How to Tell Real Blue Cheese From Fake: A Comprehensive Guide

Blue cheese, with its pungent aroma and creamy texture, is a beloved ingredient in many dishes. But with the increasing popularity of blue cheese, there’s also a rise in counterfeit versions. Learning to distinguish authentic blue cheese from its imitations is essential for ensuring quality and flavor. This guide will provide you with the knowledge and tools to become a discerning blue cheese connoisseur.

What are the characteristics of real blue cheese?

Real blue cheese is a type of cheese that has been inoculated with a specific type of mold, typically Penicillium Roqueforti or Penicillium Glaucum. This mold gives the cheese its distinctive blue-green veins and sharp, tangy flavor. It is a complex cheese with a unique flavor profile that can be challenging to replicate.

Here are some key characteristics of real blue cheese:

• Veins: Real blue cheese has a distinctive network of blue-green veins throughout the cheese. These veins are created by the mold spores and are a hallmark of authentic blue cheese.
• Aroma: Real blue cheese has a strong, pungent aroma that is often described as earthy, musty, or even slightly ammonia-like. This aroma is due to the mold and the aging process.
• Texture: Real blue cheese has a creamy and slightly crumbly texture. It should melt smoothly in your mouth, but with some resistance from the blue veins.
• Flavor: Real blue cheese has a complex flavor profile that can range from mild and buttery to sharp and pungent. It can have notes of saltiness, nuttiness, and a hint of bitterness.

What are some common imitations of blue cheese?

There are many imitations of blue cheese on the market. These imitations are often made with cheaper ingredients and lack the complex flavor and texture of real blue cheese. They may also contain additives or artificial ingredients that can compromise the taste and quality.

Here are some common imitations of blue cheese:

• Processed cheese spreads: These spreads often contain blue cheese flavoring but lack the authentic blue cheese mold and texture.
• Cheddar cheese with blue food coloring: Some manufacturers may try to mimic the appearance of blue cheese by adding blue food coloring to cheddar cheese. However, these cheeses lack the characteristic flavor and mold of real blue cheese.
• Blue cheese-flavored dips: Blue cheese-flavored dips can be a convenient option, but they are usually made with processed cheese and artificial flavors.

How to tell real blue cheese from fake?

There are several ways to tell real blue cheese from fake:

• Check the label: Look for labels that specify the cheese is made with real blue cheese mold, such as Penicillium Roqueforti or Penicillium Glaucum. Avoid labels that mention “blue cheese flavoring” or “blue cheese style,” as these often indicate imitations.
• Examine the texture: Real blue cheese has a creamy and slightly crumbly texture. It should melt smoothly in your mouth, but with some resistance from the blue veins. Fake blue cheese may be too soft or too hard.
• Smell the cheese: Real blue cheese has a strong, pungent aroma that is often described as earthy, musty, or even slightly ammonia-like. Fake blue cheese may have a weaker aroma or an artificial smell.
• Taste the cheese: Real blue cheese has a complex flavor profile that can range from mild and buttery to sharp and pungent. It can have notes of saltiness, nuttiness, and a hint of bitterness. Fake blue cheese may have a bland or overly salty flavor.

What are the benefits of buying real blue cheese?

Choosing real blue cheese over its imitations offers several advantages:

• Authentic Flavor: Real blue cheese offers a unique and complex flavor profile that is impossible to replicate with artificial flavorings.
• Higher Quality Ingredients: Real blue cheese is made with high-quality milk and carefully selected mold cultures. This results in a richer, more flavorful cheese.
• Better Texture: Real blue cheese has a creamy and slightly crumbly texture that melts smoothly in your mouth. Imitation blue cheeses often have a less desirable texture.
• Supports Craft Cheesemakers: Buying real blue cheese supports small-scale cheesemakers who are dedicated to producing high-quality, artisan cheeses.

What are some common types of real blue cheese?

There are many varieties of real blue cheese, each with its unique characteristics:

• Roquefort: Originating from the Roquefort-sur-Soulzon caves in France, Roquefort is a sheep’s milk cheese with a strong, pungent flavor. It has a creamy texture and a distinctive blue-green veining.
• Gorgonzola: This Italian cheese is made from cow’s milk and has a creamy texture with a strong, pungent flavor. It comes in two varieties: dolce (sweet) and piccante (spicy).
• Stilton: This English cheese is made from cow’s milk and has a creamy texture with a strong, pungent flavor. It has a distinctive blue-green veining and a slightly sweet aftertaste.
• Danish Blue: This Danish cheese is made from cow’s milk and has a creamy texture with a slightly milder flavor than other blue cheeses. It has a distinctive blue-green veining and a slightly salty aftertaste.

How to store blue cheese?

Proper storage is essential for preserving the quality and flavor of blue cheese:

• Refrigerate: Blue cheese should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 35-38°F (1-4°C). Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
• Avoid Moisture: Keep blue cheese away from moisture, as it can cause mold growth and affect the flavor.
• Separate from other foods: Store blue cheese separately from other foods in the refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination of flavors.

How to use blue cheese in recipes?

Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes:

• Salads: Crumble blue cheese over salads for a salty and tangy flavor.
• Dressings: Make a blue cheese dressing by blending blue cheese with sour cream, mayonnaise, and your favorite seasonings.
• Burgers and sandwiches: Top burgers and sandwiches with blue cheese for a flavorful and decadent treat.
• Pasta dishes: Incorporate blue cheese into pasta dishes for a creamy and savory flavor.
• Soups: Add crumbled blue cheese to soups for a touch of tanginess and complexity.
• Dips: Combine blue cheese with cream cheese, sour cream, and herbs for a delicious dip for crackers or vegetables.

Is blue cheese healthy?

Blue cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, but it is also high in fat and sodium. It is important to enjoy blue cheese in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Here are some of the potential health benefits of blue cheese:

• Calcium: Blue cheese is a good source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
• Protein: Blue cheese contains protein, which is important for building and repairing tissues.
• Vitamin B12: Blue cheese is a source of vitamin B12, which is essential for cell growth and red blood cell production.

However, it is important to note that blue cheese is also high in fat and sodium. This means that it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Table of Important Points

Characteristic	Real Blue Cheese	Fake Blue Cheese
Veins	Distinctive blue-green veins throughout	May have artificial blue coloring or no veins
Aroma	Strong, pungent, earthy, musty, ammonia-like	Weaker aroma or artificial smell
Texture	Creamy and slightly crumbly, melts smoothly	Too soft or too hard
Flavor	Complex, salty, nutty, slightly bitter	Bland or overly salty
Label	Specifies real blue cheese mold (Penicillium Roqueforti or Penicillium Glaucum)	Mentions “blue cheese flavoring” or “blue cheese style”

FAQ

Is blue cheese good for you?

While blue cheese is rich in calcium and protein, it’s also high in fat and sodium. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Is blue cheese mold harmful?

The mold in blue cheese is a specific type (Penicillium Roqueforti or Penicillium Glaucum) that’s safe for consumption. It’s actually what gives the cheese its unique flavor.

Can I make blue cheese at home?

While it’s possible to make blue cheese at home, it requires specific equipment and knowledge. It’s a complex process that involves inoculating the cheese with mold spores.

What are the most popular brands of blue cheese?

Some popular brands of blue cheese include Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton, Danish Blue, and Maytag Blue.

What does blue cheese taste like?

Blue cheese has a complex flavor profile that can range from mild and buttery to sharp and pungent. It can have notes of saltiness, nuttiness, and a hint of bitterness. It’s a very strong and unique flavor.

Can you freeze blue cheese?

Freezing blue cheese can alter its texture and flavor. It’s best to store it in the refrigerator.

How long does blue cheese last?

Properly stored blue cheese can last for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator.