Say cheese!
Who doesn’t love this delicious gooey snack? Cheese is for everyone. There is just something special about fermented food products… whether it's kimchi, idli, curd, or the befitting liquor, fermentation is an important part of cuisines in all cultures.
Being a cheese lover myself, I’m often referred to as the mouse in the family. Being one of my favorite things to taste, I had to write about cheese in a succulent!
What is Cheese?
Cheese is made from milk (can be a cow's, buffalo's, or goat's) and is fermented using good bacteria to create this delicacy in a wide variety of flavors, colors, and tastes. If you’re looking for a yummy, healthy snack… a piece of cheese is your best bet. It is rich in calcium and protein.
Health Benefits of Cheese:
1. Rich source of calcium, fat, and protein
2. Contains vitamin A and B-12
3. Minerals: zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin
The World Of Cheese:
Classic Cheeses
Asian Cheese
Cheese in Pop Culture
Unique Facts of Cheese
Modern Cheese
CLASSIC CHEESE
1. Mozzarella:
One of my favorite cheeses. Mild and stringy. In modern times, bite-sized snackables called string cheese are available. This Italian cheese is a staple on the pizza and in my heart.
2. Cheddar:
This bright yellow-colored cheese is the exact metaphor for sunshine in my life. This classy English cheese is hard and is often paired with crackers and wine. Kids love its color, no wonder most snacks are cheddar flavored. The shredded form of this cheese is available in most supermarkets and makes a perfect midnight snack.
3. Gouda:
Behold the royalty of cheeses…the Gouda. This cheese was born in the Netherlands and is the pop star of the cheese world. With its rich taste, it is the most popular cheese… at least on planet earth. Bow down to this beauty, who you might take a bite of soon.
4. Parmesan:
Like its friend cheddar, parmesan is built hard too. It has a white color just like its cousin mozzarella. Coincidently both are Italian cheeses. A sprinkle of magical parmesan pixie dust helps pasta to dress up and party.
5. Blue Cheese:
This one is notoriously famous for teasing the noses of its consumers. Made with the mold of penicillium, the cheese has a distinct aroma. Its peculiar identifying blue veins are a result of the reaction of the mold.
6. Goat Cheese:
As the name suggests, this white delicacy is made from goat’s milk. Depending on how you like it, the cheese variety ranges from soft and creamy to hard and textured.
7. Feta Cheese:
Deliciously soft, this Greek delight is the courtesy of goat or sheep milk. It is typically made by brining curd. It retains the tanginess of the curd, giving it a zesty flavor. Feta cheese is perishable and is mostly used in salads.
8. Brie:
Quite the French mademoiselle, this cheese has a greyish coloring. Its soft and creamy inside is protected by a rind of mold on the outside. As the French say, ‘Bon Appétit’!
9. Monterrey Jack:
This Californian goody is made from cow’s milk. It is known to have a sweet flavor and dawns a tinge of yellow.
ASIAN CHEESE
1. Paneer:
An Indian delicacy, also known as cottage cheese is made from cow’s milk. It does not use bacteria to ferment, but rather uses acids like lemon juice to help coagulate the milk solids. It’s a soft cheese and fresh cheese. My favorite format of eating it is either as paneer tikka (barbequed) or paneer butter masala (tomato spice-based curry).
2. Tofu:
Although tofu is not typically cheese, it is considered to be similar to paneer (and it's tasty) that’s why it makes this list. This Asian product is made from soy milk to achieve a soft silken texture that melts in your mouth. Yum. Tofu is also an excellent addition to any vegan's diet, as it is plant-based. I like to eat tofu fried, or with some soup.
Healthy and delicious, this product is an awesome addition to your diet.
CHEESE IN POP CULTURE
1. Swiss Cheese:
This cheese is recommended by the world-renowned cheese connoisseur, Jerry Mouse. He, of course, suggests its multipurpose nature. Use it as a home, a meal, or even as ammunition against a nosy cat named Tom. As the name suggests, this yellow cheese with its iconic holes was born in Switzerland, just like Toblerone. During the fermentation process, carbon dioxide gas is trapped in the cheese and then releases. As a result of this chemical reaction, (much like sponge cake and baking powder) Swiss cheese obtains the classic holey appearance.
2. Stilton:
This is a traditional blue cheese made in England. It is the surname of the famous author Geronimo Stilton. His family shares a rich ancestry associated with the name (and of course the cheese). Geronimo likes to eat all sorts of cheese, though his favorite remains a mystery.
3. Spider Cheese:
WARNING: *technically not a pop culture reference (yet) but can be a good idea*
Imagine getting bitten by a teensy-weensy cheese-loving spider. If I were spidergirl, my webs would be made of mozzarella. Would they help me in battle? Probably. Would they satisfy my hunger in battle? Most definitely. With all the new multiverses coming up, this one is worth a bite. cake
UNIQUE FACTS OF CHEESE
1. Cave Cheese:
Roquefort is the name; caves are the game. This is the most popular variety of blue cheese. It originated in France. Penicillium roqueforti, is the mold that is used to ferment the cheese. It helps gives Roquefort its blue veins. It is found in the soil of the local caves. The makers of this cheese used to leave pieces of bread in the caves, waiting for the mold to form. They then used it to develop the cheese. It is quite an artisanal process.
2. Aged like wine:
Some types of classic cheeses like parmesan, cheddar, blue, or romano are aged like fine wine. They are kept in a controlled environment for a maximum of 12 months (depending on the process of the cheese-making and the cheese). While aging the cheese, wax is used to seal the wheels to prevent moisture and the growth of any unwanted mold. Usually, they are aged in cellars, just like wine. Aged cheese is better, as, the longer, you age a block of cheese, the less lactose it has. This results in better digestion for your body.
3. Artisanal Cheeses:
The true connoisseur knows that cheese making is an art. The truest forms of cheese are handcrafted and made in small batches to perfect their aroma and texture. It goes without saying that, the secret ingredient is a big dollop of love. Some artisanal cheeses are stored in a cave to age. A cheese cave is simply a cool, humid place that is used to preserve or age cheese.
4. Cheese Platters:
The most amazing form of platter ever invented (in my awesome opinion). It consists of an array of bite-sized cubes of cheese along with munchables like crackers, olives, salads, and toast. It is usually to pair with wine, but if you’re like me… feel free to devour it as it is. Not to be confused with charcuterie boards. Please.
5. Vegan Cheese:
The concept of veganism is to eat only plant-based food… so what exactly is vegan cheese? Vegan cheese is made from starchy flour (potato/all-purpose) and is blended with plant-based milk (almond/soy) and sometimes nutritional yeast to create a creamy texture.
MODERN CHEESE
1. Processed Cheese:
Modern cheese is often processed. This is considered the most sanitary way to make cheese as there is no fermentation process involved. The cheese is available in a variety of forms to snack plain, or use while cooking:
Slice
Cubes
Block
It is usually a mix of cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, and sometimes Colby. A burger is always incomplete without a slice of cheese to go with it.
2. Cheese Spread:
Available in a variety of flavors, this cheese is made in factories. This spreadable cheese can have additional spices and herbs added to it. It is popular among youngsters and adults alike. Just dab it on some bread and it is an excellent snack on the go.
3. Cream Cheese:
One of the staples, its industrial production is on the rise. As its name suggests, it is cheese in a cream avatar. It’s used to make desserts and also to spread on toast. If you are like us, you can also use it as a substitute for curd while eating khichadi (Indian comfort rice) or paratha (Indian spiced tortilla).
4. Cheese Sauce:
The ultimate nacho dip, the cheese sauce will always be superior. Its gooey drizzle on literally anything makes the food worth eating. From hot dogs and burgers to the humble celery stick, everyone wants to make cheese sauce their companion.
5. Cheese Spray:
Much like a can of whipped cream, spray cheese is the new rage. The sky is the limit, with regards to how you may prefer to consume it. The best (and most indecent) way to eat it is to spray it directly in your mouth.
Scientifically, we study mice to find out how our brain works. That being said, I am a strong believer in science and therefore I prefer the snack of these magnificent creatures.
Do you?
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