The best blue cheese 33 top keto insights
Did you know that the discovery of blue cheese is said to have occurred by accident?
- It is claimed that blue cheese was found by chance when cheeses were being preserved in caves with naturally occurring temperatures and regulated levels of humidity, which also happened to be ideal conditions for many different kinds of mould that are not harmful to humans. The mould was able to grow because the cave had a high humidity level.
- One of the earliest blue cheeses, Roquefort, is said to have been found by accident. The story goes that a young lad named Roquefort was eating bread and cheese made from ewe’s milk when he became distracted by a lovely girl in the distance and decided to leave his lunch in a nearby cave. After a few months had passed, he went back to check on his cheese and discovered that it had been converted into Roquefort.
- Gorgonzola is one of the blue cheeses that has been around the longest, having been produced in the year 879 AD. However, legend has it that the cheese did not have blue veins until sometime around the 11th century.
- Stilton is a very recent addition to the cheese world, having just gained widespread popularity in the early 1700s. Numerous types of blue cheese that came into existence in the years that followed, such as Danablu and Cambozola, were developed in an effort to meet the demand for Roquefort-style cheeses, the production of which was made expensive for various reasons, including price and political instability.
- Important types that have its own trademarks are Roquefort from France, Stilton from England, and Gorgonzola from Italy. All of these cheeses have a protected designation of origin, which means that they are only allowed to be called their respective names if they are manufactured in a certain manner and located in a particular region.
Blue cheese nutrition values and health benefits
- Despite the fact that blue cheese often has a high salt content, it is an excellent source of dairy protein, dietary fats, and necessary vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and vitamin A. The kind of milk that is used, the amount of time that is allowed for ripening, as well as the texture and taste that are produced all contribute to the uniqueness of each variety.
- Whey and casein are two examples of the types of dairy proteins that may be found in cow’s milk. Whey is separated out of the cheese during the manufacturing process, whereas casein is left behind in the finished product. Casein is a protein that digests slowly, making it a great choice for prolonged durations without eating, such as an overnight fast.
- Blue cheese is an outstanding resource for the vital nutrients and vitamins A, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium. It also contains a good amount of salt. Blue cheese contains 10% of the recommended daily allowance of calcium in a serving size of 1 ounce (28g), 13% of the RDA of phosphorous in that same serving size, 2% of the RDA of potassium in that same serving size, 14% of the RDA of sodium, and 29% of the RDA of vitamin A.
- The vast majority of individuals do not get enough protein on a daily basis, and this challenge is compounded for those who adhere to a vegetarian or vegan diet. Blue cheese is a good source of dairy protein and delivers 6g of protein per ounce; one serving of blue cheese is considered to be one serving.
- Fatty acids are the vehicles via which fat-soluble vitamins are carried through the circulation. If you don’t get enough fat in your diet, you could not absorb fat-soluble vitamins as well as you should, which might lead to a vitamin shortage. The absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins that blue cheese contains, as well as the fat-soluble vitamins included in the meals that are eaten with it, is enhanced by the blue cheese’s high fat content.
- Few people think of cheese when they hear the phrase “weight control.” Calcium is a mineral that has been found to help lower body weight. The majority of cheeses, including blue cheese, are high in calcium. Blue cheese is one of these cheeses. A review of the research that has been conducted on calcium consumption in people has shown that dietary calcium consumption is connected with weight reduction; however, the mechanism of action behind this association is not yet known.
- The majority of people assume that consuming foods that have a larger percentage of fat in them would result in an increased risk of cardiovascular disease; however, research on the “French Paradox” and the consumption of moulded cheese especially is considered to prove that this is not the case. It has been discovered that blue cheese and the mould that grows on it, called Penicillium Roquefort, not only have potent anti-inflammatory properties, but also the capacity to manage blood pressure and prevent cholesterol development.
- Calcium is a mineral that may be found in dairy products like blue cheese and other varieties of cheese. Calcium is an important element that contributes to the density and strength of bones. Calcium is responsible for both of these characteristics. If you do not obtain enough calcium in your diet, your body will draw calcium from your bones, which will make your bones weaker and make them more likely to break. Blue cheese provides around 10% of the recommended daily calcium intake.
- If you suffer from an allergy to dairy products, it is best to steer clear of blue cheese and other foods made with milk unless you have access to dairy-free alternatives. Talk to a medical professional if you have any concerns about whether or not you suffer from milk allergies. They are able to examine your symptoms and do tests to identify whether or not you have a sensitivity to food.
- Because of the high sodium content of blue cheese, those who are trying to lower their salt intake or who already have hypertension should avoid eating it. You have the choice of consuming this cheese while keeping in mind that your entire daily salt consumption ought to be between 1,500 and 2,000 mg, and you can also hunt for another product that has less sodium.
100g of blue cheese has 353 calories(1476kj), 21g protein, 29g fat, and 2g carbs, including 0g fibre.
How to store blue cheese and how to buy them
- If you want to keep blue cheese fresh for as long as possible after you buy it, the best place to keep it is in the refrigerator. This will allow the cheese to maintain its flavour and texture for as long as possible. If it is kept properly, cheese may usually be enjoyed for up to four weeks after it has been purchased. Before serving, let the portion of the blue cheese that was kept in the refrigerator that you will need to get to room temperature. This should take approximately an hour.
- Cheese paper, parchment paper, or wax paper may be used to wrap your blue cheese before serving. Place the cheese that has been wrapped in plastic in a region of your refrigerator that has a higher relative humidity, such as the crisper drawer. Keeping the cheese in this manner prevents it from becoming dry and crumbly. Online or at specialised cheese stores, you can also buy containers that were built specifically for the purpose of keeping a wide variety of artisan cheeses.
- A cheese grotto is a container for storing cheese that recreates the safe, high-humidity atmosphere of a “cheese cave” in your home’s kitchen. You may keep a variety of cheeses within the container, including hard cheeses, soft cheeses, and just about any other kind of cheese you can think of! The shelf life of blue cheese kept in this manner is just a few of days, although it may extend to between seven and ten days. The taste and consistency of blue cheese may be enjoyed at any time thanks to the benefits of keeping the cheese at room temperature rather than in the refrigerator.
- You can absolutely put blue cheese in the freezer. However, as was said before, the taste profile and texture of the cheese are significantly altered the longer it is stored in the freezer. Before you go ahead and freeze the blue cheese, you should think about the potential outcomes, since the texture of frozen blue cheese might become gritty and crumbly. It is recommended that frozen cheeses be heated before being consumed fresh; hence, freezing blue cheese should only be done if absolutely necessary.
- The blue cheese should be defrosted in the refrigerator if it was previously frozen. Defrosting anything completely may take a few of hours, but trust me when I tell that the wait is well worth it. Blue cheese that is cut into tiny pieces must be allowed to defrost for a few hours before it can be consumed. During this time, a huge or large slice of blue cheese will need around 24 hours to thaw.
- Checking the packaging for the cheese’s expiry date is the quickest and easiest method to determine whether or not the blue cheese has gone bad. Nevertheless, depending on this won’t always work out in your favour, particularly when it comes to cheese goods that may be consumed long beyond their sell-by date.
- The aroma of fresh blue cheese has been described as being both pleasant and pungent. Therefore, if you chance to detect an irritating odour that is similar to ammonia in your blue cheese, you should throw it away as soon as possible since this is an obvious indicator that the cheese has gone bad.
- Taking a closer look at the colour of the creamy section of the blue cheese is yet another method you may use to determine whether or not the cheese has already gone bad. In most cases, it will have a coloration of white, yellow, or beige. If you see that the colour is changing, especially if it becomes pink or brown, then this is a warning sign and you should get rid of it right once!
Cooking techniques, secrets, and tips from the kitchen
- The addition of blue cheese to a cheese board that already has a variety of cheeses is highly recommended since blue cheese goes particularly well with dried fruits and nuts. You may use it as a flavour enhancer by whisking it into creamy sauces, dressings, and soups, or you can sprinkle it over salads. Stuffing made with meat, cheesy pasta dishes, and baked grains all benefit from the umami boost that it brings to the taste profile.
- The blue cheese dressing is a decadent and flavourful condiment that goes well with many different types of food.
- Making your own blue cheese dressing is not only more convenient than purchasing it from the store, but it also saves you a significant amount of money.
- Additionally, you have the option of using whatever sort of blue cheese you choose, including Gorgonzola and Roquefort.
- The buttermilk in this recipe lends the dressing a faintly sour flavour, while the sour cream and mayonnaise contribute to the dressing’s velvety consistency and thick consistency.
- This blue cheese dressing is a hit in every situation: whether you’re using it to garnish a wedge salad, serve a dish of Buffalo wings, or top a grilled steak, you can’t go wrong.
- The leek and potato soup is perhaps the most well-known of all the soups that are made using leeks. However, how about we make a little adjustment? The leeks and the potato should be left in the soup, but an addition of some wonderful Stilton cheese should be made to give it more dimension and taste. Even though it would be perfect for a chilly winter day, you shouldn’t limit the enjoyment of this hearty and full soup to just one time of year. When it’s a touch on the cool side outside, the soup is perfect for any time of the year.
- The traditional recipe for Roquefort and caramelised onion tart is built from many layers of flavorful ingredients, including salty and pungent cheese, mellow and sweet onions, and rich eggs and cream. When the mixture is baked inside of a pastry shell, it transforms into something that is impossible to resist. The tart may serve as a short lunch when accompanied by a salad, an entrée when served for supper, or as an accompaniment to a picnic basket or lunch box. Not bad for such a little little tart. If you are unable to get authentic Roquefort in your local market, ask your grocer for a blue cheese of high quality. It is recommended that you choose a blue cheese that is creamy rather than crumbly; for example, Gorgonzola.
- Compound butter is the basis for blue cheese butter. Compound butter is distinguished from regular butter by the incorporation of a flavouring or seasoning component of some kind. If you are grilling steak, you can take it to the next level by adding a piece of this blue cheese butter just before serving. Your visitors will be taken aback by what they see. It also works well on veggies cooked on the grill.
- Despite the absence of mayonnaise, buttermilk, or sour cream, blue cheese vinaigrette is exceptionally creamy and has a flavour profile that is quite similar to that of regular blue cheese dressing. What exactly is the key? Putting all of the ingredients, including the oil, vinegar, and cheese, into a blender creates a dressing that is silky smooth and creamy. Gorgonzola is a popular choice when it comes to the recipe for blue cheese vinaigrette since it creates a dressing that is savoury and sweet without being overpoweringly acidic. If you like blue cheese dressing, you will most likely also enjoy warm blue cheese sauce. Warm blue cheese sauce is delicious whether drizzled over chicken, steak, or potatoes.
- A typical American Cobb salad that is stacked high with pieces of crispy bacon, chicken that has been seasoned, mountains of blue cheese, avocado, and eggs that have been hard-boiled. This is a “composed” salad, which means that the ingredients are organised on the salad as opposed to being mixed together after all of the components have been added. A Cobb salad may stand in for any meal you need. Because it contains not one but four distinct types of protein (chicken, bacon, eggs, and blue cheese), it is very nutritious, and you do not need to offer anything else with it.
History of blue cheese from the beginning until today
- Aged blue cheese is a common addition to cheese boards and wine cellars. The wine and dried fruits are a great complement to the cheese, making it an ideal picnic or date night food.
- Around a cave outside of Roquefort, France, in the seventh century, the legendary blue cheese was first created. An amusing history surrounds this ripe and seasoned cheese. According to folklore, blue cheese was created when a shepherd became enamoured with a beautiful woman and left his lunch of bread and cheese in a cave. When he returned months later, the cheese had become mouldy with penicillium roqueforti.
- Danish Blue, Gorgonzola, Cabrales, Stilton, and the original Roquefort are only few of the blue cheese varieties that cheesemakers have developed. For those who love cheese, each of these five categories has a wide range of blue cheeses to sample.
- The acidification, coagulation, separation of curds and whey, salting, shaping, and ripening processes are universal to all cheeses. Blue cheese, on the other hand, is created by adding a few more ingredients and processes. After the regular cheesemaking process is complete, penicillium is added and the cheese is allowed to ferment for a certain number of days in order to produce blue cheese.