Common Cheeses

Cheese is a food enjoyed by people around the world.

Cheese is eaten on a daily basis by people all over the world. It is commonly made from the milk of cows, goats, sheep and buffalo although vegetarian cheeses are also available. The art of cheese-making has developed over thousands of years, and today cheese enthusiasts can enjoy a large range of tastes, textures and flavors. Certain cheeses, regional in origin, have crossed national boundaries and are favorites not only in their own countries, but worldwide.

Camembert

Camembert.

Camembert is a classic French white cheese named after a village in Normandy, which is located in the north of France. It has a creamy, almost buttery taste and a soft texture. Camembert is made from cow's milk and is shaped in a characteristic round shape. It is best eaten at room temperature, when fully ripe and the consistency of the cheese is runny. Camembert is often eaten on its own as a snack or as part of a cheese board. It can also be deep-fried and served as a starter.

Emmental

Emmental.

Emmental is a hard cheese, produced primarily in Switzerland although other European countries, Germany, for example, also make versions. Emmental is sometimes known as "Swiss cheese" and is made from cow's milk. Its best-known characteristic is the large holes that run through it. Emmental melts easily and has a mild taste, making it a useful ingredient for cheese sauces. It is also commonly used in Swiss fondues, a communal meal where bread is dipped into a pot of melted cheese placed in the center of a table.

Feta

Feta.

Feta is a solid, crumbly white cheese from Greece and is an essential ingredient in the classic Greek salad. Feta is made from either goat's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk. The cheese is preserved in brine, which provides its distinctive, salty taste. Feta is a useful ingredient for many baked dishes; for example, it is featured in spinach-and feta pie. It can also be crumbled over grilled meats to provide a quick sauce.

Mozzarella

Tomato and mozzarella combine to form a classic dish.

Mozzarella is an Italian soft white cheese. The classic buffalo mozzarella is made from the milk of water buffaloes, bred for this purpose in the southern regions of Italy. Other versions of mozzarella, particularly for catering, are derived from cow's milk. Mozzarella has a mild taste and a spongy texture and is used extensively in Italian dishes such as pizza and pasta.

Tags: from milk, made from, made from milk, white cheese, Camembert Camembert, Emmental Emmental, Feta Feta