Types of cheese

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Types of Cheese

Cheese is a dairy product derived from milk and produced in a wide range of flavors, textures, and forms by coagulation of the milk protein casein. It comprises proteins and fat from milk, usually the milk of cows, buffalo, goats, or sheep. There are hundreds of types of cheese from various countries that are made from raw, skimmed or whole milk, or a mixture of these.

Classification[edit | edit source]

Cheese can be classified into several types based on criteria such as length of aging, texture, methods of making, fat content, animal milk, country or region of origin, etc. The method most commonly and traditionally used is based on moisture content, which is then further discriminated by fat content and curing or ripening methods.

Fresh Cheese[edit | edit source]

Fresh cheese is the common name for cheeses made from fresh curds that have not been pressed or aged. Produced throughout the world and commonly used in cooking, fresh cheese is a leaner substitute for cream. Examples include Cottage cheese, Cream cheese, and Ricotta.

Soft Cheese[edit | edit source]

Soft cheese are often categorized by their creamy, rich texture. They are typically high in moisture content and range from spreadable cheeses like Neufchâtel and Boursin to semi-soft varieties like Munster and Roquefort.

Semi-Hard Cheese[edit | edit source]

Semi-hard cheese is a type of cheese that is firmer than soft cheese but softer than hard cheese. These cheeses have a firm texture, strong flavor, and are often used in cooking. Examples include Cheddar, Gouda, and Monterey Jack.

Hard Cheese[edit | edit source]

Hard cheese is a category of cheeses that are aged longer, and thus, have a lower moisture content. These cheeses are known for their sharp, strong flavors and firm textures. Examples include Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, and Asiago.

Health Benefits[edit | edit source]

Cheese is a great source of calcium, fat, and protein. It also contains high amounts of vitamins A and B-12, along with zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin. Consumed in moderation, cheese can be part of a healthy diet.

See Also[edit | edit source]




WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD