Types of cheese

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Cheese making
• List of cheeses
• Cheese and wine pairing