Although there exists many types of cheese, blue cheese is an experience not to be missed for those who appreciate bold, distinctive flavors. Its charm lies in its intense yet velvety taste, layered depth, and a complex aroma that reflects refined, aged cheese.
Blue Cheese: Distinctively Unique Aroma and Flavor That All Cheese Lovers Admire
Blue Cheese is a type of cheese characterized by its blue or blueish-green streak (blue cheese mold), created by adding Penicillium mold while the cheese is aged, giving the cheese its distinctive color, aroma, and unique flavor profile.
Blue cheese has a stronger, sharper aroma than regular cheese, but carries its own distinctive aroma. Its flavor is salty, rich, creamy and slightly tangy, resulting in a complex and well-balanced flavor that many people can indulge in.
Blue Cheese is also packed with beneficial nutrients such as protein, calcium, vitamin A, B12 and phosphorus, all of which help to support bone and muscle health. The good bacteria produced during the aging process, also helps to promote gut health.
Get to Know About 5 Different Types of Blue Cheese!
| Type of Blue Cheese | Description |
|---|---|
| Roquefort - Blue Cheese from France | Derived from sheep’s milk, this cheese has distinct streaks of blue-green, with a sharp aroma. It is salty and tangy in flavour with a slightly spicy aftertaste, and is considered one of the most unique cheeses in terms of aroma. |
| Gorgonzola - Blue Cheese from Italy | Derived from cow’s milk, Gorgonzola is a blue cheese that offers two different types of flavors: subtle sweetness (creamy and smooth) or a sharp salty flavor with strong aroma. |
| Stilton - Blue Cheese from the UK | Made from pasteurized cow’s milk, Stilton cheese is firm yet crumbly in texture, with a unique aroma that is not too overwhelming – great for those that are new to blue cheeses. |
| Danish Blue - Blue Cheese from Denmark | Made from cow’s milk, Danish Blue’s aroma is not as strong as Roquefort but is firmer and saltier. |
| Cabrales - Blue Cheese from Spain | Made from a blend of sheep’s milk and goat’s milk, Cabrales has a strong aroma and distinctively bold flavor. It is a cheese that real connoisseurs enjoy due to its complex flavor profile. |
Slightly Salty, and a Little Pungent… How Can We Elevate Blue Cheese’s Flavor?
Although blue cheese is known for its pungent and strong aroma, it is actually a very versatile ingredient that can elevate a variety of dishes due to its combination of flavors from salty, buttery to a tangy note that helps cut through or elevate the taste of various dishes.
A classic way to use blue cheese is to turn it into a sauce for steak and pasta as a way to add richness and aroma the traditional European way. This sauce can also be used in burgers to elevate the burger patty’s taste, while adding a new dimension to its flavor profile.
For healthy or light eaters, blue cheese is a great topping for salads, or can be very well-paired with wine. In particular, white wine or port wine which helps to make the cheesy aroma more subtle.
Furthermore, blue cheese goes well with honey, fruit jam and pear due to its salty flavor and slightly pungent aroma. By pairing blue cheese with sweet fruits, we can achieve a more balanced and elegantly contrasted flavor in one bite.
How to Choose and Store Blue Cheese Like a Professional
If you would like to enjoy blue cheese at its best, choosing the right type is essential. Start by considering its origin and variety. If you prefer a milder, less pungent flavor, Gorgonzola is a great choice. However, if you love a bold, intense flavor profile and a pronounced aroma, Roquefort is highly recommended. Either way, both cheeses are sure to make you experience the full, complex, and satisfying flavor that blue cheese is known for.
For those that would like to try high-quality imported blue cheese without having to fly all the way to Europe, Villa Market now offers a wide selection of international cheeses, including Stilton, Gorgonzola, and Roquefort that can conveniently be ordered online – easy, hassle-free, and guaranteed premium quality that is delivered straight to the home of true cheese lovers!