The most consumed cheeses

In this post, we are going to read about the most consumed cheeses. The variations can be so great that sometimes they may even seem like completely different products with nothing in common. This depends, in addition to the animal’s place of origin, on factors such as fat content, curing time, and even the animal’s life. Let’s talk about the most consumed types of cheese in the world so we can get to know them better and understand their main characteristics.

Cheddar

This type of cheese originates from England, specifically from the county of Somerset. Its popularity is so great that it is currently produced all over the world. It is made from cow’s milk and requires between one and two years of aging. The more it is aged, the more intense its flavor and color will become, which usually has orange tones. It is perfect for eating alone and also as an accompaniment to other foods such as burgers and sandwiches.

Gouda

Gouda cheese originates from the city of the same name in the Netherlands. It is characterized by its light yellow color with some small irregular holes and a mild flavor. It’s ideal for eating cold or on its own, although it can also be grated and sliced ​​for hot consumption.

Blue cheese

This type of cheese can be made with various milks, such as sheep, goat, or cow. It includes different varieties such as Roquefort and Gorgonzola. Its name comes from the blue color due to the presence of fungi. Its aroma and flavor are quite strong, with a creamy texture. In addition to being served on boards and pairing wonderfully with nuts, it’s also a great choice for sauces or spreads. One of the best artisan blue cheeses we can try is El Bucarito, made with raw milk and with a slightly spicy flavor that’s more intense than pasteurized cheeses.

Goat cheese

Its name leaves no room for doubt: it’s made with the animal’s milk. As a general rule, it has more protein than cow’s milk and is easier to digest. It also has less cholesterol and fat. It can be heated without melting and pairs very well with sweet flavors. In this sense, some of the best options in Andalusia when it comes to artisanal goat cheese are El Bucarito, Júrtiga, Puerto Carrillo, and La Vieja Buchaca.

Manchego

One of the most well-known Spanish cheeses is Manchego, which is made with the milk of Manchega sheep. It is a very versatile cheese, allowing it to be consumed in a thousand ways: in salads, as a tapa, accompanied by nuts, and so on. One of the most common preservation methods for this type is olive oil, which enhances the flavor with longer curing times.

Parmesan

If we focus on Italy, another country famous for its cheeses, it’s impossible not to mention Parmesan. Its consistency is hard and granular, and it is often served grated over other foods. It is made with cow’s milk and is also delicious raw or gratin. It is one of the cheeses with the highest percentage of calcium in the world. Among the main differences between the two most well-known types of Parmesan cheeses, Parmigiano-Reggiano and Grana Padano, are the following: Grana Padano is somewhat more lax in its geographical limits. Parmigiano-Reggiano, although not officially, only allows four breeds of cattle, while Grana Padano, on the other hand, does not include any bovine breeds in its specification.

Other types of cheese

There are many other types of cheeses around the world, so much so that if we tried to cover them all, the list would be endless. Edam cheese, Swiss cheese, Camembert, Roquefort, Burgos cheese… Not to mention others like feta, provolone, and Havarti. Each of them, as with all the cheeses mentioned above, has a unique flavor, texture, and color. If you want to learn about other types of cheese, don’t miss this compilation from Quesoteca, which discusses the 30 most consumed cheeses in the world.