Is Cheese a Type of Mold? A Comprehensive Guide to Cheese Making and Mold Use
Is cheese a type of mold? While this question may seem straightforward, the answer is more complex. Let's explore the world of cheese making, the types of cheeses that involve mold, and how molds are used in cheese production. This guide is not only for those with an interest in cheese making but also for anyone curious about the science behind this delicious food.
Understanding Cheese Making
Cheese is produced from milk, primarily through the coagulation of proteins, usually casein, using rennet, an acid, or other coagulants. This process transforms the milk into a solid, which can then be shaped and aged in various ways. Cheese-making involves several steps, from heating the milk and curdling it, to pressing the curds and aging the cheese.
Types of Cheese Involving Mold
Although cheese as a whole is not a type of mold, certain varieties do involve mold in their production process. Here are a few examples:
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is a classic example of a cheese that incorporates mold. This cheese is inoculated with specific mold strains, such as Penicillium roqueforti, which create the distinctive blue or green veins and contribute to its sharp, tangy flavor. The blue mold is formed during aging and gives the cheese its unique appearance and taste.
Brie and Camembert
Other popular cheeses that use mold include brie and camembert. These soft, creamy cheeses develop their characteristic white mold rind, Penicillium camemberti. This mold not only gives the cheese its protective covering but also adds to its flavor and texture.
Other Important Cheese Making Steps
While mold is a key component in the production of certain cheeses, the overall cheese-making process involves several important steps:
Heating and Curdling
The cheese-making process begins with heating the milk and adding coagulants like rennet or acids. This coagulation process transforms the liquid milk into solid curds.
Draining the Whey
The curds are then separated from the liquid whey, leaving a solid, dough-like mixture. This mixture can be handled in various ways, allowing for the creation of different kinds of cheese.
Forming the Cheese
The curds can be shaped into different forms, such as balls, blocks, or wheels. Some cheeses may require additional processes like brining or aging.
Natural and Washed Rind Cheeses
Cheeses can also be classified based on their rinds, which can be natural or intentionally developed:
Natural Rinds
Natural rinds form without significant intervention in temperature and humidity-controlled environments. As the cheese ages, the outside dries out, forming a thin crust. Examples of natural rinds include Stilton, Cheddar, and Tomme de Savoie. These rinds can sometimes have a gritty texture and are not always the most enjoyable to eat.
Washed Rinds
Washed rinds are developed by washing the cheese with brine or alcohol. This process encourages the growth of edible molds, resulting in cheeses with a strong, pungent aroma. Examples of washed rinds include Epoisses and Colors Rouge.
Bloomy Rinds
Some cheeses, like Brie and Camembert, develop a bloomy rind. This white, sometimes fuzzy coating is created by spraying the cheese with a solution containing edible mold spores. The mold grows and forms a rind under controlled humidity conditions.
Blue Cheese: An In-Depth Look
Blue cheese, as a category, is produced with pasteurized cows', sheep's, or goats' milk and ripened with cultures of the mold Penicillium. Blue cheese is known for its salty, sharp flavor and strong aroma. It is typically low in fat but high in sodium and a good source of protein, calcium, and phosphorus.
Conclusion
While cheese is not a type of mold, certain varieties involve the use of molds in their production. Understanding the different types of cheeses and the role of molds in their development can enhance one's appreciation and enjoyment of these delightful treats. Whether you're a cheese aficionado or a curious newcomer, there's always more to discover in the fascinating world of cheese making.