The Okay Bible

The Rainbow of Dairy: An In-Depth Exploration of Colorful Cheeses

Understanding Blue Cheese: Nature’s Azure Marvel

What Makes Blue Cheese Blue?

Blue cheese gets its distinctive color and appearance from Penicillium roqueforti or Penicillium glaucum cultures. These beneficial molds create the characteristic blue-green veining that cheese lovers either adore or avoid.

Top Blue Cheese Reviews

Roquefort (France) – 9.4/10

  • Appearance: Ivory white with deep blue-green marbling
  • Texture: Creamy, slightly crumbly
  • Taste: Sharp, tangy, with complex salt notes
  • Best Uses: Salads, dressings, cheese plates
  • Price Point: $$$
  • Aging: 3-5 months
  • Notable Feature: Protected designation of origin (PDO)

Gorgonzola Dolce (Italy) – 9.2/10

  • Appearance: Pale yellow with greenish-blue veining
  • Texture: Soft, spreadable
  • Taste: Milder than most blues, sweet undertones
  • Best Uses: Pasta, spreading on bread
  • Price Point: $$
  • Aging: 2-3 months
  • Notable Feature: Sweet and mild entry point for blue cheese beginners

Stilton (England) – 9.5/10

  • Appearance: Pale golden with blue-black veining
  • Texture: Crumbly yet creamy
  • Taste: Rich, complex, peppery finish
  • Best Uses: Port wine pairing, cheese boards
  • Price Point: $$$
  • Aging: 9-12 weeks
  • Notable Feature: Known as “The King of English Cheese”

Red Cheese Varieties: Beyond the Ordinary

The Science of Red Cheese

Red cheeses typically get their color from annatto, a natural food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, or from aging processes involving specific bacteria.

Red Cheese Reviews

Red Leicester (England) – 8.9/10

  • Appearance: Deep orange-red
  • Texture: Firm, slightly flaky
  • Taste: Slightly sweet, nutty
  • Best Uses: Melting, sandwiches
  • Price Point: $$
  • Aging: 6-12 months
  • Notable Feature: Traditional cloth-bound aging

Mimolette (France) – 9.1/10

  • Appearance: Bright orange to deep red
  • Texture: Hard, crystalline
  • Taste: Butterscotch notes, intensely nutty
  • Best Uses: Grating, cheese plates
  • Price Point: $$$
  • Aging: Up to 24 months
  • Notable Feature: Distinctive cantaloupe-like appearance

Red Windsor (England) – 8.7/10

  • Appearance: Marbled red
  • Texture: Semi-firm
  • Taste: Mild, wine-infused
  • Best Uses: Snacking, wine pairing
  • Price Point: $$
  • Aging: 3-4 months
  • Notable Feature: Infused with red wine and herbs

Rainbow Cheese: Modern Innovation Meets Tradition

The Trend of Rainbow Cheese

While not traditional, rainbow cheeses have gained popularity through social media and specialty cheese shops. These are typically made using natural colorings and innovative aging processes.

Rainbow Cheese Reviews

Unicorn Cheddar (Netherlands) – 8.5/10

  • Appearance: Swirled rainbow colors
  • Texture: Semi-firm
  • Taste: Classic mild cheddar
  • Best Uses: Visual impact, children’s events
  • Price Point: $$
  • Aging: 2-3 months
  • Notable Feature: All-natural vegetable-based coloring

Pride Gouda (Holland) – 8.3/10

  • Appearance: Six distinct colored layers
  • Texture: Smooth, creamy
  • Taste: Traditional young Gouda flavor
  • Best Uses: Display pieces, festive events
  • Price Point: $$$
  • Aging: 4-6 weeks
  • Notable Feature: Each layer differently flavored

Storage and Serving Recommendations

Optimal Storage Conditions

  • Blue Cheeses: 42-46°F (6-8°C), high humidity
  • Red Cheeses: 45-50°F (7-10°C), moderate humidity
  • Rainbow Cheeses: 40-45°F (4-7°C), protected from light

Serving Temperature Guide

  • Blue Cheeses: Remove from refrigeration 1 hour before serving
  • Red Cheeses: 30-45 minutes before serving
  • Rainbow Cheeses: 20-30 minutes before serving

Pairing Suggestions

Blue Cheese Pairings

  • Wines: Port, Sauternes, bold reds
  • Foods: Honey, walnuts, pears
  • Accompaniments: Fig jam, dark chocolate

Red Cheese Pairings

  • Wines: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Foods: Apples, grapes, crusty bread
  • Accompaniments: Quince paste, nuts

Rainbow Cheese Pairings

  • Wines: Light whites, sparkling wines
  • Foods: Fresh fruits, crackers
  • Accompaniments: Light preserves, honey

Health and Nutrition

Nutritional Comparison (per 100g)

  • Blue Cheese: 353 calories, 28.7g fat, 21.4g protein
  • Red Leicester: 387 calories, 31.8g fat, 23.8g protein
  • Rainbow Gouda: 356 calories, 27.4g fat, 24.9g protein

Conclusion: Embracing Cheese Diversity

The world of colored cheeses offers something for everyone, from traditional blue-veined varieties to modern rainbow innovations. While blue and red cheeses carry centuries of tradition and craftsmanship, rainbow cheeses represent a playful modern twist on classic cheesemaking techniques.

Remember that color often indicates different aging processes, cultures, or added ingredients, each contributing to the unique character of the cheese. Whether you’re a traditionalist or an adventurous foodie, there’s a colorful cheese waiting to be discovered.

Posted