Are you a cheese lover, or are you a chef who is looking for a variety of cheeses suitable for various recipes, or just curious about these unique cheeses, namely Gorgonzola cheese and blue cheese? The two are almost similar, but they are different and here we will explain to you the real differences between Gorgonzola and Blue Cheese.
Apart from that, you need to know that each cheese is different so that using it in a recipe can also produce a different taste. So, knowledge about cheese including Gorgonzola and Blue Cheese is important for chefs or for home koki, housewives who like to be creative in the kitchen.
Why between these two cheeses? Both of them often become polemics and are misunderstood by many people. So, it is very important to clarify the differences between the two. Ok, let’s start by looking at the definition of each cheese.
Gorgonzola and Blue Cheese Differences
What is blue cheese?
Blue cheese is also known as “bleu cheese”, this is a term that refers to cheese made from cow, goat, or sheep milk. The manufacturing process uses penicillium mold strands. So, the blue color in cheese comes from molds. Sometimes it’s not just blue, there are purple and green colors that appear on the cheese. The taste will vary according to the type.
Blue cheese is divided into English Stilton and French Roquefort types. In general, this type of cheese is known for its sharp taste, smell, and saltier taste compared to other cheeses.
So, that’s a quick look at blue cheese, and now let’s see what it’s like to say about Gorgonzola cheese.
What is Gorgonzola?
At first glance, Gorgonzola is almost the same as blue cheese. So if you show Gorgonzola cheese and say it is blue cheese, then technically you are not wrong, although you could say you are not being careful. Similar to Stilton and Roquefort, Gorgonzola is a cheese that is also blue. Gorgonzola is Italian blue cheese, its production is different from blue cheese, this is made using unskimmed cow’s milk.
Gorgonzola cheese is divided into two varieties: Dolce (or sweet) and Piccante (or spicy) but, in general, Gorgonzola cheese is famous for its softness and is softer than blue cheese in general. There are also fewer blue veins in the cheese. The aroma is also mild so it is suitable for those who are just getting to know strong or sharp cheese.
Blue Cheese vs. Gorgonzola: Which to Use?
Gorgonzola cheese and blue cheese have the same appeal, and both can also be added to the same recipe. But if you want to eat it alone, then blue cheese is the choice. Both are good choices for melting over food to enhance the taste of the food.
Gorgonzola cheese is an Italian cheese that is very popular for use in pizza, risotto, pasta dishes, and others. But both types of cheese are accepted on any cheese board. So, if you like cheese, it seems like the two can be substituted for each other in recipes that use cheese.
Know the difference between Blue Cheese and Gorgonzola
Now that we’ve looked at the definitions of both, it’s time to look at the differences between Gorgonzola and blue cheese. So, by looking at the article above, you are sure that you can differentiate between the two.
So, if someone asks, “What is the difference between Gorgonzola and blue cheese?” Then you will no longer be confused about the answer. In essence, both are delicious cheeses and can be melted, but blue cheese is a cheese made from cow, goat, or sheep milk with a high level of viscosity and a strong aroma. It is made from unskimmed cow’s milk and feels lighter, and softer and the aroma is not too strong.
What is more important is that you must be able to decide which cheese to use in your cooking. And now we are sure you can choose which cheese is the best in your opinion.
FAQs for Blue Cheese
Q: How is blue cheese made?
A: The manufacturing process is to use Penicillium cultures in the cheese, this will produce blue veins in the cheese. Then the cheese is stored in a controlled environment. This storage then develops its strong and distinctive taste, aroma, and texture.
Q: Is this safe to eat?
A: Yes, most people can safely consume blue cheese. But pregnant women people with weakened immune systems, and those allergic to mold, should consult a healthcare provider before deciding to eat it.
Q: What are the benefits of eating blue cheese?
Blue cheese is an excellent source of calcium, protein, and vitamin B12, and it also contains beneficial bacteria that are good for digestive health.
Q: Is this cheese high in calories?
A: In general, blue cheese is high in calories and fat compared to other cheeses. If you want to consume it, then consume it wisely in medium amounts.
Q: How do you store It?
A: Blue cheese must be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped in baking paper or waxed paper, and then put in an airtight container. This will protect the blue cheese from odor contamination and maintain its freshness.
Q: How long does it last?
A: When stored properly, blue cheese can last 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator. Always pay attention to signs of decay such as an ammonia smell or excessive mold growth.
Q: Can blue cheese be frozen?
If you are asking Can blue cheese be frozen? So, the answer is “Yes you can”. However, this cheese will change its taste even if it is not damaged. If frozen, the thawing process should be done in the refrigerator.
Q: How do you use it in cooking?
A: You can use blue cheese in many recipes including in salads, dressings, as an ingredient in toppings, sauces, or to top burgers and pizzas.
Q: Can You Melt It?
A: Yes, you can melt blue cheese, but it will not melt as smoothly as other cheeses. Typically, it is used in making creamy sauces or adding a tangy flavor to dishes.
Q: What does blue cheese taste like?
A: Blue cheese has a strong, sharp, and salty taste compared to other cheeses. The taste can vary according to the length of storage period.
Q: Why does blue cheese smell so strong?
A: The tangy and strong aroma of blue cheese comes from mold and bacteria during the manufacturing process. These microorganisms produce compounds that can give the cheese its distinctive taste and smell.
Q: Does blue cheese contain lactose?
A: Yes, it contains less lactose compared to fresh cheese, so it is more tolerable for most people who are lactose intolerant.
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FAQs for Gorgonzola Cheese
Q: Where does Gorgonzola cheese come from?
A: Gorgonzola is a cheese that comes from Italy, more specifically it comes from Gorgonzola in the Lombardy region, Northern Italy.
Q: Are there many types of Gorgonzola cheese?
A: Yes, there are two types of Gorgonzola cheese: This is Gorgonzola Dolce (the taste is sweet, milder, and somewhat creamier) and Gorgonzola Piccante taste is (sharper and more pungent, and the texture is firmer).
Q: How is this cheese made?
A: The process for making Gorgonzola cheese is by adding Penicillium glaucum mold spores to cow’s milk. Then, this cheese is stored for several months. During storage, the cheese needs to be pierced with a needle so that air can enter the cheese and this will encourage blue veins to appear throughout the cheese.
Q: What milk is used to make It?
A: Gorgonzola is made from unskimmed cow’s milk.
Q: How to Store It Properly?
A: It must be stored properly, by wrapping it in wax paper or aluminum foil and storing it in the refrigerator. You can also store it in an airtight container to prevent odors from coming out or other food odors from entering it.
Q: How long does Gorgonzola cheese last?
A: If stored properly, Gorgonzola cheese can last between 3 and 4 months in the refrigerator. However, it is best to consume it for a week.
Q: How can I use It in cooking?
A: You can use Gorgonzola cheese in many recipes as well as blue cheese. Feel free to add it to salads, risotto, pizzas, sauces, or pasta. Also, great paired with fruit, honey, and nuts.
Q: Is it gluten-free?
A: Yes, Gorgonzola cheese is naturally a gluten-free cheese
Q: Does it contain lactose?
A: Yes, gorgonzola cheese contains lactose, but the lactose content is low because it undergoes a fermentation period. However, for those who are lactose intolerant, you should consult healthcare before eating it.
Q: Why does Gorgonzola cheese have blue veins?
The blue veins that appear in Gorgonzola cheese are the result of Penicillium glaucum mold, which is added during the process of making this cheese. This mold will grow as the cheese ages, the more blue veins will appear over time.
