Buy Fresh Blue Cheese

Blue cheese is one of the popular cheese that is made use of in various food recipes. This particular cheese is made from whole cow's milk, but, nowadays, even the milk of goat and ewe are used for this purpose. Blue (or bleu) cheese is characterized by the bluish streaks, which is due to the mold growth caused by adding pencillium cultures. There are various types of blue cheese like Roquefort, Stilton, Gorgonzola, Danablu, benedictine bleu and Lanark blue. While some of them are made by injecting mold before the formation of curd, in some others, the mold is mixed after the formation of the curd.

Most of the popular blue cheese types carry a protected designation of origin to show that particular type is made in that region. For example, Roquefort is indigenous to Roquefort-sur-Soulzon in the south of France and this cheese is made from sheep's milk. Likewise, Gorgonzola is an Italian variety made in the province of Gorgonzola in that country. As it is easily perishable, it is always advisable to buy fresh blue cheese. Let us take a look at the various factors relating to the freshness of this cheese.

More About Blue Cheese

Now, you have a vague idea about the production of blue cheese, which is considered one of the best cheese in the world. It has a strong and sharp flavor and tends to be more salty. Most of the varieties have a pungent odor too. Due to the strong flavor, it is not used in large amounts. This cheese can be consumed by itself or can be used over food in crumbled or melted form. It is usually used in fondue, grilled cheese sandwiches, pasta, risotto and casseroles. It is often used as a condiment or appetizer and can be found in blue cheese dressing, veggie dips and cheese sauce.

There are many types of blue cheese. While some of them, like sage blue, Cambozola are creamy in texture and mild and in flavor, Roquefort, Gorgonzola dolce and Gorgonzola dolcelatte, are creamy, but, crumbly too. The latter variety may have thin rind and may vary in flavor from sweet and pungent to salty. Shropshire and Stilton are firm blue cheese that have an earthy or smoky flavor. However, people with allergy to penicillin must exercise caution while having this cheese. You have to buy fresh cheese, as it is easily perishable in nature.

Tips to Buy Fresh Blue Cheese

Now, it is clear that fresh blue cheese is always preferred to those with additives like, preservatives that are used for increasing the shelf life. It is said that the fresh ones are the best to impart that authentic flavor of the blue cheese. Another claim is that the texture and flavor of fresh cheese are the best. Now, you may ask the question that how to check the freshness of the cheese. One of the easiest methods is to check the date of manufacture. Freshness can also tested by checking its smell. In case of soft creamy type, the smell resembles that of buttermilk, bacon or beef. Creamy crumbly blue cheese is said to be similar to fresh milk, or grass in aroma. Firm ones have a sweet, smoky aroma, like toasted nuts.

The second and third variety can be strong smelling and sometimes carry a pungent aroma. It has to be noted that, whatever may be the variety of blue cheese, a smell like ammonia should not be there. Apart from the above said tips, you must also notice the texture of the cheese, before buying. Any change in color and texture may also be an indication of spoiled blue cheese. It has been observed that blue cheese packed in tin foil may gather moisture just beneath the covering. So, scrape off the rind, before using such cheese. If the cheese has become too moldy, it may develop a damp, bitter and moldy smell. In such cases too, you have to discard the cheese.

No, you have a basic idea about the various factors that have to be noted when you buy fresh cream cheese. If you buy fresh blue cheese, you have to use it within one week of opening the package. Firmer versions can be stored and used within two to three weeks. The most firm varieties like Stilton, should be wrapped in waxing paper and then plastic, before storing it in the refrigerator drawer. Other types can be stored as such in airtight plastic containers (make sure to poke some holes in it) before keeping it in the refrigerator drawer. So, find some authentic and cheap fresh blue cheese suppliers. You may also order fresh blue cheese from online suppliers and check for the freshness before using it.