Cheese is known to be one of the oldest foods that humans have been consuming since thousands of years ago. It also comes in different textures, types, and flavors, making it one of the most loved food globally. In this article, we will be discussing how many different types of cheese exist and categorizing them to help you make better choices and satisfy your taste buds. Let’s dive in.
Cheese Classification
The classification of cheese is based on various factors, including the type of milk used, the technique used in production, and the nature of the cheese. The classification of cheese is as follows:
- Fresh Cheese: This type of cheese is consumed within a few days after production; it has a soft texture, a mild flavor, and a high moisture content. Examples of fresh cheese include ricotta, cream cheese, and feta cheese.
- Semi-Soft Cheese: This type of cheese usually has a mild and sweet flavor, and the texture can range from soft to hard. Examples of semi-soft cheese include Gouda, Colby, and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Hard Cheese: This type of cheese goes through an aging process that makes it harder, firm, and with a more robust flavor than other cheeses. Examples include Parmesan and Cheddar cheese.
- Blue Cheese: This type of cheese has a unique flavor with blue veins running through it. Examples include Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Stilton cheese.
- Fresh Soft-Ripened Cheese: This type of cheese usually undergoes an aging process and develops a bloomy rind. The cheese is soft, creamy, and usually has a smooth texture, with a nutty or mushroom flavor. Examples are Camembert and Brie cheese.
- Washed-Rind Cheese: This type of cheese goes through a washing process with brine or strong liquor, which gives it a distinctive smell and flavor. Examples include Limburger and Taleggio cheese.
However, the type of milk used in the production process of cheese has a significant impact on the quality of cheese. For example, some cheeses are made from cow’s milk, while others can be made from goat’s milk or sheep’s milk. Below, we will examine various types of cheese based on their milk source.
Cheese by Type of Milk
Cow’s Milk Cheese
Cow’s milk is the most commonly used source for producing cheese and has a mild flavor. Below are different types of cheese produced from cow’s milk.
| Cheese Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Cheddar | This cheese has a sharp, pungent flavor and ranges from mild to extra sharp, depending on aging. |
| Gouda | This cheese has a buttery texture, a mild and nutty flavor, and comes in various ages, from young to extra-aged. |
| Blue Cheese | This cheese has a complex flavor, typically sharper and saltier than other cheeses, with a blue-grey veined interior and a creamy texture. |
| Brie | This cheese has a soft, creamy texture with a mild to a slightly pungent flavor that increases with aging. It is usually covered with a white rind. |
Goat’s Milk Cheese
Goat’s milk has a distinctive tangy taste, and it’s perfect for producing a variety of cheeses, from soft to hard cheeses. Below are some types of goat’s milk cheeses:
| Cheese Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Chevre | This cheese has a tangy flavor and is available in various textures, from soft and spreadable to firmer texture. |
| Feta | This cheese has a tangy and salty flavor, with a crumbly texture. |
| Roquefort | This cheese has a distinct sharp and pungent taste with a crumbly texture, and it is perfect for salads and spreads. |
| Chabichou | This cheese has a distinct tangy flavor and a soft, creamy texture with a bloomy rind. |
Sheep’s Milk Cheese
Sheep’s milk cheese is slightly sweeter and richer in flavor compared to cow’s and goat’s milk cheeses. Below are some examples of sheep’s milk cheeses:
| Cheese Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Pecorino-Romano | This cheese has a hard texture and a tangy flavor, commonly used in grating cheese for pasta dishes. |
| Manchego | This cheese has a slightly nutty flavor, with a tangy aftertaste and a hard texture. It is usually aged for three up to twelve months. |
| Fleur du Maquis | This cheese has a tangy, and slightly salty flavor and a soft, creamy texture, and is usually paired with fruits. |
| Roquefort | This cheese has a distinct sharp and pungent taste with a crumbly texture, and it is perfect for salads and spreads. |
How Many Types of Cheese Are There?
There is no limit to the number of cheese types globally because cheese makers are still experimenting with new types of cheese, and each region has its cheese variety. This fact makes it impossible to estimate the exact number of cheese produced and accessible worldwide. However, it is safe to say that over two thousand varieties of cheese exist worldwide, and we have categorized them into sections.
Cheese Pairing with Food and Wine
Most people prefer pairing their cheese with specific foods and wines to enhance their meals’ experience. Below are some cheese pairing suggestions:
Food Pairing
- Soft cheeses such as Camembert or Brie should be paired with Crackers or Baguettes.
- Hard and salty cheese-like Cheddar or Parmigiano-Reggiano pair well with fresh fruits, nuts, and cured meats.
- Blue cheese-like Gorgonzola comes paired well with meat, pasta, or pear.
- Fresh cheese-like mozzarella goes well with Basil and Tomato.
Wine Pairing
- White wine (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc) pair well with soft, mild cheese-like Brie or Camembert.
- Red wine (Pinot Noir, Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon) pair well with hard-textured cheese-like Cheddar.
- Sweet dessert wines-like Moscato d’Asti- go well with Blue cheese.
The Health Benefits of Cheese Consumption
Cheese is a highly nutritious food packed with numerous essential vitamins and minerals needed for healthy living. They include:
- Calcium
- Phosphorous
- Protein
- Selenium
- Vitamin B12
- Zinc
Consuming cheese in moderation can help improve bones’ health, improve digestion, fight heart diseases, and reduce the risk of cancer.
Conclusion
The cheese variety globally is extensive, and we have categorized them based on several factors, including the type of milk used, the aging process used, and the cheese’s nature. We have also included several types of cheese and their pairing suggestions with food and wine, making it easier for you to enjoy your cheese experience better. Consume cheese in moderation and enjoy your meals.
Common Questions and Answers
- Q: How many types of cheese are there?
- A: There are over two thousand types of cheese globally.
- Q: How can I pair my cheese with my food?
- A: Pair soft cheeses with crackers or baguettes, hard and salty cheese-like Cheddar or Parmigiano-Reggiano with fresh fruits, nuts, and cured meats; blue cheese-like Gorgonzola comes paired well with meat, pasta, or pear, and fresh cheese-like mozzarella goes well with Basil and Tomato.
- Q: What is the nutritional value of cheese?
- A: Cheese is nutritious; it contains essential vitamins such as calcium, phosphorus, protein, selenium, vitamin B12, and zinc.
References:
- Nation’s Restaurant News. Cheeses: types categorized by hardness (2015) Retrieved from https://www.nrn.com/food-trends/cheeses-types-categorized-hardness-gallery
- Dairy Australia. Different Types of Cheese (2021) Retrieved from https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/dairy-words/cheese/different-types-of-cheese
- Healthline. 7 Healthy Cheese’s That Are Surprisingly Nutritious (2019) Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-surprisingly-healthy-cheeses