Table of Contents
What Is Cheese?
Cheese is simply a dairy product that is made from the acidification of milk. It consists of fats and proteins from milk and reaches us in a variety of flavors, forms, and textures. There is a protein present in milk which is called casein and this protein in milk is coagulated after the acidification of milk. While the process of making cheese is a known method to preserve milk for a long period of time, cheese is, in fact, completely different from milk in many ways. Production of cheese is a long process that requires bacteria, enzymes, and various acids. As mentioned earlier, it is a form of milk, but milk in this form can be stored for months and years.
Nowadays, cheese is one of the most commonly used and likable food ingredients. There are different types of cheese and they offer a variety of health benefits as well as some side effects on regular consumption. Read on to find out more about cheese.
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Different Types Of Cheese
Cheese is a flavorsome and appetizing dairy product. Everyone has their own preference of cheese depending on taste and texture. The various types of cheese available are:
1. Wensleydale
2. Stilton
This is also a popular cheese originated in England, but it is now being exported to other parts of the world. Since the early 18th century, Stilton has played an important role in the diet of the Britishers.
This is a strong cheese with a semi-soft texture and it is creamy yellow in color. It is a blue cheese with lots of flavor in it as it has a sweet soothing taste. It is a rich source of vitamin K2 and comes with 393 kcal calories, 35.7g of fat, 25g of protein and 3.6g of carbs.
3. Roquefort
France is famous for its amazing cheese, and Roquefort is one of them. It is a type of blue cheese and is also known as the king of cheese. It is produced from sheep’s milk and ripened in Southern France, in the caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon. It is ripened in these caves because these caves have a bacterium present in its soil which gives the Roquefort cheese some distinguishing characteristics. These bacteria are called penicillium roqueforti and there are studies that prove that these bacteria protects you against cardiovascular diseases.
Roquefort cheese is stored for approximately 5 months before consumption and it has a strong tangy flavor. It has a semi-hard texture and is white in color with large blue veins. It consists of 369 kcal calories along with 30.6g of fat, 21.5g of protein and 2g of carbs.
4. Ricotta
Ricotta is a cheese originated from Italy. It is made from whey, which is the liquid remain after the milk has been strained. It is a popular cheese with a mildly sweet flavor. It has a soft and creamy texture and is white or light cream in color. It has some health benefits as well as it has a low level of calories and is a rich source of protein.
Ricotta cheese is also available in low fat, which is commonly consumed by bodybuilders and athletes. It has only 174 kcal calories, which are significantly less than other cheeses. It has 11.3g of protein, 13g of fat and 3g of carbs.
5. Pecorino Romano
Pecorino Romano is different from the general Romano cheese in North America that is made from cow’s milk and has a mild intensity. It has a pale yellow color with 387 kcal of calories, 31.8 g of protein, 26.9 g of fat and 3.6 g of carbs.
6. Parmesan
Parmesan originated from Italy and is a dry hard cheese with a strong and potent flavor. Parmesan has a POD status, which means it has a protected designation of origin. This designation means that the cheese can only come from its home in Northern Italy.
Parmesan is in unpasteurized form, and it is aged for 1 to 3 years before consumption. The texture of the parmesan depends on the number of years it has been aged. It is used in various dishes to add flavor. It is pale yellow in color with 431 kcal of calories, 38.5 g of protein, 28.6 g of fat and 4.1 g of carbs.
7. Mozzarella
Mozzarella is a commonly used and known cheese. It is used by almost everyone to flavor various dishes. It is a soft chewy cheese with a creamy white color and it originated in Southern Italy. Traditionally, it is made from buffalo milk, but nowadays; it is produced from cow, goat and sheep’s milk as well. It contains 318 kcal of calories, 21.6 g of protein, 24.6 g of fat and 2.5 g of carbs.
There are two types of mozzarella:
7.1. Dried Mozzarella
Dried mozzarella is used for culinary purposes such as in pizza, lasagna and other baked dishes.
7.2. Fresh Mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella can be eaten alone or it can be paired with salads, olive oil, and herbs.
8. Mascarpone
Mascarpone is a cream cheese originated in Italy. It is a soft cheese and is made either from cow’s milk or cream. Mascarpone is a type of cheese that is fresh and doesn’t undergo fermentation before consumption. It has a creamy white color and resembles yogurt or sour cream. It is very light with a mild taste.
It has many uses such as in desserts, to thicken sauces, with fruits, etc. It is white in color with a creamy texture. It has 429 kcal of calories, 7.1 g of protein, 46.4 g of fat and 0 carbs.
9. Havarti
It is commonly consumed with wine, fruits, etc. and can also be grilled for consumption. It is a pale yellow color and contains 292 kcal of calories, 30.1 g of protein, 18.5 g of fat and 1.4 g of carbs.
10. Gruyere
Raw gruyere tastes better than pasteurized gruyere. It contains 413 kcal of calories, 29.8 g of protein, 32.3 g of fat and 0.4 g of carbs.
11. Gouda
| Aging Time | Name Of The Gouda Cheese |
| 4 weeks | Young cheese |
| 8 to 10 weeks | Young matured cheese |
| 16 to 18 weeks | Matured cheese |
| 7 to 8 months | Extra matured cheese |
| 10 to 12 months | Old cheese |
| More than 12 months | Very old cheese |
Gouda has 356 kcal of calories, 24.9 g of protein, 27.4 g of fat and 2.2 g of carbs.
12. Gorgonzola
12.1. Dolce Gorgonzola
This type of gorgonzola cheese is aged for less than 3 months. It is a soft and creamy cheese which can also be used as a spread. It has a mildly sweet flavor but is still more pungent than other cheeses.
12.2. Piccante Gorgonzola
This type of gorgonzola cheese is aged for 6 to 12 months. It has a semi-hard texture with a pungent flavor. Due to the pungent flavor in them, they are paired with different food items for consumption and cannot be eaten alone.
13. Feta Cheese
14. Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is a very old type of cheese, almost 500 years old. It originated in the United Kingdom. Cream cheese is of various textures such as semi-hard or hard. It has a high value of fat and very little protein.
It has a white spread-like appearance with soft and creamy texture, with a mildly sweet taste. It has 342 kcal of calories, 5.9 g of protein, 34.2 g of fat and 4.1 g of carbs.
15. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese originated in the United States with a creamy texture. This cheese resembles curd and is very different than other cheeses. It has good nutritional value with low fat and low calorie content. It has a salty taste but some people don’t like its appearance. It has only 98 kcal of calories, 11.1 g of protein, 4.3 g of fat and 3.4 g of carbs.
16. Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese is a commonly consumed cheese. It is a soft cheese with pale white to orange color. Cheddar originated from England and its texture depends on the aging process.
| Aging Time | Strengths Of Cheese |
| 3 months | Mild cheese |
| 5 to 6 months | Medium cheese |
| 9 months | Mature cheese |
| 15 months | Extra mature cheese |
| 18 months or more | Vintage cheese |
Mild cheddar is soft and creamy while vintage cheddar is hard with a tangy flavor. Cheddar cheese has 403 kcal of calories, 24.9 g of protein, 33.1 g of fat and 1.3 g of carbs.
17. Camembert
18. Brie Cheese
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the main types of cheese, and how do they differ?
The main types of cheese include fresh, soft, semi-soft, semi-hard, hard, and blue cheese. Fresh cheeses like ricotta and mozzarella are not aged and have a soft texture and mild flavor. Soft cheeses such as Brie and Camembert have a creamy texture and a rich, buttery taste. Semi-soft cheeses like Gouda and Havarti have a smooth texture and a mild to slightly tangy flavor.
Semi-hard cheeses, including Cheddar and Swiss, are firmer and have a more pronounced flavor. Hard cheeses like Parmesan and Pecorino are aged the longest, resulting in a dense texture and strong, sharp taste. Blue cheeses, such as Roquefort and Gorgonzola, are characterized by blue or green veins of mold, which give them a distinctive tangy and pungent flavor.
2. How should different types of cheese be stored to maintain freshness?
Different types of cheese require specific storage methods to maintain their freshness and flavor. Fresh cheeses should be kept in their original packaging or wrapped in wax paper and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Soft cheeses are best stored in their original packaging or wrapped in wax paper, then placed in an airtight container.
Semi-soft and semi-hard cheeses should be wrapped in wax or parchment paper and then loosely covered with plastic wrap to allow some air circulation while preventing them from drying out. Hard cheeses can be wrapped in wax paper or aluminum foil and then placed in a plastic bag or container. Blue cheeses should be wrapped in wax or parchment paper and stored in a container to prevent the mold from spreading to other foods.
3. What are some popular cheese pairings with wine?
Pairing cheese with wine enhances the flavors of both. For fresh cheeses like mozzarella, a light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc is a great match. Soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert pair well with Champagne or a light, fruity red wine like Pinot Noir. Semi-soft cheeses such as Gouda and Havarti are complemented by medium-bodied red wines like Merlot or a fruity white wine like Riesling.
Semi-hard cheeses like Cheddar and Swiss pair well with robust red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon or a rich white wine like Chardonnay. Hard cheeses like Parmesan and Pecorino are best enjoyed with full-bodied red wines like Barolo or a dessert wine like Port. Blue cheeses pair wonderfully with sweet wines like Sauternes or a bold red wine like Zinfandel.
4. What are some common uses for different types of cheese in cooking?
Cheese is incredibly versatile in cooking, with different types used for various dishes. Fresh cheeses like ricotta and mozzarella are perfect for salads, pasta dishes, and as pizza toppings. Soft cheeses such as Brie and Camembert can be baked and served with bread or crackers, or used in creamy sauces. Semi-soft cheeses like Gouda and Havarti melt well and are ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches, casseroles, and burgers.
Semi-hard cheeses such as Cheddar and Swiss are great for gratins, omelets, and as toppings for soups and stews. Hard cheeses like Parmesan and Pecorino are excellent for grating over pasta, risotto, and salads, adding a sharp, salty flavor. Blue cheeses are perfect for salads, dressings, and as a flavorful addition to steak and other meats.
5. How can I create a balanced cheese platter?
Creating a balanced cheese platter involves selecting a variety of cheeses with different textures and flavors. Start by choosing one or two cheeses from each main type: a fresh cheese like mozzarella, a soft cheese like Brie, a semi-soft cheese like Gouda, a semi-hard cheese like Cheddar, a hard cheese like Parmesan, and a blue cheese like Roquefort.
Arrange the cheeses on a platter with accompaniments that complement their flavors, such as fresh fruit (grapes, apples, and pears), nuts (almonds and walnuts), cured meats (prosciutto and salami), and an assortment of crackers and bread. Include sweet elements like honey or fig jam to balance the savory flavors. Make sure to label each cheese and provide separate knives to prevent flavors from mixing.
Wrapping Up!
In conclusion, cheese is a commonly consumed food ingredient, but this article has information about the various types of cheese available in the market. The type of cheese that you like depends on the taste that you prefer, as each cheese has a different flavor and texture.
Source of Nutritional Values: USDA Food Composition Database
