Bushra Griffith
Blue cheese is a beloved and divisive food. Some people are drawn to its bold and tangy flavour, while others are put off by its distinctive blue mould. Blue cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, and other nutrients, and it may offer health benefits such as improved bone density and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. It is also high in salt and saturated fat, so it should be consumed in moderation. Some people crave blue cheese due to its salty and fatty content, or because they are calcium deficient. Others may crave it due to hormonal changes caused by pregnancy or medication.
Why do I crave blue cheese gorgonzola?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional value | High calcium content, rich in nutrients, great source of protein |
| Health benefits | May reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, may help achieve healthier bone density, may reduce body weight from fat, may help maintain gut health |
| Taste | Bold and tangy, taste varies based on origin and aging time |
| Texture | Creamy |
| Craving causes | Hormones, pregnancy, medication, nutritional deficiencies |
| Safe consumption | Pasteurized blue cheese is safe to consume |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese is rich in nutrients and provides health benefits
Blue cheese, including the Gorgonzola variety, is rich in nutrients and provides a variety of health benefits. Firstly, blue cheese is a great source of calcium, even compared to other types of cheese. A once-ounce serving of blue cheese contains 150 mg of calcium, which is essential for achieving the recommended daily calcium intake, which is a minimum of 1,000 mg for most adults. Regular consumption of calcium-rich blue cheese helps maintain bone health, increase bone density, and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Calcium in blue cheese may also aid in weight management by reducing body weight from fat and visceral fat around the abdominal area.
Secondly, blue cheese contains a compound called spermidine, which is believed to delay aging and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Spermidine positively affects cardiac muscle cells and other parts of the cardiovascular system. The presence of spermidine and the French paradox, a phenomenon where fewer people in France die of cardiovascular disease despite a diet higher in saturated fat, may be linked. Additionally, the mold Penicillium roqueforti in blue cheese has anti-inflammatory effects, helps control blood pressure, and prevents cholesterol buildup.
Blue cheese is also a good source of dietary protein, which is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall body function. It contains essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, B vitamins, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. These vitamins and minerals support overall health and well-being. Blue cheese also contains probiotics, which promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria and support gut health.
While blue cheese offers these nutritional benefits, it is also high in salt and saturated fat, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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It is safe to eat blue cheese as long as it is pasteurized
Blue cheese is a delight to many, with its bold and tangy taste and health benefits. It is rich in nutrients, offering high calcium content, and is a great source of protein. It also contains a compound called spermidine, which may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, it is high in salt and saturated fat, so it should be consumed in moderation.
When it comes to gorgonzola, a type of blue cheese, it is generally safe to consume as long as it is pasteurized. Pasteurization is crucial because it kills harmful bacteria, including Listeria, which can be dangerous, especially during pregnancy. Listeria infection can lead to miscarriages and weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to diseases and infections.
To ensure the safety of gorgonzola or any blue cheese, always opt for pasteurized varieties. Check the labels carefully to confirm that the cheese is made from pasteurized milk. If you are unsure or the product is unlabeled, it is best to avoid it. Additionally, cooking blue cheese thoroughly until it is steaming hot can kill any bacteria, making it safer to consume.
When dining out or ordering dishes with blue cheese, don't hesitate to inquire about the pasteurization status of the cheese. Reputable restaurants and food establishments should be able to provide this information. It is also worth noting that most blue cheeses found in supermarkets are typically pasteurized, and the risk of encountering unpasteurized cheese is higher with artisanal or imported varieties.
In summary, it is safe to eat gorgonzola or blue cheese as long as it is pasteurized. Pasteurization ensures the cheese is free from harmful bacteria, making it a safer option for consumption, especially during pregnancy.
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Blue cheese has a distinct aroma and strong flavour
Blue cheese is any cheese made with the addition of cultures of edible moulds, which create blue-green spots or veins throughout the cheese. The distinct aroma and flavour of blue cheese come from the mould and various specially cultivated bacteria, such as Brevibacterium linens. The mould injection is responsible for the distinct appearance of blue cheese, with bright streaks of dark veins throughout the pale interior. The aroma can be relatively mild or sharp and pungent, while the flavour profile can be mellow and moderately savoury or sharp, pungent, and salty.
The process of making blue cheese involves puncturing the cheese loaves to create small openings to allow air to penetrate and support the rich growth of aerobic Penicillium roqueforti cultures, thus encouraging the formation of blue veins. During the ripening process, the temperature and humidity in the room are monitored to ensure the cheese does not spoil or lose its optimal flavour and texture. The total ketone content is constantly monitored as the distinctive flavour and aroma of blue cheese arise from methyl ketones, which are metabolic products of Penicillium roqueforti.
The distinct flavour and aroma of blue cheese can vary depending on where the cheese comes from and how long it is aged. For example, Danish Blue has a mild flavour and creamy texture, while Roquefort has a far stronger taste that may not appeal to everyone. Blue cheese made with pasteurized milk, such as Blue Stilton, tends to have a creamy and crumbly texture. On the other hand, Cabrales cheese has a firm, moist, and creamy texture with a robust, salty, and slightly spicy flavour that intensifies as the cheese ages.
The unique flavour and aroma of blue cheese have made it a popular ingredient in various dishes, such as dressings for buffalo chicken wings, steak sauce, or an ingredient in Quattro Formaggi pizza. It is also enjoyed on its own or as part of a cheeseboard.
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It is high in salt and saturated fat, so moderation is important
Gorgonzola cheese is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B2, B6, B12, D, E, K, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, selenium, and folate. It is also high in calcium and protein, which are beneficial for heart and bone health. However, gorgonzola is high in sodium, with just 100 grams of gorgonzola containing about 75 mg of dietary cholesterol. Excess sodium consumption can lead to hypertension or high blood pressure, which can hamper the heart's ability to pump blood and lead to artery hardening. Therefore, it is recommended that healthy adults consume no more than 2300 mg of sodium per day, and even less if they already have high blood pressure.
Gorgonzola is also high in saturated fat, with fat comprising around 72% of its calories. While some studies suggest that the fat in gorgonzola and other dairy products may have a neutral or positive effect on cardiovascular health, it is still important to consume this cheese in moderation due to its high saturated fat content. Excess consumption of gorgonzola can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of developing hyperlipidemia, especially when combined with other fatty foods or alcohol.
The high calcium content in gorgonzola can provide additional health benefits, such as improved bone density and a reduced risk of osteoporosis. Calcium is also linked to anti-obesity mechanisms that help manage visceral fat and maintain gut health. Gorgonzola also contains a compound called spermidine, which may offer cardiovascular benefits and potentially delay aging.
In summary, gorgonzola offers several nutritional benefits, but its high sodium and saturated fat content mean that it should be enjoyed in moderation to avoid potential negative health impacts. A balanced approach to consuming gorgonzola can help ensure you reap the nutritional advantages while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
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Blue cheese can be incorporated into a variety of dishes
Blue cheese, including Gorgonzola, can be incorporated into a variety of dishes. Gorgonzola is a pungent Italian blue cheese made from unskimmed cow's milk. It is available in two primary variations: Dolce, which has a delicate flavour and buttery consistency, and Piccante, which has a more pungent flavour and a firm, crumbly texture.
Gorgonzola is often added to salads, either straight or as part of a blue cheese dressing. It can also be combined with other soft cheeses to make a quattro formaggi pizza. It is a popular topping for steak and can be melted into risotto, added to gnocchi, or served with polenta. Gorgonzola is also creamy enough to be used as a spread on a sandwich or as a dip.
Blue cheese, in general, can be used in cooked recipes, such as cheese sauces or fondue. It can also be crumbled on top of salads or burgers. Blue cheese pairs well with fruit and honey, which balance the intensity, and with bright, crunchy vegetables.
Blue cheese sauces can be made at home to ensure the cheese is pasteurized. For example, one source mentions having Rigatoni with a blue cheese sauce.
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Frequently asked questions
If it's not hormones, pregnancy, or medication, then there's likely something in blue cheese Gorgonzola that your body needs. Blue cheese is rich in nutrients and provides a variety of health benefits. It is a great source of calcium, protein, and spermidine, which may delay aging and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
While blue cheese Gorgonzola can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet, it's important to exercise caution during pregnancy due to the risk of listeria. It is recommended to consume only pasteurized blue cheese during pregnancy, and even then, in moderation due to its high salt and saturated fat content.
Blue cheese Gorgonzola can be a versatile ingredient in various dishes. You can try it on a burger to emphasize its rich and umami characteristics or add it to a salad with sharp onions and peppery arugula. It also pairs well with sweet elements such as bread, fruits, jams, syrups, and sweet wines, which help balance out its sharper and saltier notes.
