Mold ripened cheese

Mold Ripened Cheese

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Mold ripened cheese

Mold ripened cheese is a type of cheese that is aged and ripened by the growth of certain types of mold. This process gives the cheese a unique flavor and texture, and it is used in the production of many popular types of cheese, including blue cheese, brie, and camembert.

History

The practice of using mold to ripen cheese dates back to ancient times. The first recorded use of mold in cheese making is believed to have occurred in Ancient Egypt, where cheese was stored in damp caves to encourage the growth of mold.

Production

The production of mold ripened cheese involves several steps. First, the cheese is made by curdling milk and separating the curds from the whey. The curds are then pressed into a mold and aged. During the aging process, the cheese is exposed to specific types of mold, which grow on the surface and/or inside the cheese, giving it its distinctive flavor and texture.

Types of Mold Ripened Cheese

There are many different types of mold ripened cheese, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Some of the most popular types include:

• Blue cheese: This type of cheese is characterized by its strong flavor and blue or blue-green veins, which are caused by the growth of the mold Penicillium roqueforti.

• Brie: Brie is a soft cheese that is ripened with the mold Penicillium candidum, which gives it a white, bloomy rind and a creamy interior.

• Camembert: Like brie, camembert is also ripened with Penicillium candidum, but it has a stronger flavor and a slightly firmer texture.

Health Benefits

Mold ripened cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin B12. The mold used in the ripening process also produces enzymes that can aid in digestion.

See Also

• Cheese
• Cheese making
• Blue cheese
• Brie
• Camembert