food or drink, as this can help ease people into enjoying it.
