Cheese is a versatile and delicious food that has been enjoyed for thousands of years. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of cheese, exploring its origins, types, and the best ways to pair it with other foods and drinks. From the creamy oka cheese to the pungent Roquefort, we’ll cover everything you need to know to become a cheese connoisseur.
Cheese has a long and fascinating history, dating back to ancient times. The first cheeses were likely made by accident, when milk was left out to sour and curdle. Over time, people began to intentionally make cheese, and the art of cheese-making evolved into the complex and varied industry we know today.
Cheese has played an important role in many cultures throughout history. In Europe, cheese-making became a vital part of the economy in many regions, and certain cheeses became associated with specific areas. For example, cheddar cheese is closely associated with the English village of Cheddar, while Roquefort cheese is made exclusively in the Roquefort-sur-Soulzon region of France.
Cheese can be divided into several categories based on factors such as texture, flavor, and production method. Here are the main types of cheese:
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fresh Cheese | Chevre Noir |
| Soft Cheese | Le Rustique Camembert Pasteurized, Le Rustique Camembert Vegetarian |
| Semi-Soft Cheese | St. Paulin Cheese, Grand Creme, Jarlsberg |
| Hard Cheese | Oka Cheese, Agropur Import Collection, Agropur Oka Cheese, Triple Brie Cheese, Montagnolo Affine Cheese |
| Blue Cheese | Blue d’Auvergne, Roquefort Cheese |
Fresh cheese is a type of cheese that is not aged and has a high moisture content. It is usually mild in flavor and has a soft, spreadable texture. Some examples of fresh cheese include:
Chevre Noir is a Canadian cheese made from goat’s milk. It has a tangy, slightly sharp flavor and crumbly texture. One delicious way to enjoy Chevre Noir is to make a goat cheese and fig tart. Simply spread Chevre Noir onto a pastry crust and top with sliced fresh figs. Bake in the oven until the crust is golden brown.
Brand: Fromagerie Chêne Vert Chevre Noir
Soft cheese has a creamy, spreadable texture and a delicate flavor. It is usually aged for a short period of time and has a high moisture content. Some examples of soft cheese include:
Le Rustique Camembert is a French cheese made from cow’s milk. It has a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a creamy texture. One delicious way to enjoy Le Rustique Camembert is to make a baked camembert with honey and walnuts. Simply place a whole camembert cheese in a baking dish and top with honey and chopped walnuts. Bake in the oven until melted and bubbly.
Brand: Le Rustique
Semi-soft cheese is firmer than soft cheese but still has a relatively high moisture content. It has a smooth texture and a mild flavor. Some examples of semi-soft cheese include:
Jarlsberg is a Norwegian cheese made from cow’s milk. It has a mild, nutty flavor and a slightly sweet aroma. One delicious way to enjoy Jarlsberg is to make a grilled cheese sandwich with apple and bacon. Simply layer thinly sliced Jarlsberg cheese, sliced apples, and crispy bacon between two slices of bread and grill until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Brand: Jarlsberg
Hard cheese has a firm texture and is typically aged for a longer period of time than soft or semi-soft cheese. It has a sharper flavor and is often used in cooking or grated over dishes. Some examples of hard cheese include:
Oka Cheese is a Canadian cheese made from cow’s milk. It has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and a firm texture. One delicious way to enjoy Oka Cheese is to make a grilled cheese sandwich with caramelized onions. Simply layer thinly sliced Oka Cheese and caramelized onions between two slices of bread and grill until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Brand: Agropur
Blue cheese is characterized by its distinctive blue or green veins and pungent flavor. It is made by introducing certain types of bacteria into the cheese during the production process. Some examples of blue cheese include:
Roquefort Cheese is a French cheese made from sheep’s milk. It has a salty, tangy flavor and crumbly texture. One delicious way to enjoy Roquefort Cheese is to make a blue cheese and mushroom tart. Simply sauté sliced mushrooms and onions in butter and spread Roquefort Cheese onto a pastry crust. Top with the mushroom mixture and bake until the crust is golden brown.
Brand: Société Roquefort
Cheese can be paired with a wide variety of foods and drinks to create delicious combinations. Here are some popular cheese pairings:
Here are some specific examples of cheese pairings:
Jarlsberg cheese is a mild, semi-soft cheese that originated in Norway. It is made from cow’s milk and has a buttery, nutty flavor.
There are hundreds of types of cheese, but they can generally be classified into several categories based on factors such as texture, flavor, and production method. Some of the main types of cheese include fresh cheese, soft cheese, semi-soft cheese, hard cheese, and blue cheese.
Spreadable cheese is a type of cheese that has a soft, spreadable texture and can be easily spread onto bread, crackers, or other foods. Examples of spreadable cheese include cream cheese, boursin cheese, and goat cheese spread.
Brie cheese originated in the region of Brie, France, and has been made there since the 8th century. It is a soft cheese with a bloomy rind and a creamy texture. Brie has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and is often served with fruit or bread.
Many types of cheese are made by monks in monasteries around the world. Some examples of monk-made cheese include Gouda from the Netherlands, Stilton from England, and Munster from France.
Champfleury is a type of French cheese that is made from cow’s milk. It is a soft cheese with a bloomy rind and a creamy texture. Champfleury has a mild, slightly tangy flavor and is often served with fruit or bread.
Roquefort cheese is made from sheep’s milk and is produced in the Roquefort-sur-Soulzon region of France. The milk used to make Roquefort cheese comes from a specific breed of sheep called the Lacaune, which is known for its rich, creamy milk.
Throughout history, cheese has been a beloved food enjoyed by people around the world. With so many different types of cheese to choose from, there is always something new to discover. By learning about the different types of cheese and how to pair them with other foods and drinks, you can become a true cheese connoisseur. So go out there and try something new!