Varieties of Cheese

International Varieties of Cheese

Given many hundreds of different cheeses, we'll not try to list them all here. We will concentrate on cheeses widely and affordably available in North America (or at least here in Southern California). $20/pound gourmet cheeses and cheeses very hard to find in North America will be here only if they are particularly interesting.

Most of the cheeses listed here were found in the normal multi-ethnic markets that abound here in Los Angeles, not from specialty cheese shops, gourmet vendors or on-line, so prices listed may be very low compared to those sources.

The fanciest I got was Trader Joe's - nothing here was from Whole Foods or other higher end yuppie outlets, but you should easily find most of these cheeses at such markets.

Cheeses are listed by region of origin. Cheeses that are now made worldwide are listed primarily under the region they originated from.

Africa

Evidence of cheese making in Egypt dates from about 5200 years ago.

Areesh / Karish

Istanbolli

Mish

Romy

"Medium Aged Romy" is aged for about 3 years and is a good grating cheese. "Old Aged Romy" is 8 to 12 years. With age it becomes sharper and more crumbly. When fried, Romy softens and exudes a fair amount of oil, but holds its shape, even if fried until well brown and crisp. The photo speciman is medium aged, purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles (Sunland) for 2019 US $8.99 / pound.

Americas - North

The United States and Canada, once home only to dismal factory cheeses, are now major producers of authentic and artisan cheeses rivaling those of Europe. Some are made using the traditional European names, which really pisses off the Europeans, so these names are increasingly prefixed by "American". Of course, we still make our traditional factory "cheese products" too, some of which are popular abroad as well.

American Cheese

This "processed cheese" was originally made from a blend of cheeses, generally colby and cheddar, but is now manufactured from components, generally milk, whey, milkfat, milk protein concentrate, whey protein concentrate, salt. Together, these meet a Federal definition, though each manufacturer has a slightly different formula. Those labeled "American Cheese" and "American Process Cheese" are fairly similar to real cheese, while those labeled "American Cheese Food" or "American Cheese Product" are more like Velveeta and Cheez Whiz.

Color can range from white to orange depending on how much annatto or food coloring is used. "Individually wrapped" products (photo) are the least natural. They aren't actually "wrapped", the contents is "cast in place", poured into the wrappers and solidified there. Blocks and sliced blocks more approximate real cheese. American Cheese is valued for it's neat slicing and good melting properties and is mainly used for sandwiches, both hot and cold.

Cheddar - Mild Industrial Cheddar

A dense, firm, undistinguished cheese with little tang and almost always dyed yellow/orange. It melts completely, exuding a moderate amount of oil, but is a bit rubbery, and when cooled it is quite rubbery. To compensate, it is usually coarsely grated before sprinkling on things for melting in the oven or under the broiler. It's completely unusable for applications like Welsh Rabbit but is more flavorful than American Cheese in sandwiches. It is often grated for use in tacos and the like.

Colby

First produced in Colby, Wisconsin, this is a semi-hard, mild, washed curd cheese that is not cheddared and is normally dyed orange. It is most often made in long cylinders (thus the name "longhorn") and sold in half round blocks. It is often combined with the similarly made Monterey Jack cheese to produce a marbled product called "Colby Jack".

Colby is a bit Velveeta-like in flavor and texture and can be used similarly but is also used as a table cheese and grated as a brownable topping for dishes finished in the broiler or oven. It melts well, exuding a moderate amount of oil and doesn't become too rubbery when it cools. Colby doesn't keep well so should be used within 7 days of opening the package. Pasteurized cow milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, annatto.

Cottage Cheese

You will have a hard time determining these processes from tubs of commercial cottage cheese, as they are now highly industrialized products made by modified processes from mixes of milk, cream and whey, with lots of additives which may include citric acid, carrageenan, mono and diglycerides, polysorbate 80 guar gum, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, maltodextrin, dextrose, enzymes and various other substances. The photo shows commercial small curd to the left, large curd to the right.

Cream Cheese, American

Farmers Cheese

This is basically cottage cheese (small curd process) with the liquid squeezed out of it. Squeeze it even more and you get Hoop Cheese. Squeeze a little less and you get Pot Cheese. It is fairly soft but somewhat crumbly. This cheese softens but does not melt when heated, keeping its shape even until it starts to burn, as in the photo.

Farmers cheese, once scarce here, has become very common in Southern California due to the growing population from Eastern Europe. It is interchangeable with cheeses from that region and is much used for filling pastries, pierogi / piroshke and for similar uses. It is perishable so refrigerate and use within a week of opening. That most common here in Los Angeles is from Lifeway. Ing: Cultured pasteurized low fat milk, potassium sorbate.

Karoun Caliornia Cheese

An unripened, lightly salted whole milk cheese made in California by a leading manufacturer of Levantine, Anatolian and Caucasian cheeses. It has a light, squeeky chew and good flavor. It softens, but does not melt, and exudes no liquid or oil. Purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles (Sunland) for 2019 US $4.99 / pound. Cultured pasteurized Grade A whole milk, calcium, natural flavor, salt, non-animal kosher rennet.

Monterey Jack

Originally made by Franciscan monks in Monterey California, this cheese was put into production by David Jack, thus "Jack Cheese". Cultured whole milk, salt, enzymes. Because it is very low in tyramine, Monterey Jack is considered one of the safer cheeses for migraine sufferers.

Mozzarella - Fresh California

This cheese is made up into balls about 1-1/2 inches in diameter, weighing just over 1 ounce and packed in plastic bags or tubs floating in whey. It is called "Mozzarella" here in California, but is actually pretty much identical to the Italian Bocconcini.

The texture is very soft with just a little of the fibrousness we associate with mozzarella and much milder than regular American Mozzarella. It melts very smoothly, exuding water rather than oil, and cools with a little more of the rubberiness we normally associate with mozzarella. Pasteurized cow milk, starter culture, salt, vegetable rennet.

I do not recommend fresh mozzarella for cooking because American recipes are all designed for the regular stuff, so fresh mozzarella would be bland, expensive and have little texture.

It is my understanding that mozzarella bars have sprung up in the more yuppified districts of Southern California (2008), and various dishes featuring fresh mozzarellas (including buffalo milk versions) can be had there at exorbitant prices, but I seldom stray into those districts. A couple years ago they were very rare, but I now see plastic tubs of these balls in most of the markets I shop at (2013).

Muenster

This American cheese is remotely patterned after French Munster. It is very popular in North America and ranges from bland to as sharp as a young jack cheese. It is used on cheese plates, but is also widely used in dishes requiring melted cheese. It melts very well, exuding modest oil. A smooth, pale yellow cheese, it is generally made in loaves, the outside colored orange by paprika or another vegetable dye.

Neufchâtel - American

Pinconning

This cheese, developed in Pinconning Michigan, is very similar to Colby but the formula is a little different, allowing it to be aged. It ranges from mild to extra sharp depending on length of aging. A 10 year "super sharp" is available only by direct order from the Pinconning Cheese Company. Pinconning has a rich, creamy flavor and texture and is used as a table cheese in place of Colby or cheddar. It is also used for mac-and-cheese, in soufflés, and as a base material for manufacturing cheese spreads.

The photo shows 10 year Extra Sharp to the left and Medium Sharp to the right. The extra sharp is somewhat crumbly and doesn't seem related to Colby at all. The medium sharp does retain some of its Colby heritage. Both melt smoothly. The medium seems to loose a bit of flavor, but does not become rubbery. The extra sharp melts to a thin oily liquid and is crumbly when cooled, but retains flavor well. Medium 2008 US $6.19/pound, 10 year $13.49/pound.

Velveeta

A "pasteurized process cheese product" (it contains less than 51% cheese so can't legally be called a "processed cheese food"). It melts, easily and evenly, to a creamy consistency. Many claim it's the best product to use in the ever popular American macaroni and cheese, but many also complain it isn't as good as it used to be. Velveeta was invented in 1918 by Swiss immigrant Emil Frey, so it's not all America's fault. The texture is smooth and creamy, soft but firm enough to slice. It is currently sold in the U.S., Canada, Hong Kong, Philippines, South Korea, Australia and Germany. This product does not need to be refrigerated after opening.

Americas - Mexico & Central America

Little cheese is imported from Mexico due to health considerations (it's mostly fresh cheeses), but many authentic Mexican type cheeses are now produced in high volume here in Southern California where there is obvious demand.

Cotija

Named for the Mexican town of Cotija, Michoacan, this is a stiff, crumbly cheese with modest tanginess and quite a bit of salt, aged from 3 months to a year. It is used mainly as a crumbled topping and in salads, because it not only doesn't melt, it hardly even softens. Avoid it for anything that requires a cheese that melts gracefully. There is also a softer version, Tajo Cheese, with less salt and less age. Pasteurized part skim cultured cow milk, salt, enzymes.

Queso Añejo

Queso Asedero

Queso Blanco

Often sold in large loaf sized blocks, this cheese is similar to Queso Fresco, except, when traditionally made it is coagulated not with renet, but with acid, as is Indian Paneer. Today, the acid may be helped by a microbic rennet, but it should still be ol vegetarian. This cheese softens, but does not melt. It exudes almost no water and almost no oil. Cultured pasteurized grade A milk, calcium chloride, non-animal Kosher rennet, salt, vinegar.

Queso Duro Viejo

This is a mild table cheese. It doesn't really melt, but softens some and exudes some oil. It is aged 1 to 6 months. Perla brand, 2018 US $8.57 / pound, sold in 14 ounce blocks.

Queso Enchilada

This firm aged cheese, both sliceable and grateable, is coated with a paste made from red chilis to inhibits mold during aging. Originally it was made from skimmed goat's milk, but nearly all is now made from skimmed cow's milk. It is mild, but has a little of the tang of an aged cheese. It is usually used as a grated topping because it doesn't really melt.

Heated, it becomes very soft but does not flow. When it cools it becomes firm but not rubbery. Pasteurized cow milk and skim cow milk, sea salt, paprika, enzymes. Actually that "paprika" is dried New Mexico chili or similar. This cheese is made in 4 inch wheels as in the photo, and in blocks.

Queso Fresco

Literally "fresh cheese". A part skim milk cheese that's very soft, yet crumbly, with a very mild milk-like flavor and just a trace of tartness. Unlike Queso Blanco, it is traditionally made using rennet, which may be animal rennet. While widely made in Mexico, that available in California is made north of the border due to health issues. Even here in Los Angeles there have been rare outbreaks of listeriosis resulting from sanitation lapses within small cheese makers.

When heated, it exudes a lot of water, and gets very soft and bubbly but doesn't actually melt. It is sold in 4 inch wheels as in the photo, and as blocks. Cow milk and skim cow milk, sea salt, culture, enzymes.

Queso Fresco Cremoso

A whole milk "Fresh Cheese" that's moderately soft with a mild flavor and just a trace of tartness. It is not at all crumbly. While a Mexican type cheese, that available in California is made north of the border due to health issues. This one was made in San Jose, California.

When heated, it exudes almost no water, and gets very soft, but will brown without actually melting. It is sold in 4 inch wheels as in the photo. Pasteurized cow milk, salt, enzymes, 21% fat, 2014 US $3.66/pound.

Queso Morolique

This is a mild table cheese. It doesn't really melt, but softens some and exudes very little oil. Perla brand, 2018 US $8.57 / pound, sold in 14 ounce blocks.

Manchego

Oaxaca

This Mexican cheese is now manufactured and widely available here in Southern California. Similarly to mozzarella, this mildly tangy cheese has been stretched until fibrous, then knotted into a lump. It melts very smoothly, exuding very little oil, and when melted strings well when pulled, considered a necessity for a Mexican melting cheese. At certain temperatures it can seem just a bit rubbery. The photo specimen was about 4-1/2 inches diameter and weighed 12 ounces. Cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes and sodium citrate.

Panela

This is a white fresh cheese but differs significantly from Queso Fresco It has a mild fresh cheese flavor but firm enough to slice well. It can be crumbled, but not as easily as Fresco. The cheese is made in 4 inch wheels, the outer surface of which are textured to resemble the texture imparted by the little baskets in which it was traditionally made.

This cheese is often diced or crumbled for salads, enchiladas and tacos but is also sometimes cut into slices and fried until lightly browned as a snack. When heated it softens moderately but holds it's shape, even until browned, exuding neither water nor oil. Pasteurized part skim cow milk, salt, enzymes. The photo specimen was a 4 inch wheel weighing 10 ounces at 2013 US $4.00/pound.

This cheese seems to me a good substitute for Indian Paneer, though it is made with an enzyme coagulant rather than lemon juice. It is not to be confused with the Panela of Columbia, which is a similarly shaped cake of unrefined sugar cane juice.

Quesadilla / Asadero

Requesón

This is a Hispanic cheese similar to Italian Ricotta. It is made with about 10% milk added to the whey left from making other cheeses. It is creamy, spreadable, low fat and does not melt at all.

Americas - South

Panquehue

A rather creamy, buttery, semi-soft, mildly tangy "farmstead cheese" from Chile. It is the most popular cheese in Chile, and in 2005 became the first Chilean cheese imported into the United States. It melts smoothly, exuding moderate oil. Pasteurized cow milk, salt, calcium chloride, microbial rennet, dairy cultures, and has an invisible wax coating.

Reggianito

This cheese originated with Italian immigrants to Argentina, and is the longest aged cheese made in South America (5 to 6 months). Patterned after Italian Reggiano, it is called Reggianito because the wheels weigh 15 pounds rather than the 80 pounds typical of the Italian cheese. It is a hard grating cheese with a slightly granular texture and slightly saltier than the Italian cheese. The photo specimen was purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles for 2015 US $6.99 per pound. Made from pasteurized cow milk. Reggianito, similarly to the Italian cheese, melts reluctantly but well, without becoming runny, but it does exude a fair amount of oil. It is sliceable, but also grates very well.

Europe - Anatolia & Caucasus

This region includes Turkey, Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. Yes, some of these countries just don't get along, not even a little, but they share a culinary domain, including cheeses, so I'm lumping them here and they can just learn to deal with it.

Some authentic Armenian and Georgian cheeses are made in volume here in Southern California, (Glendale, California is "the Western Capital of Armenia"). Production of cheese in Armenia was discouraged during the Soviet era, when Lori (Russian Cheese) dominated. A joint Armenia - US Department of Agriculture program has resulted in greatly increased production of specialty Armenian cheeses, many of which are now (2019) imported into Southern California.

Turkey does export large amounts of cheese, particularly "White Cheese" which is much like Bulgarian Sirene (Bulgarian Feta in the U.S.). Azerbaijan is not at all noted for cheese, but interest is increasing rapidly there.

Alashkert Cheese

A soft, non-crumbly brine soaked cheese, made in wheels about 3-3/4 inches thick. It is fresh, mild, and moderately salty, with good aroma and flavor. This cheese melts very easily and smoothly, exuding very little oil and no water. The photo specimen was imported branded Ararat, though the "Alashkert" name and formula belongs to the Dustr Melania (Daughter Melania) cheese factory in Lori Province, northern Armenia. It is a new cheese developed in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agricultue, and has found immediate popularity. Whole pasteurized cow milk, starter cultures, rennet, salt, calcium chloride. Purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles (Sunland) for 2021 US $8.49 / pound.

Armenian String Cheese

This is a moderately firm white cheese that is pulled into an endless loop until it is formed into yarns that have a stringy texture. The yarns are then twisted up into a hank and vacuum packed for distribution. This cheese, made by several Armenian dairies here in Los Angeles, differs somewhat from the more traditional Chechil Cheese (see below).

This cheese is very popular as a snack cheese, and so much better than the sticks of "string cheese" sold by major brands in the supermarkets. Armenian String Cheese can also be found smoked, similar to smoked mozzarella, and is sometimes packed with olive oil and herbs as well as with and without nigella seeds.

The photo hank weighed 1 pound and was 7-1/2 inches by 3 inches, cultured pasteurized milk, kosher rennet, salt and nigella seeds. It was made here in Los Angeles by Karoun Dairies, but we have several other fine manufacturers of this cheese here. All their products are very similar.

Armenian Sweet Cheese

A very fresh soft cheese used mainly in Armenian pastries. "Sweet" means it has very little salt and no tang from fermentation, which means it's very mild in flavor and highly perishable. This cheese melts completely, exuding no oil, and is just faintly rubbery when cooled, but the flavor is enhanced by the melting.

The photo specimen was made in Los Angeles. Whole pasteurized milk, vegetable rennet, salt.

Chanakh Cheese

A soft, non-crumbly cheese soaked in brine, much used as a table cheese to accompany fruits, vegetables, and wine. It is fresh, mild, and salty, with a lightly fermented aroma and flavor. This cheese melts to a thin liquid almost instantly, exuding neither oil nor water. The photo specimen was Golden Goat brand, made in Armenia: whole pasteurized cow milk, salt, cheese cultures. Purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles (Sunland).

Chechil Cheese

A rather firm white cheese that is pulled into an endless loop until it is formed into yarns made of hair-like fibers. It is matured in brine and often smoked. The photo specimens, from Georgia, were formed into braids and vacuum packed. This cheese is much tougher and stretchier than the Armenian String Cheese we are acustomed to here in California, the fibers are much finer, like hair, and it is saltier. This cheese does not melt. It's mainly a snack cheese, and in Russia is commonly served with beer.

Typically, hanks weigh 3.5 ounces each and are 8 inches long and 1-1/2 inches wide. The photo specimens were purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles (Sunland) for 2018 US $11.99 per pound. Pasteurized whole milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzyme. The smoked version was smoked over beechwood chips.

Chechil Cheese

This form of Chechil Cheese is sold in block form, brine cured and aged. It has a good tang from the ageing. It does melt, exuding quite a bit of oil and bubbling from water from the brining. The photo specimen was purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles (Sunland) for 2018 US $11.99 per pound. Product of Armenia: pasteurized cow milk, cheese cultures, salt.

Dzor Cheese

A firm aged goat cheese from the Vayots Dzor region in Armenia. Goat cheese was almost unknown in Armenia until 2005 when Golden Goat started production with Armenian goats cross bred with American goats which produced up to 3 times as much milk as pure Armenian goats. This cheese has a good goat tang and melts smoothly exuding only a little oil. The photo specimen was Golden Goat brand, made in Armenia: whole pasteurized whole goat milk, cheese cultures, salt. The photo specimen was purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles (Sunland) for 2019 US $8.69 / pound.

Erebuni Cheese

A semi-soft salty, cheese including herbal flakes (possibly green chili). It is named for the Erebuni district of Yerevan, Armenia, where the ancient Erebuni fortress is. I have used this lightly tangy cheese instead of Feta in salads, and it worked very well. It's firmer than Feta and can be sliced into small dice which hold their shape, but crumble easily to the fork. This cheese does not melt, but softens, exuding no oil or water. The photo specimen was Golden Goat brand, made in Armenia: whole pasteurized cow milk, cheese cultures, salt, herbs. Purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles (Sunland) for 2019 US $6.59 / pound.

Gladzor Cheese

A firm salty cheese including flakes of red and green chili but with very little heat. It is named for the town of Gladzor in the Vayots Dzor region of Armenia. This cheese does not melt, but softens and exudes a little oil. The photo specimen was Golden Goat brand, made in Armenia: whole pasteurized milk, (goat and cow), bacteial cheese cultures, salt, herbs. Purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles (Sunland).

Horadz Panir

This cheese was Ararat brand, with "Horadz Panir" in both Roman and Armenian characters, but was actually made in Bulgaria, a major center for white cheese production. The label said "100% Sheep's Milk - Sharp & Aged", but it's a little "sanitized" compared to the traditional Armenian method, which is to pack the sheep cheese in a clay jar and bury it. That product comes out considerably more smelly. It is often eaten with Lavash bread.

This cheese is very crumbly, much like a Turkish white Tulum, but that cheese melts. This one softens and releases a moderate amount of oil, but does not melt. The photo specimen did not brown on the bottom because the cheese contains too much water. The photo specimen was purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles (Sunland) for 2017 US $4.99 / pound.

Imeruli

Named for the Imeruli region in West Central Georgia, this is a fresh white cheese, aged about 2 days. It is variously made and may be a bit crumbly, or have a lot of holes. It is not much available in North America, but it's not difficult to make it yourself. Whole cow milk, rennet, salt.   Photo from Georgian Recipes, distributed under license Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike v3.0 Unported.

Kasar

A yellow sheep milk hard cheese made in central Anatolia. It is also sometimes made with cow milk or a mixture of sheep and cow. It is traditionally put up in cylindrical molds and aged for at least a month, but aging in bee's wax is now being done. Traditionally raw milk was used with the cheese cultured by the milk's own flora, but today it is made from pasteurized milk using yogurt as a starter. Kasar is a meltable cheese used in recipes, but is also used as a table cheese. The photo is actually of Bulgarian Kasseri, but Bulgaria has very close culinary ties with Turkey.

Eski Kasar (old Kasar) is put up in sacks and aged 6 months in an ice house. If made from pure sheep milk it can be kept for up to 3 years.

Lori

This semi-soft, pungent, somewhat salty cheese has a sort of spongy texture (lots of small holes) and melts very smoothly, exuding very little oil. The photo specimen was from a block about 5 by 5-1/4 inches by about 12 inches long. Lori is a region in northern Armenia, but this block was probably made in Los Angeles, as we have several manufacturers here. This seems to be pretty much the same as Russian Cheese (Rossiiski syr).

Sulguni

Typical of the highly respected Georgian cuisine, this firm white cheese is very popular in Georgia, Russia, Armenia and Southern California. It is similar to mozzarella but a little softer and with a smooth texture (mozzarella is stringy from pulling and kneading). It melts very well. In Georgia it is often just sliced, coated with flour and fried, and is also used in making cheese bread.

In California it is commonly made up into 1 pound 5-1/4 inch wheels which are also popular smoked. The photo shows a wedge of smoked, a wedge of regular, and a piece melted. Typically part skim milk, enzymes, salt, bacterial rennet (Georgian production would likely use animal rennet) 18% fat, 0.61% sodium. Subst: standard market mozzarella (expensive fresh mozzarella doesn't work well).

Tulum, White

This raw sheep and/or goat milk cheese is traditionally ripened in goatskin bags called "tulum", thus the name of the cheese. White crumbly tulum is characteristic of the eastern regions of Turkey. The taste is herbal, slightly sour and moderately salty. This cheese melts well. Feta (Turkish "white cheese") would be a suitable substitute in salads, but not in cooked dishes (feta doesn't melt).

Tulum, Yellow

While the majority of tulum cheeses are white, yellow versions that are firmer and tangier and saltier are also made, mostly in the western regions of Turkey. Made from raw sheep and/or goat milk and aged in goatskin bags, this cheese melts well.

Vernashen Cheese

This cheese is soft and spreadable, but quite rich with a distinct aged tang. It is produced in Armenia, named for the region noted for red semi-sweet Vernashen wine. It is Great Masis brand, produced by Golden Goat Cheese Factory. Pasteurized whole milk, cheese cultures, salt. It was purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles (Sunland) for 2020 US $7.29.

White Cheese

While this term can be variously used, it is currently being used to indicate Feta type cheeses made outside of Greece. After a long, hard fought legal battle against Denmark, a major producer of this type of cheese, the EU gave Greece a monopoly on the word "Feta". Some consider this unfair, as this cheese has been made for thousands of years throughout Southeastern Europe and Anatolia.

Turkey is also a major producer of this type cheese, but is not affected by this ruling. Turkey is not yet a part of the EU, but no matter - the Turks have always called theirs "White Cheese".

Yeghegnadzor Cheese

This goat cheese is soft spreadable, with a sharp salty taste. It is a "steamed" cheese. Product of Armenia: Pasteurized whole goat milk, cheese cultures, salt, and an undeclared herb. It was purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles (Sunland) for 2019 US $12.99 / pound.

Europe - British Isles

Cheddar - Natural

This is a traditional English cheese, the prototype of cheeses now made in England, United States, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and elsewhere. It is dense and firm, with taste varying from mild to extra sharp, and texture from smooth to crumbly, depending on length of aging. It can range from white to orange depending on the amount of annatto coloring included.

Good Natural Cheddar melts smoothly and almost to a liquid - not at all rubbery. It cools to a somewhat grainy texture, again, not at all rubbery. The photo specimen was England Coastal Cheddar, made from Pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, vegetable rennet, aged a minimum of 16 months. It melted quickly and smoothly, almost to a liquid, exuding moderate oil, 32% fat, 2013 US $7.49/pound.

Cheshire - Farmhouse

This is the earliest recorded cheese made in England. It is a firm, somewhat crumbly cheese, but today is made less firm than in the past when it was supplies for British warships (1758) and needed to stand up to rough transportation and long storage. Most production is "white" in the photo, but some "red" (colored with annatto) is made and some "blue", infected with blue mold, similar to Stilton. Cheshire melts slowly and exudes quit a bit of oil. Pasteurized cow milk, cheese cultures, rennet, salt; 2014 US $3.99/pound (special price).

Cotswold

Made in Gloucestershire, England, Cotswold is actually Double Gloucester with chives and scallions mixed in. The photo specimen melted fairly smoothly, exuding a lot of oil, but also a lot of moisture. Double Gloucester (Pasteurized cow milk, salt, annatto, cheese cultures, vegetable rennet), rehydrated onion, freeze dried chives; 32% fat, 2015 US $6.69/pound.

Derby

Made in Derbyshire, England, this is a mild, buttery, semi-firm cheese, similar to cheddar but softer and aged for a shorter time - one month to 6 months depending on firmness desired. It is naturally a cream or pale golden color, but the most common variety is mixed with sage, giving it a mottled green and cream color. There is also a port wine version. The photo specimen melted enthusiastically, exuding very moderate oil. Pasteurized cow milk, salt, cheese cultures, vegetarian rennet, dried sage leaves, chlorophyll. Purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles (Sunland).

Dubliner

Made by Carbery from a secret recipe, this medium hard, tangy cheese melts very well, exuding a fair amount of oil. Flavor is described as sharp cheddar with tones of Swiss and Parmesan. Pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes, 32% fat, 2010 US $8.44/pound.

Gamekeeper

This cheese is made up of Blue Shropshire Cheese layered with and embedded with mild Cheddar. In my opinion it is a really fine cheese plate cheese, though perhaps a little strong for those with "refined tastes". The name "Gamekeeper" is a trademark of Cropwell Bishop Creamery. Cheddar Cheese (63%): milk, salt, dairy cultures, vegetarian rennet - Blue Shropshire Cheese (37%): Milk, Salt, Color E160B, vegetarian rennet, dairy cultures, 2014 US $5.99/pound.

Gloucester - Single, Double, Cotswold, Huntsman

Made in Gloucestershire, England, Gloucester Cheese comes in four versions, Single, Double, Cotswold and Huntsman / Stilchester. All are semi-hard cheeses. Single is slightly crumbly, and is sold mostly in the region. Double has more age, a stronger flavor and is firmer, while Cotswold has chives and scallions mixed in. Huntsman has layers of Double Gloucester and Stilton.

The photo specimen of Double Gloucester was fairly soft, with a pleasant flavor and good aged tang. Originally, double gloucester was colored with Lady's Bedstraw, but annatto is now used. The photo specimen melted very easily and very smoothly, exuding a lot of oil and a fair amount of moisture, becoming almost completely transparent. Pasteurized cow milk, salt, cheese cultures, vegetable rennet, annatto (color). Purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles for 2016 US $6.19/pound.

Gloucester - Double with Chives & Onion

Made in Gloucestershire, England, this cheese was very crumbly and very pungent. It melts to a paste, exuding lots of oil. Pasteurized cow milk, onion granules and dried chives, vegetable rennet, cheese cultures, annatto (color). Purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles for 2017 US $3.99/pound.

Irish Cheddar, Mature

This is a typical matured Irish Cheddar. It melts easily and smoothly, exuding quite a bit of oil. Purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles (Sunland) for 2019 US $5.99 / pound.Wexford Creamery, Wexford, Ireland. Pasteurized whole milk, salt, starter cultures, rennet. Milk fat 34%.

Irish Cheddar with Porter

Striking in appearance, this cheese tastes pretty much like regular cheddar, though it has a vaguely chocolatey flavor from dark Irish beer. At 2010 US $11/pound, use it where you want a decorative - use regular cheddar otherwise. Once you open this, eat it soon - it goes to mold like nobody's business.

Red Leicester

Originally called Leicestershire and colored with carrot or beet juice, it is now colored with annatto. It was renamed during WWII to differentiate it from "White Leicester", a national wartime recipe. Red Leicester is made similarly to cheddar, but is more crumbly, and is very dependent on age for its tang and texture. The photo specimen, from England, was aged over 15 months. It melts smoothly, exuding a fair amount of oil. 2019 US $4.99 / pound. Pasteurized milk, salt, cheese cultures, rennet, annatto (color): 34% fat.

Stilton, Blue

This is England's primary entry for blue cheese, but there is a much less well known White Stilton. The blue is strong smelling and quite pungent, with an edible moldy rind. "Stilton" cannot be made in the village of Stilton because it is outside the PDO region - theirs is called "Village Blue from Stilton". Stilton eaten before bedtime is reputed to produce strange and vivid dreams, confirmed by a 2005 study.

Though used in a few soups, Stilton melts to an ugly crumbly liquid which never solidifies, and flavor is not improved by melting. Primarily this is a table cheese eaten with celery sticks and crackers. Pasteurized cow milk, salt, microbial rennet, cheese cultures, 36% fat, 2010 US $11.49/pound.

Wensleydale

This cheese was originally made by French monks who moved to England, but Henry VIII dissolved all the monasteries in 1540. It is quite moist, yet crumbly, and has a sweet mild taste with hints of honey. It goes very well with fruit, which is sometimes embedded in it, particularly cranberries or cherries. Plain white Wensleydale is traditionally eaten with apple pie.

Originally, this cheese was mostly a blue cheese, but blue Wensleydale is very rare today. The monks started with sheep milk, but migrated to cow milk. Pasteurized cow milk, sugar, cherries, cherry flavor, sunflower oil, vegetable rennet, cheese cultures; 29% fat, 2013 US $4.39/pound.

Europe - France

Basque Cheese

This is a very firm cheese with excellent aged flavor. It melts smoothly with medium oil and has an excellent melted taste, but at the price you'll not be using this as a melting cheese. It'll be strictly on the cheese plate. The rind is coated with wax which doesn't peel, so it has to be carefully cut off. The photo specimen is from a mini-wheel marketed by Trader Joe's at 2013 US $10.99 / pound. Pasteurized sheep milk, salt, animal rennet, calcium chloride, lactic starter, color: caramel, annatto.

Boursin

This is a brand of spreadable Gournay (Normandy) cheese packaged in small boxes. It is similar to cream cheese but flavored. It was invented in 1957 by François Boursin to save party guests from having to add their own herb to fresh cheese. The first and still most popular is "Garlic and Fine Herbs". It is currently owned by Bel Brands, the (Laughing Cow company). The photo specimen was "Manufactured for Bel Brands USA" by Atalanta Corp. in Elizabeth New Jersey. Ingred: Pasteurized Cultured Milk and Cream, Garlic*, Salt, White Pepper, Parsley*, Chives*, *Dried.

Brie

A very soft whole or part skim cow milk cheese with an edible white moldy rind. Proper brie is not available in the U.S. or Australia due to our governments' penchant for protecting us from things we don't need protection from. Brie shipped to the U.S. must be made from pasteurized milk which changes the flavor and texture. In Europe the name "Brie" is protected and limited to a particular region of France but cheeses named "brie" are made worldwide outside of Europe.

This cheese is extremely popular and is almost always eaten plain or spread on crackers or some such. The rind should always be eaten along with the rest. Double and triple cream versions are now made for the yuppie trade but taste a bit more like butter than like cheese.

Brie Noir is a version aged for several months to a year (normal brie is aged for one month) and the rind has becomes darker and crumbly.

Brillat-Savarin

A soft, creamy, high fat cheese made in Burgundy and Normandy since about 1932. It is sold fresh or aged 1 to 2 weeks and is lightly salty with just a touch of sourness. It is said to pair well with Ale and Champaign, but not with red wine. The photo specimen is the "Fresh" version and has not yet formed much of a rind. It was cut from a typical wheel 4-3/4 inches diameter and 1-3/4 inches thick and weighing 17.6 ounces (1/2 kilo). It was soft and spreadable. A sample melted down into a puddle and did not firm when cooled. Pasteurized cow milk and cream, rennet, salt, cultured milk; 33% fat. 2013 US $4.99 / pound (this may have been a liquidation price due to a major screw-up in the package labeling). There is a version with significantly more than 2 weeks age called Pierre Robert.

Camembert

A soft, creamy surface ripened cheese made from cow's milk, similar to Brie, but made in small wheels rather than large. Properly, the milk is unpasteurized, and must be unpasteurized to achieve the designation "Camambert de Normandie". This causes problems importing into the U.S. so that shipped here is generally from pasteurized milk and over-aged, so it is not as runny as it should be. This is a "cheese plate" sort of cheese, served with crackers and the like. The rind is to be eaten with the cheese.

Comté

This is the most popular cheese in France, very firm, sliceable, non-crumbly and traditionally made in 100 pound wheels. Starting in the 12th century it was made by cowherds during their long summer stay in the Jura mountains and brought to market in the fall. Today, most Comté is aged from 7 to 18 months. It is dryish, very tangy and melts smoothly except at the rind. Raw cows milk, salt, animal rennet, lactic cultures, 45% fat.

Forest Smoked Cheese

A brie type soft "Smoked French Cheese", Hickory smoked processed cheese 58% fat. Softe enough to spread - would go well on mild flavored crackers. GE SAS France 2018 US $5.99 / pound.

Madrigal

Made in the Loire Valley, this is a French "Baby Swiss" and is very similar to Swiss Emmental, possessing a similar sweet nutty flavor and large "eyes", but its melting properties are significantly different. It softens but does not flow, in fact the photo specimen was starting to brown on the bottom and getting a bit dried out, but still no flow. Pasteurized whole cow milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes, 29% fat, 2013 US $7.99 / pound.

Mimolette Française

This French cheese was created under orders of Louis XIVis as a replacement for imported Edam cheese. It is made by a similar process but with annatto added to color it orange for differentiation. Whole, it's a 4 pound a ball that resembles a cantaloupe. It melts smoothly, exuding little oil, but becomes very stiff when cooled. This cheese is stiff, smooth and has only a little tang - to me it seems a bit too close to a hard version of American cheese. Cow milk, salt, lactic starters, animal rennet, annatto, lysozyne (enzyme from egg white).

Morbier

This is a semi-soft cheese with a distinct line through the middle. This was originally ashes spread over the evening milk to protect it, then morning milk would be poured in to fill the mold. Today it is usually made from one milking and sometimes a vegetable dye is used to form the line. It is normally aged over 60 days.

The aroma is pungent, but the flavor is rich and creamy. There may be a slight bitter aftertaste. It melts well. Specific Morbiers are AOC protected, but some are made outside the AOC regions. Raw cows milk, salt, microbial rennet, cheese cultures, vegetable ash, natamycin, lisozyne (enzyme from egg white), 2010 US $8.99/pound.

Munster-géromé

This cheese has been made since at least CE 1371 under a system involving monasteries and the town of Munster. It is not to be confused with American Muenster which was rather distantly patterned after it. It is made from unpasteurized cow milk and the rind is washed periodically with brine. Small wheels (3 to 5 inches) are aged for about 5 weeks. Large wheels (5 to 8 inches) 2 to 3 months.   Photo by Zubro distributed under license Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported.

Neufchâtel

This cheese has been made in France since about the 6th century. It is similar to Camembert, with a dry white edible mold rind, but is saltier and sharper. It is usually sold in heart shaped lumps, but also in logs and boxes.

American Neufchâtel was invented in 1872 in an attempt to make a cheese like French Neufchâtel. It was the first American cream cheese and is still sold as a lower fat substitute for regular American cream cheese.   Photo by Myrabella distributed under license Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported.

Port Salut

This cheese was monk made from 1815 until 1959 when the rights were sold to a major French creamery. It is now a factory made product, but some is still hand made in monasteries in the French countryside. The orange coating on the rind is edible, but it's made of wax so it is considered to detract from the cheese if left on. It is a mild semi-soft cheese but with a distinctive tang. It melts well exuding little oil. Pasteurized cow milk, salt, bacterial culture, microbial enzymes, annatto extract (color).

Roquefort

This is one of the world's best known blue cheeses, made under carefully controlled conditions in just one location in France. It is possible it was mentioned by Pliny the Elder in CE 79, but this is not certain. It is certain that king Charles VI gave Roquefort-sur-Soulzon a monopoly on its production in 1411, but the cheese had already been made there for centuries.

This is a soft and very pungent cheese, made in 6 pound wheels. It is aged for at least 90 days. Originally the mold was gathered by leaving bread on the floor of the aging caves until it was consumed by mold, then harvesting the mold, but today the mold is grown in laboratories. Raw whole sheep milk, salt, lactic starter, calf rennet, Penicillium roqueforti, 2015 US $10.99/pound.

Saint-André

This is a triple cream cheese similar to Brie, but quite a bit firmer and made in a much thicker wheel (2-1/2 inches). Its fat content is so high it is said to make white wine taste slightly sour and metallic (I haven't confirmed this). Crusty bread and beer are suggested to be a better accompaniments It has a rich, buttery texture and a tangy edible rind. Quite perishable, it should be refrigerated and eaten within a few days of purchase. Pasteurized milk and cream, salt, lactic starter, enzyme - penicillium candidum, geotrichum (rind molds); 43% fat. 2013 US $5.49 / pound.

Tomme

Tomme is a generic term for a group of low fat cheeses, generally followed by the point of origin. Tomme de Savoie is the best known, and Tomme de Montagne is a cover term for all Tommes from mountainous regions. It is generally made from milk after the cream has been skimmed off to make butter or richer cheeses. Though primarily a table cheese, It melts smoothly, exuding little oil, and is used in some cooked dishes.

This cheese is firmer, saltier and less rich than Brie, but has a similar edible rind, which may be white or dark depending on region. The photo specimen is Tomme de Savoie, 90 days age, raw cow's milk, salt, lactic starters, rennet.

Europe - Germany & Austria

Butterkase

Cambozola

Limburger

This smear-ripened cheese is named for the former Duchy of Limburg where it was developed in the 19th century. Today, the Duchy is divided among Germany, Belgium and Netherlands. This cheese is now made mostly in Germany, but there is a popular version called Herve still made in the Belgian sector. There is a manufacturer in each of the United States and Canada, supplying German communities. This cheese is ripened for three months, after which it is soft, spreadable and smelly.

This cheese is most famous for its strong odor, produced by the bacteria Brevibacterium linens, one of the bacteria responsible for smelly feet. This cheese is most often spread thickly on 100% rye bread and topped with a thick slice of onion. It is usually accompanied by brown mustard and lager beer or strong black coffee. Typically made from pasteurized cow milk, 29% fat.   Photo by MarkusHagenlocher distributed under license Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike v3.0 Unported.

Europe - Greece & Balkans

Feta

This cheese is normally made from sheep milk but goat and even cow milk have also been used. After coagulation it is pressed into blocks and cured for several months in a salt brine made from whey or water. It is packaged and shipped in brine and refrigerated. It can range from very mild to quite sharp depending on origin. Heated it becomes soft and sputters, but holds its shape and neither becomes runny nor exudes oil. Feta is an essential ingredient in Greek salads and in pastries from the region, as well as in sandwiches and as a topping for many dishes. It is most often cut into 1/2 inch cubes or crumbled. For some applications it is soaked a while in cold water to reduce salt. Typical ingredients: pasteurized whole sheep milk, salt, cultures, enzymes.

Halloumi

This traditional cheese has been made on the island of Cyprus since Byzantine times (CE 395 to 1195). A mixture of goat and sheep milk is used, and sometimes a little cow milk as well, set with rennet. No acid forming bacterial cultures are used. This cheese is now popular not only in Cyprus, but also in Greece and the Levant.

This cheese is traditionally formed into a long rectangle which is then folded over to make a block, so slices are "C" shaped. It is a premier frying cheese, browning nicely without melting. It is protected for Cyprus in the US, but not yet in the EU due to a dispute as to whether cow milk should be allowed in it. It was originally wrapped in mint leaves which protected it from spoilage. This is no longer done, but some token mint is often added to the packaging. This cheese is rather bland, and after frying it is still bland, so dips and sauces are in order.

A similar but unrelated cheese, Hâlûmi is made in Egypt, the name meaning cheese in Coptic. This may be the source of the Cypriot name. The photo specimen, from Cyprus, was 3-1/4 x 2-1/4 x 1-1/2 inches and weighed 9 ounces. Sheep and goat milk, salt, non animal rennet, mint, 2103 US $6.99/pound.

Kashkaval

This cheese, made in the Balkan countries, can be a bit confusing, because in the region "kashkaval" not only means this cheese, but is also used as a generic term for any yellow cheese - everything but "brined white cheese". Here in California it is used only to designate the one Balkan type cheese. This cheese has a flavor similar to a medium sharp white English cheddar, but the texture is much softer. It has excellent melting properties, exuding only a little oil. Kashkaval is also popular in the Levant, usually imported from the Balkans. The photo specimen was made in Hungary.

Kasseri

This cheese has a slightly fibrous texture due to stretching of the curd, as in mozzarella, but it is much softer. It is properly made from unpasteurized sheep milk, sometimes with a small amount of goat milk, and aged for at least four months to develop it's flavor. It has a mild but distinctive tang. It melts well and smoothly, exuding a fair amount of oil, but is more often used sliced. Provolone is sometimes considered a suitable substitute.

The photo specimen was from Bulgaria, labeled "Bulgarian Kasseri" (I don't know if they can get away with that within the EU). Pasteurized Sheep milk, salt, bacterial cultures, microbial enzymes, 25% fat, 2013 US $7.49. This will be somewhat different in flavor from European kasseri because it is said that the flavor is only right with unpasteurized milk.

A cheese called "Kaseri" is made in Wisconsin, USA, but it is 75% cow milk and 25% sheep milk, or, in some cases 100% cow milk. This product is crumbly rather than fibrous.

Kefalograviera

This is a fairly hard, salty cheese, similar to Romano, Parmesan or Kefalotiri, made in Greece from sheep milk or sheep and goat milk. It is an excellent grating cheese and often used as a pasta topping. Small wedges are also rolled in seasoned flour and lightly fried (Saganaki) as an appetizer. It melts somewhat reluctantly with lots of bubbling, and exudes a fair amount of oil. Purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles (Sunland) for 2017 US $6.39 per pound. Ingred: Pasteurized sheep milk, bacterial culture, salt, rennet. Subst: If Kefalograviera is not available, Kefalotiri, Romano and Parmesan are recommended as substitutes in recipes.

Kefalotiri

This is a fairly hard, salty cheese, similar to Romano or Parmesan, made in Greece since the Byzantine era. It is made from a blend of sheep and goat cheese, aged for 2 to 3 months for young cheese, and a year or more for a harder, more strongly flavored cheese. If Kefalotiri is not available Romano and Parmesan are recommended as substitutes in recipes.

The photo specimen is actually a Danish imitation, made from cow milk, salt, culture, vegetable rennet. It softened but did not melt.

Manouri

This mild white sheep or goat cheese is made from the whey left from the manufacture of feta cheese, similar to how Ricotta was made. It is soft and crumbly like feta but is creamier and a lot less salty. Heated it softens a bit and exudes a medium amount of oil, but holds its shape and browns to a tasty crust, so its a good frying cheese. Manori is used in salads, pastries, fried appetizers and deserts, where it can replace cream cheese. Typically pasteurized sheep milk, rennet, salt, water, 36% to 38% fat; 0.8% sodium. Subst: goat cheese.

Mizithra

Locally, this is a simple fresh cheese, soft and sweet, made of raw goat and/or sheep milk and whey. It may be coagulated by rennet, lemon juice, vinegar, broken twigs from a fig tree, or whey from the previous batch, and is usually about 15% fat (dry weight). It takes the shape of the cloth bags it is drained in. It is usually drained for one or two days. It is used with honey as a desert, in various Meze dishes, in salads and in pastries, particularly as a filling in small "eat out of hand" pies. This soft form will not be found in the United States due to rules against importing unaged raw milk cheeses.

Some of the soft cheeses are rubbed with salt and hung up in bags to age, eventually becoming hard, dry, salty grating cheeses (as in photo) called Xynomyzithra (sour Myzithra). This dry cheese is very popular in Greece for grating over pasta. Heated, it doesn't even soften, never mind melt. The similar Cypriot Anan is also made in both soft and hard versions. The photo specimen was purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles for 2015 US $4.99 / pound.   Subst: Mexican Queso Cotija, quite similar.

Vlahotiri

This is a firm cheese similar to Kefalograviera, but its holes are slightly larger, and its salt content slightly lower. It has good sheep milk tang. Small wedges are often rolled in seasoned flour and lightly fried (Saganaki) as an appetizer. It melts well with lots of bubbling, exudes a fair amount of oil, and toughens somewhat when cooled. Purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles (Sunland) for 2018 US $10.79 per pound. Ingred: Pasteurized sheep milk, bacterial culture, salt, rennet; 30% fat.

Europe - Holland / Netherlands

The Netherlands is not the largest producer of cheese in Europe, but since 60% is exported, it is the largest exporter. A number of famous cheeses are made there in young, sliceable sandwich form as well as well aged cheeses to be enjoyed with beer.

Beemster (XO)

This aged (26 months) Gouda is fairly hard and a bit crumbly. It has a very nice long aged tang It melts reluctantly but fairly smoothly exuding a lot of oil. It is made in wheels about 18 inches in diameter and 4-1/4 inches thick. Pasteurized cow milk, salt, cheese culture, rennet, annatto, 36% fat.

Dutch Farmhouse Cheese

This cheese is a form of Gouda that is made by a single farm, with unpasteurized milk from their own cows, thus is not common. It is generally more pungent than the industrially produced Gouda, and is shipped in gold wax rather than red. It is made in various ages. A long aged Boernkass is quite firm, and has developed crunchy crystals of denatured protein embedded in it. The photo specimen was lightly aged, creamy in texture, dense, pungent, and very flavorful. It melts smoothly exuding some moisture and lots of oil. It was purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles for 2016 US $6.99 / pound.

Edam

This popular semi-hard cheese is most commonly sold as balls coated with red wax. It is made by the same warm washed curd process as Gouda, but is made from part skim milk rather than whole milk. It travels very well, making it the most popular cheese for ships and remote colonies from the 14th to 18th centuries. It is sold both young, when it is mild, soft and sliceable, and aged, when it is much harder, tangier and somewhat crumbly. Edam is often paired with fruit. It melts well, exuding very little oil, and may be as little as 25% fat. The photo specimen of Aged Edam was cut from a "Baby Edam" ball 4-1/8 inches diameter (unaged would not have the darkening under the wax). It was purchased from a Philippine market in Los Angeles (Eagle Rock) where baby and full size balls of both aged and unaged Edam are often to be found - 2018 US $9.70 / pound. Pasteurized milk, salt, cheese culture, enzymes, carotene (color).

Gouda

Named for the Dutch city which had a monopoly on cheese trading in Medieval times, it designates more a style of cheese making than a particular cheese. It is a washed curd cheese, but washed with warm water rather then the cold water used for cottage cheese. It is aged from 4 weeks for sandwich / snack use to over 1 year for enjoying with good beer. The photo specimen was a relatively young Gouda made in Holland, firm and mild but with a distinctive flavor. It melted very smoothly, exuding rather little oil and did not become runny. Pasteurized cow's milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes, annatto. While the term "Gouda" is not controlled, "Noord-Hollandse Gouda" and "Boerenkaas" are tightly controlled.

Gouda, Smoked

Gouda cheese takes very well to smoking. The photo specimen was Dutch Mill Dance from Holland, made as a 3-7/8 inch diameter cylinder.

Maasdam

Very much like a good quality Swiss Emmental, but a little softer. This cheese is moderately tangy, melts smoothly exuding little oil, and has fairly large eyes. It was developed in 1984 to compete with the Swiss product, but be less expensive and faster to produce, aged for 4 weeks or a little more. It is now made by several companies in Holland. Pasteurized cow milk, salt, starter culture, rennet, 29% fat.

Paradiso Reserve

Subtitled "Italian Style", this is a fairly hard, gratable cheese with excellent aged flavor and crystalization scattered through. It has a lot more flavor, and more buttery flavor, than Italian equivalents. It melts reluctantly, but smoothly, exuding no oil at all. Purchased from a multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles (Sunland) for 2021 US $6.99 / pound. Pasteurized cow milk, salt, cheese cultures, animal rennet, annatto. Aged 10 months.

Vlaskaas

This is a very firm cheese with excellent aged flavor. It was originally made only during the flax harvest (thus the name), but the Beemster Co. has revived the recipe and makes this cheese year round. It melts smoothly with moderate oil. 2013 US $4.29 / pound. Pasteurized cow milk, cheese cultures, rennet, salt, annatto.

Europe - Hungary

Trappist

This is a semi-hard "monistary cheese" with excellent, moderately aged tang. It is descended from French Port Salut, brought to Hungary and many other Eastern European countries by Trappist monks. It melts easily and smoothly exuding very little oil. Purchased from a multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles (Sunland) for 2018 US $5.27 / pound. Pasteurized cow milk,salt, microbal culture, firming agent: calcium chloride, microbal rennet.

Europe - Italy

While France is noted for a wide selection of cheeses for cheese plates and deserts, Italy provides the largest selection of cheeses used in cooking.

Alta Badia

A semi-hard cheese from the Dolomite mountains of Veneto. It is somewhat similar to Swiss Gruyere but more pungent and with a unique aroma. It is made from unpasteurized cow milk and aged 180 days, which gives it an amber colored edible rind. It melts very smoothly exuding moderate oil: 33.5% Fat. It can be used as a melting cheese or featured on the cheese plate. 2014 US $4.99 / pound.

Asiago

A cheese that is soft and sliceable when young and grateable when long aged. As commonly sold in North America It is similar to Parmesan but may be a little softer.

Bocconcini

This cheese was originally made from buffalo milk, but today it is also made from a mix of buffalo and cow milk, or just cow milk. It is made in the same manner as Mozzarella, with stretching for texture, then made up into balls about 1-1/2 inches in diameter, weighing just over 1 ounce and packed in plastic bags floating in whey. It is essentially the same as California Fresh Mozzarella, and the photo specimen is of the California product.

Boschetto al Tartufo

This mild, sweet, fairly pungent semi-soft cheese contains shavings of white truffle, giving it a unique flavor. It is made in 4-1/4 x 2-1/2 inch balls and aged less than 60 days. Pasteurized Sheep Milk, salt, truffle 03%, rennet, milk enzymes. Purchased from a multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles (Sunland) for 2018 US $6.99 / pound - probably a special price, as I've seen it for around $40 / pound on the Internet.

Caciocavallo

This is a stretched curd cheese, though not nearly as fibrous as Mozzarella - flavor and texture are similar to Provolone. It may be made of sheep milk but more commonly cow milk. Exact characteristics vary from region to region. The name, meaning "cheese on horseback" comes from two cheeses being roped together and hung over a peg to age, looking like saddlebags. Similar cheeses are described from Greece around 500 BCE. This cheese melts smoothly exuding little oil and is often shredded over pasta. The photo specimen was 1.17 pounds at 2014 US $3.99 / pound (special price). When I bought it, the checkout girl held it up and called to the next checkout girl, "Looks a lot like your boyfriend".

Fontina

This cow milk cheese, famous for meltability and use in fondue, is properly made in Italy. Within the European Union, the name, properly "Fontina Val d'Aosta", is protected to defined Italian regions. Imitations called "Fontina" are also made in North America and elsewhere outside the EU.

From Italy this cheese comes in two forms, most popularly as a semi-soft table and melting cheese with a distinct tanginess, and as an aged grating cheese.

American "fontina" is always of the soft variety. It is soft, almost spreadable and it melts smoothly and completely, exuding little oil, showing no stringiness and it cools soft and smooth without rubberiness. It has a distinct and pleasant flavor but not as much sharpness as the Italian. The photo specimen was made in Michigan: pasteurized part skim milk, cultures, salt, enzymes.

Gorgonzola

This is the most famous Italian blue cheese, made from whole cows milk and blue mold. It is soft and crumbly but spreadable with good tang and blue flavor. This cheese has been produced near Milan since CE 879, but didn't get it's blue mold until sometime after CE 1000. Today most is made in Piedmont and Lombardy in northern Italy. It is made with a bacterial starter and Penicillium glaucum and Penicillium roqueforti.

Two versions are made, differing with age (3 to 4 months). Gorgonzola Dolce (Sweet Gorgonzola) is aged less, and Gorgonzola Piccante (Gorgonzola Naturale, Gorgonzola Montagna) aged longer. It melts, though reluctantly, exuding only a little oil, and is added to some risottos, used in pasta sauces and as a topping on pizzas.

Gran Maso / Oro del Maso

These cheeses are made the same as Grana Padano, except for the exact region from which the milk comes. Cow milk is used and the cheeses are aged for at least 12 months. It is a grateable cheese that melts reluctantly, exuding a lot of oil. What the exact difference is between Oro del Maso and Gran Maso I have not been able to determine. The photo specimen of Gran Maso was purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles for 2016 US $5.89 / pound.

Grana Padano

This is the best selling hard aged cheese in Italy, used for shaving or grating, depending on age. It is made from semi-skim cows milk and develops a somewhat granular texture as it ages. "Grana Padano" is 6 to 16 months, "Grana Padano oltre 16 mesi" is 16 to 20 months and "Grana Padano Riserva" is over 20 months. Its manufacture is tightly controlled by a cheese cartel and it's made today very similarly to how it was made 900 years ago by monks in the Po valley. The photo shows a typical wedge of regular (mild) Grana Padano, and some melted gratings from it. It melts smoothly, releasing a fair amount of oil.

Lagrein

Produced in the Alpine region of Alto Adige, this cheese is cured in a bath containing herbs, spices, garlic and red wine, then mold ripened. It is coated with a hard wax which must be cut off. It has a complex flavor and moderate tang, and though it melts very well, exuding little oil, it is probably more appropriate as a cheese plate item. Ingred: pasteurized cow milk, salt, rennet, wine, spices; 29% fat. 2013 US $6.99 / pound (up to $22 / pound on the Internet).

Marzolino

This is the softest of the pecorino cheese family. It is made from the seasons first milk in March, thus the name, but it is not ready for sale until around August, after a two stage aging process. Final aging is usually done in a sealed container, but it was traditionally wrapped in cardoon leaves. It is normally made in a domed cylinder shape weighing around 1.4 pounds.

This cheese is sometimes made with shavings of black truffle mixed in, and some makers include some cow milk. It is a very good cheese plate cheese, and In Tuscany is often served with walnuts, pears and honey. It has a very distinctive tang, similar to Pecorino Romano, but fresher, and much softer in texture. It melts very well, exuding moderate oil. 2013 US $4.99 / pound. Pasteurized sheep milk, cheese cultures, rennet, salt.

Mascarpone

A very mild cream cheese often used as a spread but also used in cooking for cheese sauces and as a thickener. When it melts if liquifies and exudes a fair amount of oil. Quite acceptable versions are made in Wisconsin. Pasteurized cow milk, cream, citric acid.

Mozzarella

This semi-soft fresh white cheese is kneaded and stretched after cheddaring to produce an elastic fibrous texture. It is very important in Italian recipes and used extensively in the U.S. as well. It originated in southern Italy.

In Italy, traditional Mozzarella is made from buffalo milk, which is richer than cow milk. In the U.S. it's made from cow milk (our native buffalo aren't at all keen on being milked, and our water buffalo herds are still ramping up). In Italy, much is now made using a mix of cow and buffalo milk, and in the northern regions even all cow milk.

In Italy this is normally a fresh and very perishable cheese, unlike that of North America. It is usually intended to be used by the day after it is made, but, sealed in plastic with brine it can be refrigerated for as much as a week. Several versions are made.

• Mozzarella di Bufala:   [buffalo mozzarella]   Made from milk of Italian domesticated water buffalo. This is made mostly in Campania and Lazio, with cow milk used elsewhere. Italians have transplanted these buffalo to other countries, including the United States.
• Mozzarella fior di latte:   made from fresh cow's milk, pasteurized or unpasteurized.
• Low Moisture Mozzarella:   This made from whole or skim cow's milk and is a longer lasting product than regular Italian mozzarella. This is much like the mozzarella we are all accustomed to here in North America, and is much used by the food service industry in Italy.
• Mozzarella affumicata:   Smoked mozzarella, also quite available here in North America.

Parmesan

The best known grating cheese, Parmigiano is the Italian name and Parmesan is French, but used in North America. Real Parmesan / Parmigiano is made in Italy and the name is a protected designation of origin. There are several regions allowed to use the Parmigiano name, with Parmigiano-Reggiano the most prestigious.

In Italy this cheese is made in a number of grades, ages and degrees of hardness. The minimum age is 12 months and the normal maximum is 36 months but some goes for 48 months. In Italy this cheese is made from raw whole cow milk that must be from cows fed only on grass. A starter whey is added and the curds are coagulated with calf rennet

Quite serviceable versions or Parmesan for general culinary use are made in Wisconsin though tasteless dry pre-grated versions are also made there. North American Parmesan manufacture differs somewhat from that of Italy. Pasteurized milk may be used and milk may be from cows fed other than on fresh grass. Microbial rennet may be used and the curds are cut less fine and are mechanically pressed to remove moisture.

Parmesan melts reluctantly but well and does not become runny, but it does exude a fair amount of oil. It also grates very well. Always grate your Parmesan fresh just before use because quality rapidly declines when pre-grated.

Pecorino Brigante

This sheep milk cheese, made in the north of the island of Sardinia, is semi-soft, smooth, creamy and a light ivory color. Aged about 3 weeks, it has a light but distinctive sheep cheese flavor. It has a very thin waxy coating which does not peel easily and needs to be shaved off. It melts easily and smoothly, exuding a very modest amount of oil. Melting intensifies the flavor and makes the cheese a little more granular in texture.

Popular in Italy, this cheese can be used for cooking, but is also at home on the cheese plate. It has sufficient flavor to stand up to red wines. 2015 US $12.99 / pound. Pasteurized sheep milk, salt, animal rennet, netamycin (natural anti-fungal on rind, E235).

Pecorino Crotonese

This partially cooked whole sheep milk cheese originates from the town of Crotone, located on the ball of the foot of the Italian boot, between the Gulf of Taranto and the Ionian Sea. It is made as both a lightly aged table cheese (180 days) and as a hard cheese for grating (about 1 year). A mild fresh version aged for only 30 days is available in Italy. It is made in small thick wheels and has a natural rind with a pattern from the wicker baskets in which it is aged. It has a more "sheep milk" flavor than Pecorino Toscano. Some cheese sold under this name is said to be made in Sardenia and Lazio.

Pecorino Romano

This sheep milk cheese has been made since the time of Imperial Rome, in fact it was part of the rations supplied to the Roman Legions. It is still made in the same manner. By law, this cheese must be curdled with rennet from lambs raised in the same region, so it is not vegetarian friendly (but imitations made in North America can be). With Parmesan, this is one of the two most important grating cheese used for pasta dishes.

Sharpness depends on aging. It is given 5 months for table cheese, but at least 8 months for grating cheese. American imitations are called "Romano" because the USDA does not require any pecorinos be involved, cows will do fine here. This cheese softens but does not melt.

Pecorino Toscano

This sheep milk cheese, made since the time of Imperial Rome, is given a minimum of aging of 20 days, after which it is a good table cheese. It's characteristics change as it continues to mature, and at 4 months it becomes a grating cheese often used as a substitute for parmesan. It is properly made of sheep milk, but American imitations are called simply "Toscano" because they're made out of cow milk - no pecorinos are involved. The photo specimen is American, from Trader Joe's.

Primo Sale

This semi-soft sheep milk cheese is named "First Salt". Made fresh it called "Tuma". When it is removed from the mold, salted and aged about 30 days, it is called "Primo Sale". Longer aged, it is called "Vastedda". It may be made plain, or may be flavored with black peppercorns or red pepper flakes. This is strictly a table cheese, so I didn't test it for melting. The photo specimen was purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles (Sunland) for 2019 US $4.99 / pound.

Provolone

This semi-hard cheese was developed in southern Italy in the 1890s, but the main manufacturing region now is Lombardi and Veneteo in northern Italy. Since production from only two specific locations are DOP, this cheese is widely made both in Italy and in other countries.

This is a "pulled curd" cheese like Mozzarella but not so obviously. Provolone varies from bland (Provolone Dolce) to fairly sharp (Provolone Piccante) depending on manufacture. The Dolce version is made with calf enzymes and aged 2 to 3 months. The Picante version is made with goat enzymes and aged 6 to 12 months. American provolone is of the Dolce variety.

Smoked versions are also made, and a smaller version called Provola. This is a large sausage, pear or cone shaped cheese with a smooth firm texture, so it is a favorite for slicing for sandwiches and the like. It also melts well, exuding moderate oil, and tastes great melted. Pasteurized part skim cow milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, 27% fat. The photo wedge was from an Italian made slice 7-1/2 inches in diameter.

Quartirolo Lombardo

Ricotta

This Italian cheese was originally made by heating the whey left over from making other cheeses (the name means "recooked") with a little milk added. This precipitated a couple of proteins not affected by the usual curdling method, but yield is low. Today it's "industrialized", either partly or completely. Whey proteins, skim milk, vinegar, stabilizer (xanthan, locust bean, and guar gums).

It's a soft cheese (sold in tubs) with a unique mild tang, and is used in many Italian recipes, especially for stuffing pasta. Heated it becomes very soft, but doesn't really melt. Sometimes it's called for as a substitute for Paneer in Indian recipes, but Mexican Panella is a better substitute in my opinion.

Ricotta Salata

This Italian cheese is made from Ricotta by salting, pressing, drying and aging. It is more for visual and textural contrast than for flavor, because it has almost none. It is extremely mild, firm and dry, sort of an edible plaster. It does not melt at all, in fact it doesn't even soften. It's main use is topping salads and the like, because it is unaffected by dressings. In Italy it is made up in wheels or small loaves, often decorated with a basket pattern. The photo specimen, from Italy, was very firm and sliced very nicely, but flavor and salt were barely detectable. 2014 US $2.99.

I also tried Trader Joe's domestic version, pre-diced and crumbled for the yuppie salad trade (yuppies can't be bothered with dicing and crumbling). Flavor was pretty much undetectable. Pasteurized whey, milk, vinegar, salt, cellulose (prevents caking), natamycin (preservative), 21% fat, made in USA, 2103 US $7.97/pound.

Robiola Bosina

This cheese, made by Caseificio dell'Alta Langa in Piedmont, Italy, is a very soft, bloom rind cheese aged 1 month. It is similar in principle to French Brie, but much softer, nearly runny. It is made in blocks about 4 x 4 inches and 3/4 inch thick, weighing about 10-1/2 ounces, from a mix of cow and sheep milk. This is a very rich, creamy cheese, fairly salty and with a unique tang from the sheep milk. It should be spread on neutral flavored crackers or similar. The only other way you could eat it is with a spoon, but it's just too intense to be alone. Pasteurized cow milk, pasteurized sheep milk, salt, rennet. Purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles for 2016 US $3.99 / pound.

Trugole

This semi-soft cheese is made in Piedmont, Italy, and is similar to an Asiago Fresco. It is made in 30 pound wheels and aged 2 to 3 months. It has very good not quite mild flavor for the cheese plate, and also melts easily and smoothly, bubbling a little and exuding little oil. Unpasteurized cow milk, pasteurized sheep milk, salt, rennet. Purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles for 2018 US $6.49 / pound.

Europe - Poland, Baltic & Russia

Russian Cheese

This is a fairly tangy semi-soft cheese that melts very well, exuding little oil. It is made in medium size wheels or blocks, and has a sort of sponge like texture, shot full of very small holes. Armenian Lori seems to be pretty much the same cheese.

Ukrainian Gold

Hunter Cheese, Smoked

This cheese has an aged cheese tang, with an intense smoke flavor over it. It melts well and willingly, exuding a lot of oil, but is probably more a table cheese than a melting cheese. From Latvia, it was purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles for 2015 US $4.99 / pound. Ingred: whole milk, skim milk, enzyme, lactic culture, annatto, salt, calcium chloride, spices, artificial flavoring.

Lithuanian Curd

This curd is similar to cottage cheese, but with no evident moisture. I suspect it is used as stuffing in pastries as farmer's cheese might be. Heated it exudes some water, softens and sticks together in a slightly rubbery mass, but it does not actually melt. It is apparently shipped from Lithuania frozen. Pasteurized milk, potassium sorbate; 9% fat. 2013 US $5.12 / pound.

Morski

This medium firm cheese is used in salads, sandwiches and as a table cheese. It slices well and can also be used in cooking, as it shreds easily and melts smoothly, exuding very little oil. In flavor and texture it resembles a cross between Swiss and a mild cheddar. Pasteurized Milk, Salt, Calcium Chloride, Bacteria Culture, Bacterial Rennet, Potassium Nitrate, Annato for color. The photo specimen was purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles (Sunland) for 2017 US $6.49 / pound.

Radamer

This cheese was developed in 1991 and is the first Polish cheese with "eyes". It was made by combining Dutch methods which were normal in Poland with Swiss methods, resulting in color, flavor and texture between Swiss and Dutch cheeses. Very suitable for the cheese plate, it has become quite popular and has won a number of prizes in exhibitions. It melts slowly but smoothly exuding very little oil. Purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles (Sunland) for 2018 US $5.99 / pound.

Sakwa

Salatos

This is a Polish "Greek type" cheese (Feta) made by Mlekovita. It is actually very good, and has won prizes in Poland, seeming more flavorful than Greek examples. It was purchased in 4.2 ounce rounds from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles (Sunland) for 2018 US $3.77 / pound. Milk, salt, stabilizer (calcium chloride), cultures.

Europe - Scandinavia & Finland

Brunost

A "whey cheese" made from milk, cream and the whey left over from making other cheeses. It is slowly evaporated until it dries out and the milk sugars are a medium brown color. Mysost is made from cow milk while Gjetost is made from goat milk or goat and cow milk. It is sliced very thin with a cheese plane and served on flat bread or similar.   Photo distributed under license Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported.

Danish Blue

A semi-soft very crumbly (it can't be sliced) and rather salty white cow's milk cheese carefully prepared and cultured to be run through with blue mold which gives it a distinctive flavor and color. It is generally aged from 2 to 3 months and is not a traditional cheese but an imitation Roquefort invented around 1910. Danish is softer than other blue cheeses such as Stilton and Gorgonzola and the blue mold is more extensive and more uniform. Danish blue melts down to an oily green puddle that never solidifies so you want to use it where it will not be melted or only partially melted (example: inside French omelets)

Castello Blue

A soft, triple cream blue cheese too sticky to be sliced. This is a spreadable cheese for use with crackers and the like. It is one of a number of cheeses marketed by the Danish company Castello (Aria Foods) and is highly thought of, having won numerous awards. Pasteurized cow's milk, cream, salt, cheese cultures, rennet, Penicilliam roqueforti, 18% fat, 2010 US $9.29/#.

Havarti

A cow's milk cheese named for an experimental farm in Denmark where it was invented. It has very small "eyes", a smooth almost spreadable texture, a buttery taste and aroma and is a bit sweet. It is generally aged for about 3 months. Suitable for slicing as a table cheese, grilling and melting, it melts smoothly and completely without stringiness, exudes only a little oil and cools soft with just a little rubberiness. I consider it a bit bland, though with a touch more flavor after melting - probably best slightly browned. Pasteurized cows milk, salt, cheese cultures, animal rennet.

Jarlsberg

Development of this large hole cheese, similar to Swiss Emmental, began in 1850, but it didn't go into volume production until the 1960s. During the '60s, it was sold so cheaply in the United States, it caused a major fair pricing action. Today it costs as much as other well known cheeses. It is an excellent substitute for good Swiss cheese, and melts quite well and evenly. The exact formula and method of manufacture is held as a trade secret.

Lapi

Developed in the Lapland part of Finland, this cheese is somewhat similar to Swiss Emmenthal, but without the big "eyes" and being made with pasteurized milk. It is firm and mild, but not bland, and melts well, becoming a bit runny but exuding little oil. Milk, cream, salt, lactic acid culture, rennet, blue mold culture, white mold culture.

Saga

This is a Danish blue version similar to Brie, soft enough to be spreadable. Pasteurized skim cow milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes. Generally made in rectangular blocks.

White Cheese

Denmark was once a major producer of "Feta cheese". After a long, hard fought legal battle, the EU gave Greece a monopoly on the word "Feta". The Turks, also major producers of this type cheese, have always called theirs "white cheese". Denmark and other EU producers have adopted this name for their products.

Europe - Spain & Portugal

Azores Flores

From the westernmost of the Azores Islands, way out on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, comes this moderately aged (3 months) cheese, made on 18 pound wheels. It is quite firm but a little porous and slightly crumbly. The taste is distinctive and somewhat buttery, with good smooth melting qualities. Pasteurized cow milk. 2014 US $4.69/pound (special price).

Iberico

One of the better known Spanish cheeses, Iberico is semi-soft, quite tangy and with noticeable salt. Made from a blend of goat, sheep and cow milk, It melts very well, exuding moderate oil. It has a good melted flavor, fairly intense. In Spain it is used both as a table cheese and for cooking and tapas. 2010 US $9.49/pound. Muenster has been suggested as a substitute.

Idiazzbal Larraitz (Extegarai)

This semi-soft cheese from the Basque region of northern Spain is made from raw milk of Laxta and Carranza sheep. It is aged 2 to 10 months depending on the hardness and flavor desired, and is often lightly smoked. It has a very pleasant aged tang, strength depending on months of age. It melts very smoothly exuding very little oil, but is more a cheese plate cheese than a melting cheese. The photo specimen was purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles for 2018 US $5.99 / pound.

Mahón

This cheese, from the island of Minorca off the Mediterranean coast of Spain, can be soft or hard depending on age. The photo specimen was semi-hard and grateable. It was tangy and buttery, melting smoothly while exuding a fair amount of oil. While this is a prime cooking cheese in Spain, it is also eaten as a table cheese. Traditionally, slices are topped with a sprinkle of olive oil, black pepper and tarragon. purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles (Sunland) 2018 US $5.49.

Manchego

Probably the best known Spanish cheese, Manchego is firm with a buttery texture, which varies with age. Grades are "Fresco", aged 2 weeks, soft and mild and rarely seen outside Spain; "Semicurado", aged 3 weeks to 3 months, semi-firm and mild; "Curado", aged 6 months, semi-firm and develops a sweet nutty flavor; "Viejo", aged 1 to 2 years, firm and sharp, both grateable and sliceable, often used as tapas.

Queso tipo manchego is made in Costa Rica and is quite similar. Queso tipo manchego made in North America is not at all the same, more like Monterey Jack. The photo specimen was made in Spain, 2010 US $10.99/pound. It melted smoothly exuding a moderate amount of oil. Romano is suggested as a substitute.

Murcia al Vino

This goat cheese is made in Murcia, in southeast Spain, from registered herds. During maturing, the rind is washed with wine, thus the name. It is pressed into cylinders about 4 inches diameter (14 ounces) or 5 to 7 inches diameter weighing 2.2 pounds to 4.4 pounds. The smaller are aged about 30 days and the larger about 45 days, and are bathed in wine several times to suppress mold, but it doesn't penetrate the cheese. The cheese is rich and quite pungent, with a smooth, creamy, almost spreadable texture and some salt. It melts smoothly, with a fair amount of bubbling from moisture and exudes a fair amount of oil, but this is really a tapas cheese, not a cooking cheese. 2014 US $6.79 / pound. Pasteurized goat milk, animal rennet, cheese cultures, salt, lactic acid starter, calcium chloride, strong red Jumilla wine on rind only. 100 calories per ounce (30 gms), Fat 27%.

Queso Ahumado

A mild, semi-soft cheese that has been moderately smoked. This DOP product is formed into a cone 5 inches high and 5 inches wide. Other queso ahumado are made in Spain in different shapes. We did not do a melt test because smoked cheeses are generally cheese plate items. 2013 US $4.39 / pound. Pasteurized cow milk, rennet, lactic cultures, salt, calcium chloride, lysome (a natural anti-bacterial).

Quesixo Tetilla

This cheese, made in the form of a shallow cone about 5-5/8 inch diameter and 4-5/8 inches high, weighs about 2 pounds 5 ounces. In the photo, the usual nipple at the top has been flattened by the packaging. The name means "Small Tit", but don't panic ladies, the comparison applies only to cheeses, you're fine. This is a rich cheese with an interesting tang. It's rather soft, but firm enough to be sliced. It melts very easily, exuding little oil, but when it cools it remains almost liquid. It is aged from 10 to 30 days, and may or may not have a rind. Tetilla is prominent in Galician cuisine, and often used as a desert. It is made from milk of three specific breeds of cow and animal rennet, 25% fat. The photo specimen was purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles at a special sale price, 2016 US $4.99 per piece ($2.16 / pound).

Sansueña

This is a fairly hard aged sheep milk cheese from the Zamora region, with a good aged cheese flavor. It melts a bit reluctantly, exuding a lot of oil, and hardens when cooked, so this is better used as a cheese plate cheese. 2015 US $6.69 / pound. Raw sheep's milk, salt, rennet, cheese cultures, potassium nitrate, lysome (a natural anti-bacterial).

Valdeón

This is one of the two major Spanish entries into the field of blue cheeses. It seems similar to English Stilton, but whiter, creamier, less crumbly and has a thinner rind. It melts a bit better than most blue cheeses. Pasteurized cow and goat milk, cheese cultures, Penicillium roqueforti, enzymes, salt.

Europe - Switzerland

Emmental

This is the famous "Swiss Cheese" with big "eyes". It is a medium hard cheese originating from around the village of Emmental in Switzerland. It is produced by a process involving three bacteria, the third of which produces the Carbon Dioxide responsible for the large "eyes". Until recent times this was considered a defect to be avoided as much as possible - today it is definitive of the cheese.

Traditionally made Emmental is sold at different ages: "Classic" (4 months), Reserve (8 months), and Premier Cru (14 months). The names "Swiss" and "Emmentaler" are not protected and this cheese is imitated worldwide. It is a fine table cheese, widely used sliced in sandwiches and tops many "gratin" dishes because it melts smoothly and browns nicely. It can be used for fondue mixed with Gruyère cheese.

Gruyère

This is a fine cooking cheese, used in quiche, onion soup and many other dishes, and in fondues in combination with Emmental. The photo specimen was from Switzerland, aged over 120 days, Raw part skim cow milk, cheese cultures, salt, animal rennet, 32% fat, 2013 US $11.99/pound.

Raclette

This cheese is a nicely tangy Swiss type. It melts very well, exuding little oil. It was purchased at a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles (Sunland) for 2019 US $7.52 per pound. This is probably a low price as it was at expiry date (this market handles a lot of such cheeses, as they can sell them within hours). Pasteurized part-skim cow milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes.

Sbrinz

Spalen

India

India really has only one cheese, Paneer. This is the result of traditions forbidding food from being kept overnight - thus only a cheese that can be made in less than a day is acceptable. There are also religious strictures against the use of animal rennet, so only an acid curdled cheese is acceptable. Panner is not widely used in most of India because dairy products are very expensive there. Also, in the south, most of the population is lactose intolerant and must avoid unaged cheeses.

Paneer

This is a soft fresh whole milk cheese used in Indian cooking. You can make Paneer yourself quite easily. Milk is curdled with lemon juice. The curds are wrapped in cloth and the liquid pressed out. It is held in cold water for a couple hours, then pressed under a stone slab or similar heavy weight.

An important property of Paneer in Indian cooking is is that it doesn't melt. It holds its shape stubbornly when heated even to browning. This is also characteristic of American Hoop Cheese and Mexican Queso Blanco, which makes a good substitute, though it is lightly salted.

Due to foreign influences (Persia in Gujarat and England in Bengal) some paneer is now cured into a semi-hard form, though the cure time is still short, 1 or 2 days. It is these firmer forms that are now sold as "Paneer" in North America, and the form in the photo.

Near & Middle East

For our purpose here, "Near & Middle East" includes Israel and the mostly Islamic region from the Eastern Mediterranean (Levant) through Persia (Iran). We do not include Turkey, which is more appropriately part of Europe.

Ackawi

One of the oldest cheeses of the Mediterranean region, Ackawi originates from the ancient city of Acre, now located in the far northwest corner of Israel. It is a white brined cheese, but very firm compared to Feta. It's made usually from cow milk, but also sheep and goat. It is used primarily as a table cheese and often paired with fruit. Sold in shrink plastic and jars of brine, it is a very popular cheese, now made in Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria and Cyprus, as well as California.

This cheese melts reluctantly, but it does melt. The photo specimen was getting lightly browned on the bottom by time it flowed, and the melt has a very glossy surface. The photo specimen came from California. Pasteurized whole milk, cultures, natural butter flavor, non-animal rennet, salt.

Chilal / Majdouli

These are apparently separate cheeses, but I have not found what the difference might be, due to inadequately precise information. I have seen both described with and without Nigella (Kalonji) seeds. Many descriptions call the seeds "black cumin", but that name is valid only in Bengal.

This form of cheese making was brought to Syria by Armenian refuges from the Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the Turks. Cheeses of this type are now made throughout the Levant and in Bulgaria and Hungary. Cow milk cheeses are pulled and stretched until they form yarns of very fine fibers. The yarns are then twisted into a hank, often called "braided". The hanks pull apart into yarns, and the yarns pull apart into hair-like fibers. They are usually served pulled into yarns. Separated yarns can also be found packed in brine in jars.

Compared to the Armenian string cheese made by numerous Armenian dairies here in Southern California, this cheese is hard and very salty, quite similar to the Chechil Cheese of Armenia and Georgia. It is packed in strong brine (vacuum pack or jar). Some suggest giving the strands a short soak in cold water to reduce the salt. Strands make an excellent salad topping, but this cheese doesn't melt well at all - it barely even softens, and exudes almost no oil. The photo specimen, Chilal made in Hungary, was purchased from a large multi-ethnic market in Los Angeles (Sunland) for 2015 US $5.69 per pound. Pasteurized cow milk, salt, milk protein, water, milk culture, microbial rennet, potassium sorbate, niasin; minimum 30% fat (dry weight).

Kefir Cheese

Labne / Labneh

Usually subtitled "Kefir Cheese" in North America (thought the culture is a bit different), this is a very soft spreadable cheese popular in the Near East, particularly for spreading in sandwiches and the like. It has a sour tang very much like Yogurt, which stands to reason because it's essentially yogurt with the water squeezed out. If you need some for a recipe, you can make it just that way, wrap yogurt in clean muslin and squeeze the liquid out. Since it's not far from liquid to start with, lebni turns runny and bubbly when heated. Typically pasteurized milk, cream and enzymes.

Nabulsi

A smooth, dense white cheese flavored with ground mahlab seeds and mastic, and often with a sprinkling of nigella seeds (which may be called "black caraway: on the label). Quite firm with medium tang and moderately salty, it melts slightly when heated and exudes very little oil. In the Near East it is commonly made from sheep, goat or camel milk, coagulated with animal rennet, boiled in brine and put up in cans and jars. In California production it is generally made from whole cow milk and bacterial rennet, formed into slabs 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick, cut into squares, boiled or steamed in brine and vacuum packaged in heavy plastic bags. Nabulsi is suitable as a table cheese, in sandwiches and in cooking.

Shanklish

These are cheese balls made with salt, chili and spices mixed into the cheese, then the balls are rolled in Zatar (a thyme based seasoning) or Aleppo pepper. In the Levant Kefir Cheese (a bacterial / mold coagulated cheese) is used. In Egypt Areesh Cheese is used. Shanklish may be soft or may be aged until very hard and pungent.

The photo specimens were a hard shanklish made of Kefir Cheese with salt, chili and spices mixed in, then formed into balls and rolled in Zatar. They were 2-1/2 inches diameter, weighed about 5-1/4 ounces each, and were dry, pungent and crumbly with a noticeable chili bite.

Syrian Cheese

This is probably patterned after the Charkassiye cheese of Syria. Like many other fresh "farmers cheese" type cheeses it softens when heated but does not melt, holding its shape even through browning. Made by Karoun Dairies in California, Pasteurized whole milk, cultures, non-animal Kosher rennet, salt.

Touma / Village Basket Cheese

Touma means "Village", It is smooth and somewhat elastic, with a light tang and light salt. Heated, it softens greatly, exuding no oil, but it does not really melt, and it doesn't brown well. The photo specimen is from Karoun Dairies, Sun Valley, California. Purchased from a large multi-ethinc market in Los Angeles (Altadena) the photo specimen was cut from a 6 pound loaf, sold at 2019 US 4.29 / pound. Pasteurized whole milk, calcium, natural flavor, salt, non-animal Kosher rennet.

Touma Chicago Cheese

Touma means "Village", but how Chicago got involved (this cheese is sometimes called "Chicago style") I really don't know. It is one of a number of Touma (or Tooma) "basket cheeses" made here in Southern California and elsewhere. It is smooth and creamy, with a light tang and light salt. Heated, it softens greatly, exuding no oil, but it does not really melt, and it doesn't brown well. The photo specimen is from Karoun Dairies, Sun Valley, California. Pasteurized whole milk, cultures, non-animal rennet, salt. 2015 US $7.72 / pound.

Links

• C2 - Greek Cheeses - Hellas
• C3 - Turkish Cheese - Turkish Cultural Foundation