Cheese is a beloved food worldwide, and it plays a crucial role in many dishes. You'll find it melted on pizza, grilled in sandwiches, or sprinkled with spices in curries.
It's also an excellent choice for a standalone snack or as part of a multi-course meal. The culinary world simply wouldn't be the same without cheese, which is why it's a prominent export in many countries.
Let's explore some of the best types of cheese from around the world:
1. Parmesan Cheese:
Parmesan, an Italian hard cheese, is one of the world's most famous and cherished varieties. It's often considered the best "table cheese." Italians commonly serve large blocks of Parmesan with figs and pears or break it into smaller pieces for a pre or post-dinner treat.
Parmesan cheese can be grated into a fine powder to sprinkle over spaghetti or used as a sizeable piece with Italian spices for a savory bite. Due to its longer aging period, it's easier to digest and absorb, making it a top choice globally. You can easily find powdered Parmesan cheese in most supermarkets.
2. Cheddar Cheese:
Cheddar cheese, originally from Britain but now produced in various countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States, boasts a rich history spanning over 12 centuries.
It features a soft texture, ranging from white to light yellow, with taste nuances depending on the storage time, varying from slightly sweet (9 months) to a more robust flavor (24 months). Cheddar cheese also melts effortlessly, making it a versatile ingredient for seasoning.
3. Camembert Cheese:
Camembert cheese holds a special place in France, where it's considered one of the top ten cheeses. With over 1,000 cheese varieties in France, Camembert stands out for its creamy texture and distinct sandy flavor.
It falls into the category of soft cheese with a velvety feel, similar to fresh cake.
4. Gouda cheese:
Gouda cheese hails from the Netherlands, particularly the southern region and Utrecht. Recognized by its characteristic round holes, it's made from cow's milk and has a light orange color, resembling a large yellow wheel.
Gouda is a semi-hard cheese with 48% fat content and a thin red wax rind to keep it fresh. When heated, it melts completely, acquiring a slight browning. It exhibits excellent stretchiness, a delightful cheese aroma, and a rich, nutty flavor.
