Kamil Perry
Cheese is a beloved food for many, with its reputation as an addictive food. However, it is also true that cheese is repellent to a certain segment of the population. Some people like fancy cheese because of its variety in texture and flavour. For example, aged goat gouda has a velvety texture and a sweet and salty flavour. On the other hand, some people dislike cheese because of its high saturated fat and lactose content. Despite this, recent studies have shown that full-fat cheese that is properly aged is good for health in ways that scientists are just beginning to understand.
Why do some people like fancy cheese?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Salty and sweet |
| Texture | Tender, creamy, dense, moist, chewy, velvety, crunchy, crystalline |
| Aroma | Cold fresh milk, grassy, briny, juicy fruit gum, butter pecan ice cream, horsey, leathery |
| Health | High in saturated fat, high in lactose, hard to digest |
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What You'll Learn
Health benefits of fancy cheese
Cheese is a whole food, meaning it is a natural food with minimal processing. It is a great source of calcium, protein, and several other nutrients. The health benefits of cheese depend on the type and amount consumed. Harder cheeses tend to be higher in sodium, and sodium and saturated fat content can vary from brand to brand.
Cheese is rich in calcium, which is a key nutrient for healthy bones and teeth, blood clotting, and maintaining normal blood pressure. Fermented cheeses, such as cheddar and parmesan, have been linked with higher bone mineral density and lower fracture risk. Parmesan, a hard, aged cheese, is rich in calcium and phosphorus, which play a role in bone formation.
Cheese is also a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing cells. Cheddar cheese, for example, provides 6.6g of protein per ounce (28 grams). Whey protein, found in cheese, may promote muscle growth.
Some cheeses may also provide nutrients that promote gut health, improve blood vessel health, and decrease inflammation. Certain cheeses that have been aged but not heated or pasteurized may contain probiotics, which are healthy bacteria that may improve gut health, lower inflammation, and protect against disease. Mozzarella, for instance, contains probiotics that may benefit the immune system.
Cheese also contains vitamins A, D, K, and B12, along with zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin. Cheese made from the milk of grass-fed animals contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart and metabolic health, and vitamin K2, which aids in blood clotting.
While cheese is often associated with high-fat content, some cheeses, such as ricotta and mozzarella, are relatively low in fat and calories. Eating cheese in moderation and as a replacement for red and processed meats may provide health benefits.
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The addictive nature of cheese
Cheese is often considered to be an addictive food, with some people loving it and others finding it repellent. While it has been criticized for its high saturated fat and lactose content, recent studies suggest that full-fat, properly aged cheese may offer surprising health benefits that scientists are only beginning to understand.
Cheese has a long history and a wide variety of types, with different countries specializing in specific varieties. For example, France is known for its Brie de Meaux, a raw sheep's milk cheese aged for fewer than 60 days, while the Netherlands excels in aged goat gouda, known for its smooth, velvety texture and butterscotch and bourbon flavors. Italy, on the other hand, offers burrata, a perishable yet decadent cousin of mozzarella, and the United States has its own respectable versions of this cheese.
The world of cheese is vast and ever-evolving, with new offerings constantly emerging from creameries worldwide. For cheese enthusiasts, exploring these diverse options and discovering new favorites can be a thrilling journey. The addictive nature of cheese lies not only in its ability to activate the brain's reward circuit but also in the endless possibilities it presents for culinary exploration and sensory delight. Whether it's the creamy texture of a burrata, the crunchy crystals of an aged gouda, or the simple comfort of a familiar favorite, cheese offers an array of tastes, aromas, and textures that keep people coming back for more.
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The sensory experience of fancy cheese
Take, for example, the famous French Brie de Meaux, a raw sheep's milk cheese with a delicate, nutty aroma and a dense, moist chew. Its character is subtle yet distinct, a true testament to the art of cheese-making. On the other hand, aged goat cheeses, like the Dutch Gouda, present a different sensory journey. As these cheeses mature, they develop a velvety texture and a flavour profile that includes notes of butterscotch and bourbon, creating a luxurious and indulgent treat.
For those seeking an even more exotic sensory escapade, burrata, the Italian masterpiece, awaits. This cheese is a true seduction, with its bulging ball of mozzarella filled with scraps and shreds of the same cheese, sometimes soaked in cream. The texture is tender and moist, and the flavour is decadently lactic. It is a delicate balance that must be savoured soon after production, adding to its allure and exclusivity.
In conclusion, the sensory experience of fancy cheese is a multi-faceted adventure that delights and surprises. From the moment the cheese is unveiled, the aromas tantalise the nose, and as it is tasted, the complex flavours and textures dance on the palate, creating a memorable and indulgent experience. It is this sensory extravaganza that keeps aficionados coming back for more and inspires others to embark on their own cheese journeys.
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The social aspect of eating fancy cheese
Social occasions and gatherings often involve food, and cheese is a popular choice. It is a versatile food that can be served in many ways and presented as a fancy or luxurious item. For example, a ball of burrata, a type of Italian cheese, can be served as a "bursting bomb of lactic decadence", oozing with creamy milk and mozzarella. This dramatic and indulgent presentation makes for a memorable social experience.
Cheese is also a popular choice for social occasions because of its variety and ability to cater to different tastes and preferences. From the Netherlands, there is aged goat gouda, a smooth and sweet cheese with a bone-white paste that feels velvety on the tongue. France offers a range of sheep cheeses, from delicate Brie de Meaux to the more full-bodied and nutty aged sheep cheeses of the Pyrénées. Italy and the US produce cow's milk cheeses with lush, grassy, and briny flavours, as well as creamy textures.
The variety of cheeses available allows for a diverse and interesting cheese board, which can be a focal point for social gatherings. A well-curated cheese board can be a conversation starter, with guests discussing their favourites and making new discoveries. It can also be a fun and interactive experience, with guests trying different combinations of cheeses, crackers, and condiments.
In addition, cheese is often associated with luxury and indulgence, which can elevate a social occasion. Despite its historical reputation for being unhealthy, full-fat, properly made, and aged cheese is now understood to have health benefits. This shift in perception may contribute to the social appeal of cheese, as hosts can offer their guests a treat without the associated health concerns.
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The rarity and exclusivity of certain fancy cheeses
The world of fancy cheese is a vast and intriguing one, with a multitude of factors contributing to the allure of these exclusive dairy delights. One aspect that captivates cheese connoisseurs is the rarity and exclusivity of certain varieties. These limited-edition cheeses are often produced in small batches, using traditional methods that have been honed over centuries.
Take, for example, the revered Brie de Meaux from France. This cheese is so highly regarded that it has earned the distinction of being governed by French law, which dictates that it must be crafted from raw milk and aged for fewer than 60 days. As a result of this strict regulation, true Brie de Meaux is not available in the United States, adding to its allure for cheese enthusiasts.
Similarly, the Italian masterpiece, Burrata, presents a unique challenge for importers due to its perishable nature. This delicate cheese is best enjoyed on the morning of its production in Italy, and even with modern transportation methods, its shelf life can only be extended to a couple of weeks. The effort and speed required to bring this cheese to market add to its exclusivity, making it a sought-after delicacy for those in the know.
Aged cheeses also hold a special place in the hearts of fancy cheese aficionados. The process of ageing transforms the cheese's texture and flavour profile, creating a unique sensory experience. For instance, aged goat gouda from the Netherlands develops a velvety smooth texture and a delectable butterscotch and bourbon flavour, setting it apart from its younger counterparts.
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