Overview of Cheese

... to Types of Cheese.Com, the cheese information website. There are hundreds of types of cheese that are produced in various countries around the world. Here, we seek to introduce and explain some of the more popular types of cheese that exist today, and even a few not-so-popular ones.

Just to give you a quick overview on cheese - Cheese is basically the fresh or ripened product attained after coagulation and whey separation of milk, cream or partially skimmed milk, buttermilk or a combination of these products.

Traditionally, cheese was made as a way of maintaining and retaining the nutrients that are found in milk. Here are some of the more popular types of cheese:

Swiss Cheese originally from Switzerland. This famous cheese has holes all over which are known as ‘eyes’. The larger the eyes are, the more pronounced its flavour will be. Longer aging or higher temperatures will cause the bacteria and enzymes to produce a sharper flavour. One of the down sides to Swiss cheese is that because of the holes it doesn't slice well, and will at times fall apart. Swiss cheese is known for its distinct look and its nutty, bitter yet sweet flavour.

Feta cheese is Greek cheese. It is made with a combination of goat and sheep milk. This cheese has to be matured for several months. Feta cheese is white and usually shaped into squares. It can be soft to semi-firm cheese. The flavour of feta can be salty and tangy or also range from mild to sharp depending on its aging process. The processed cheese crumbles easily. It can be used as a table cheese, as well as in salads, pastries and also for baking purposes.

Blue cheese is a combination of cow, sheep and goat milk. It is usually blue or blue- green, with veins or spotty which is due to mold. It is usually aged in a temperature controlled environment has a very distinctive aroma. The flavour of blue cheese is salty and very sharp. Because of its strong flavour and smell, the taste of blue cheese is one that has to be acquired.

Cheddar cheese originated in the English village of Cheddar. It is a relatively firm, light yellow to off-white, and at times a sharp tasting cheese. The taste of cheddar cheese can be mild or sharp. The sharper the cheddar, the more pungent and complex it will taste.

Cream cheese is a type of white cheese. It is not naturally aged and is meant to be eaten fresh, which is why it differs from other soft cheeses. Cream cheese is also very difficult to manufacture. However, small adjustments in the timing of the development process can result in a distinction in flavour and texture. It is sweet, soft, creamy and mild to taste. Because the fat content of cream cheese is higher than other cheeses, stabilizers are added to lengthen its shelf life. Cream cheese is used in different kinds of savoury snacks such as bread, bagels and crackers. It can also be used in cheesecakes and salads.

Other cheeses include soft cheeses such as cottage cheese, ricotta, brie, roquefort and mozzarella, cheeses. These cheeses usually go well with fruits or meats. They can be used as breakfast cheeses for instance, in an omelette or even as pasta fillings. They are typically lightly flavoured and extremely high in moisture.

Semi-hard cheeses have a more bold flavour than semi-soft cheeses and goes wonderfully with fruits and crackers. Cheeses in this class include provolone and gouda to name a couple. Cheeses in this category are smoked. Smoked gouda is especially common. Milder gouda melts well and may be used in casseroles or as stuffing for certain kind of meats.

Hard cheeses include parmesan, romano and gruyere. Parmesan and romano are known as grated powder which is used to top spaghetti, but these cheeses are also used as side dishes for fruit, wine, nuts and other appetizers.

Cheese is one of the most multi-purpose foods available. It adds a twist of flavour and texture to many dishes.