|-                                                                                        | How to Buy Cheese                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               | Picture of CheesePrepared by Agricultural Marketing Service. Home and Garden Bulletin Number 256. United States Department of Agriculture.                                                                                                                          |                                             
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------
|                                                                                         | -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               | Because it is such a well-liked food, cheese is a favorite among cooks and food
    lovers. With the wide variety of flavors, colors, and consistencies to choose from,
    cheeses are suitable for any meal of the day, from appetizers to desserts and snacks. |                                             
|                                                                                         | Points to Consider
            
            Wholesomeness...nutritive value...quality...informative labeling...and use are some of
    the points to consider when purchasing cheese.
            Wholesomeness
            Before grading or inspection of a cheese product is provided, the processing plant must
    meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture's specifications for quality and sanitation. A
    USDA dairy inspector checks the plant, incoming raw products, and processing and packaging
    techniques.
            Nutritive Value
            Cheese, like many other milk products, provides protein, vitamins, minerals, fat,
    saturated fat, and cholesterol. While cheese is one of the best sources of calcium, it may
    also be high in sodium and saturated fat. A 1 1/2-ounce serving of natural cheese supplies
    the same amount of calcium as 1 cup of milk or yogurt, as well as 12 to 14 grams total
    fat, 9 grams saturated fatty acids, 44 milligrams cholesterol, and 173 calories. For
    sodium, while 1 cup of milk contains 120 milligrams, 1 1/2 ounces of natural cheese could
    contain from 110 to 450 milligrams, while 2 ounces of process cheese could contain 800
    milligrams. Use the
              Nutrition Facts
              panel on each individual product label to learn
    about the nutrient content of that food and how it fits into an overall daily diet.
            Choose a diet low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol to help reduce the risk of
    getting certain diseases and to help maintain a healthy weight. The Dietary Guidelines for
    Americans suggest choosing a diet containing 30 percent or less of calories from fat and
    less than 10 percent of calories from saturated fatty acids. Also, some health authorities
    suggest that dietary cholesterol be limited to an average of 300 milligrams or less per
    day.
            The Food Guide Pyramid suggests 2 to 3 servings each day of food from the milk, yogurt,
    and cheese group. Count as a serving 1 1/2 ounces of natural cheese or 2 ounces of process
    cheese.
            Tips:
              Fat-free, "part skim," or lowfat cheeses are available. When you
    choose a higher fat cheese, balance your fat intake by choosing other foods that are low
    in fat.
            Quality Assurance
            USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service has established U.S. grade standards for four
    varieties of cheese: Cheddar, Colby, Monterey, and Swiss. The cheese industry uses the
    grade standards to identify levels of quality, to have a basis for establishing prices at
    wholesale, and to provide consumers with the qualities they want. Generally, these grades
    do not appear on consumer packages, but the U.S. Grade shield may appear on some consumer
    packages of Cheddar cheese, including low-fat varieties.
            Using USDA's Cheese Grades
            The USDA grade shield means that the cheese has been inspected and graded by an
    experienced and highly trained government grader. And it means the cheese was produced in
    a USDA-approved plant, under sanitary conditions. It is your guarantee of consistent and
    dependable quality.
            USDA Grade AA Cheese
            Cheddar cheese meeting the U.S. Grade AA is the highest quality. It meets exacting USDA
    standards, has a fine, highly pleasing flavor, a smooth, compact texture, uniform color,
    and attractive appearance.
            To earn this grade, cheese must be produced with special care -- in the quality of the
    milk, cheese-making skill, curing or ripening process, and packaging.
            The AA shield is assurance of consistently fine Cheddar flavor and texture in every
    package.
            USDA Grade A Cheese
            Cheddar cheese meeting the U.S. Grade A is also of good quality, but not as high as AA.
    The flavor is pleasing. However, there may be more variation in flavor and texture between
    packages.
            USDA "Quality Approved" Cheese
            Cheese and cheese products not covered by a U.S. grade standard may be inspected and
    bear the USDA "Quality Approved" inspection shield on the label. Pasteurized
    process cheese, cheese food and spreads, and cottage cheese are examples of cheese
    products receiving USDA inspection.
            To carry the "Quality Approved" shield, the product must be manufactured in a
    plant meeting the USDA sanitary specifications for plants and equipment.
            Labels
            Labels on natural cheese, pasteurized process cheese, and related products carry
    important descriptive information. The name of a natural cheese will appear as the
    variety, such as "Cheddar cheese," "Swiss cheese," or "Blue
    cheese."
            Pasteurized process cheese labels will always include the words "pasteurized
    process," together with the name of the variety or varieties of cheese used -- for
    example, "pasteurized process American cheese" or "pasteurized process
    Swiss and American cheese."
            Cheese food also contains ingredients other than cheese and therefore is labeled as
    "pasteurized process cheese food." Cheese spreads have a different composition
    from cheese foods and are labeled as "pasteurized process cheese spread." All
    the ingredients used in the preparation of these products are listed on the respective
    labels along with the kinds or varieties of cheese used in the mixture. Also, the milkfat
    and moisture content may be shown.
            Coldpack cheese and coldpack cheese food are labeled in the same manner as other cheese
    and cheese foods, except that the names "club cheese" or "comminuted
    cheese" may be substituted for the name "coldpack cheese."
            Check the Cure
            The age or degree of curing is very important label information on certain varieties of
    natural cheese. For example, Cheddar cheese may be labeled as "mild,"
    "medium" or "mellow," and "aged" or "sharp." In
    some cases, pasteurized process cheese may be labeled to indicate a sharp flavor when a
    much higher proportion of sharp or aged cheese was used in its preparation.
            Check the Name
            Look for the name of the cheese item. Don't confuse the brand name with the name of the
    cheese. For some purposes, you may want natural cheese, for others, process cheese or
    cheese food. For still others, pasteurized process cheese spread or coldpack cheese may
    best serve your needs. In many cases, products may be packaged alike, but the names on the
    labels will be different.
            Making Natural Cheese
            Cheesemaking is a centuries old art. It consists of separating most of the milk solids
    from the milk by curdling with rennet or bacterial culture or both. The curd is then
    separated from the whey by heating, stirring, and pressing.
            Most cheeses in this country are made from whole milk. For certain types of cheese,
    both milk and cream are used. For other types, skim milk, whey or mixtures of all of these
    are used.
            The distinctive flavor, body and texture characteristics of the various cheeses are due
    to: 1) the kind of milk used; 2) the method used for curdling the milk and for cutting,
    cooking, and forming the curd; 3) the type of bacteria or molds used in ripening; 4) the
    amount of salt or other seasonings added; and 5) ripening conditions such as temperature,
    humidity, and length of time. Sometimes only minor differences in the procedures followed
    may make the difference between one variety of cheese and another.
            After the cheese has been formed into its characteristic shape, it is coated with wax
    or other protective coating or wrapping, then cured or aged for varying lengths of time,
    depending upon the kind or variety of cheese being made.
            When the cheese has reached its proper curing stage, it is often cut or sliced from
    larger blocks or wheels into smaller sizes. The refrigerated showcase in a modern food
    market is most enticing with its display of various shapes and sizes of cheese packages
    such as wedges, oblongs, segments, cubes, slices, blocks, and cut portions.
            Care in the Home
            All natural cheese should be refrigerated. When possible store the cheese in its
    original wrapper or covering. To store opened cheeses for any extended period, wrap them
    tightly in clinging plastic wrap to keep all air and moisture away from the surface. The
    following storage times are guidelines for maintaining the quality of cheese in the
    refrigerator after purchase:
            Soft unripened cheeses:
              cottage -- 10-30 days; creamed and neufchatel -- opened
    2 weeks; ricotta -- 5 days.
            Ripened or cured cheeses:
              hard and wax coated Cheddar, Edam, Gouda, Swiss,
    brick, etc. -- unopened 3-6 months, opened 3-4 weeks, sliced 2 weeks.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |                                             
|                                                                                         | Characteristics of Some Popular Varieties of Natural
        CheesesKind or Name
        Place of Origin
        Kind of Milk Used in Manufacture
        Ripening or Curing Time
        Flavor
        Body and Texture
        Color
        Retail Packaging
        UsesSoft, Unripened VarietiesCottage, plain or creamed
        (unknown)
        Cow's milk skimmed; plain curd, or plain curd with cream added
        Unripened
        Mild, acid
        Soft, curd particles of varying size
        White to creamy white
        Cup-shaped containers, tumblers, dishes
        Salads, with fruits vegetables, sandwiches, dips, cheese cakeCream, plain
        (U.S.A)
        Cream from cow's milk
        Unripened
        Mild, acid
        Soft and smooth
        White
        3- to 8-oz.
        packages
        Salads, dips, sandwiches snacks, cheese cake, dessertsNeufchatel
        (France)
        Cow's milk
        Unripened
        Mild, acid
        Soft, smooth similar to cream cheese but lower in fat
        White
        4- to 8-oz. packages
        Salads, dips, sandwiches, snacks, cheese cake, dessertsRicotta
        Italy
        Cow's milk, whole or partly skimmed, or whey from cow's milk with whole or skim milk
        added. in Italy whey from sheep's milk
        Unripened
        Sweet, nut-like
        Soft, moist or dry
        White
        Pint and quart paper and plastic containers, 3 lb. metal cans
        Appetizers, salads, snacks, lasagne, ravioli, noodles and other cooked dishes,
        grating, dessertsFirm, Unripened VarietiesGjetost,1
        (Norway)
        Whey from goat's milk or a mixture of whey from goat's and cow's milk
        Unripened
        Sweetish, caramel
        Firm, buttery consistency
        Golden brown
        Cubical and rectangular
        Snacks, desserts, served with dark breads, crackers, biscuits or muffins1Imported onlyMyost, also called Primost
        (Norway)
        Whey from cow's milk
        Unripened
        Sweetish, caramel
        Firm, buttery consistency
        Light brown
        Cubical, cylindrical, pie-shaped wedges
        Snacks, desserts, served with dark breadsMozzarella, also called Scamorza
        (Italy)
        Whole or partly skimmed cow's milk; in Italy, originally made from buffalo's milk
        Unripened
        Delicate, mild
        Slightly firm, plastic
        Creamy white
        Small round or braided form, shredded, sliced
        Snacks, toasted sandwiches, cheeseburgers, cooking, as in meat loaf, or topping for
        lasagne, pizza, and casserolesSoft, Ripened VarietiesBrie
        France
        Cow's milk
        4 to 8 weeks
        Mild to pungent
        Soft, smooth when ripened
        Creamy yellow interior; edible brown and white crust
        Circular, pie-shaped wedges
        Appetizers, sandwiches, snacks; good with crackers and fruit, dessertCamembert
        (France)
        Cow's milk
        4 to 8 weeks
        Mild to pungent
        Soft, smooth when ripened
        Creamy yellow interior; edible thin white, or gray-white crust
        Small cicular cakes and pie-shaped portions
        Appetizers, sandwiches, snacks; good with crackers and fruit such as pears and apples,
        dessertLimburger
        (Belgium)
        Cow's milk
        4 to 8 weeks
        Highly pungent, very strong
        Soft, smooth when ripened; usually contains small irregular openings
        Creamy white interior; yellow surface
        Cubical, rectangular
        Appetizers, snacks, good with crackers, rye or other dark breads, dessertBel Paese2
        (Italy)
        Cow's milk
        6 to 8 weeks
        Mild to moderately robust
        Soft to medium firm, creamy
        Creamy yellow interior; slightly gray or brownish surface sometime covered with yellow
        wax coating
        Small wheels, wedges, segments
        Appetizers; good with crackers, snacks, sandwiches, dessertBrick
        (U.S.A.)
        Cow's milk
        2 to 4 months
        Mild to moderately sharp
        Semisoft to medium firm, elastic, numerous small openings
        Creamy yellow
        Loaf, brick, slices, cut portions
        Appetizers, sandwiches, snacks, dessertMuenster
        (Germany)
        Cow's milk
        1 to 8 weeks
        Mild to mellow
        Semisoft, numerous small openings. Contains more moisture than brick
        Creamy white interior; yellow tan surface
        Circular cake, blocks, wedges, segments, slices
        Appetizers, sandwiches, snacks, dessert2Italian trademark-licensed for manufacture in
        U.S.A.; also imported.Port du Salut
        (France)
        Cow's milk
        6 to 8 weeks
        Mellow to robust
        Semisoft, smooth, buttery, small openings
        Creamy yellow
        Wheels and wedges
        Appetizers, snacks, served with raw fruit, dessertFirm, Ripened VarietiesCheddar
        (England)
        Cow's milk
        1 to 12 months or more
        Mild to very sharp
        Firm, smooth, some openings
        White to medium yellow-orange
        Circular, cylindrical, loaf, pie-shaped wedges, oblongs, slices, cubes shredded,
        grated
        Appetizers, sandwiches, sauces, on vegetables, in hot dishes, toasted sandwiches,
        grating, cheeseburgers, dessertColby
        (U.S.A.)
        Cow's milk
        1 to 3 months
        Mild to mellow
        Softer and more open than Cheddar
        White to medium yellow-orange
        Cylindrical, pie-shaped wedges
        Sandwiches, snacks, cheeseburgersCaciocavallo
        (Italy)
        Cow's milk (In Italy, cow's milk or mixtures of sheep's, goat's, and cow's milk)
        3 to 12 months
        Piquant, similar to Provolone but not smoked
        Firm, lower in milkfat and moisture than Provolone
        Light or white interior; clay or tan colored surface
        Spindle or ten-pin shaped, bound with cord, cut pieces
        Snacks, sandwiches, cooking, dessert; suitable for grating after prolonged curingEdam
        (Netherlands)
        Cow's milk, partly skimmed
        2 to 3 months
        Mellow, nut-like
        Semisoft to firm, smooth; small irregularly shaped or round holes; lower milkfat than
        Gouda
        Creamy yellow or medium yellow-orange interior; surface coated with red wax
        Cannon ball shaped loaf, cut pieces oblong
        Appetizers, snacks, salads, sandwiches, seafood sauces, dessertGouda
        (Netherlands)
        Cow's milk, whole or partly skimmed
        2 to 6 months
        Mellow, nut-like
        Semisoft to firm, smooth; small irregularly shaped or round holes; higher milkfat than
        Edam
        Creamy yellow or medium yellow-orange interior; may or may not have wax coating
        Ball-shaped with flattened top and bottom
        Appetizers, snacks, salads, sandwiches, seafood sauces, dessertProvolone, also smaller sizes and shapes called Provolette, provolocini
        (Italy)
        Cow's milk
        2 to 12 months or more
        Mellow to sharp, smoky salty
        Firm, smooth
        Light, creamy interior; light brown or yellow surface
        Pear shaped, sausage and salami shaped, wedges, slices
        Appetizers sandwiches, snacks, souffle, macaroni and spaghetti dishes, pizza; suitable
        for grating when fully cured and driedSwiss, also called Emmentaler
        (Switzerland)
        Cow's milk
        3 to 9 months
        Sweet, nut-like
        Firm, smooth with large round eyes
        Light yellow
        Segments, pieces, slices
        Sandwiches, snacks, sauces, fondue, cheeseburgersParmesan, also called Reggiano
        (Italy)
        Partly skimmed cow's milk
        14 months to 2 years
        Sharp, piquant
        Very hard, granular, lower moisture and milkfat than Romano
        Creamy white
        Cylindrical, wedges, shredded, grated
        Grated for seasoning soups, or vegetables, spaghetti, ravioli, breads, popcorn; used
        extensively in pizza and lasagneRomano, called Sardo Romano or Pecorino Romano
        (Italy)
        Cow's milk. In Italy, sheep's milk (Italian law)
        5 to 12 months
        Sharp, piquant
        Very hard, granular
        Yellowish-interior, greenish-black surface
        Round with flat ends, wedges, shredded, grated
        Seasoning in soups, casserole dishes, ravioli, sauces, breads; suitable for grating
        when cured for about 1 yearSap Sago1
        (Switzerland)
        Skimmed cow's milk
        5 months or more
        Sharp, pungent clover-like
        Very hard
        Light green by addition or dried, powdered clover leaves
        Conical shakers
        Grated to flavor soups, meats, macaroni, spaghetti, hot vegetables; mixed with butter
        makes a good spread on crackers or breadBlue-Vein Mold VarietiesBlue, spelled Bleu on imported cheese
        (France)
        Cow's milk
        2 to 6 months
        Tangy, peppery
        Semisoft, pasty, sometimes crumbly
        White interior, marbled or streaked with blue veins of mold
        Cylindrical, wedges, oblongs, squares, cut portions
        Appetizers, salads, dips, salad dressing, sandwich spreads; good with crackers,
        dessert1Imported onlyGorgonzola
        (Italy)
        Cow's milk. In Italy, cow's milk or goat's milk or mixtures of these
        3 to 12 months
        Tangy, peppery
        Semisoft, pasty, sometimes crumbly, lower moisture than Blue
        Creamy white interior, mottled or streaked with blue-green veins of mold. Clay-colored
        surface
        Cylindrical, wedges, oblongs
        Appetizers, snacks, salads, dips, sandwich spreads; good with crackers, dessertRoquefort1
        Sheep's milk
        2 to 5 months or more
        Sharp, slightly peppery
        Semisoft, pasty, sometimes crumbly
        White or creamy white interior, marbled or streaked with blue veins of mold
        Cylindrical, wedges
        Appetizers, snacks, salads, dips, sandwich spreads; good with crackers, dessertStilton1
        (England)
        Cow's milk
        2 to 6 months
        Piquant, milder than Gorgonzola or Roquefort
        Semisoft, flaky; slightly more crumbly than blue
        Creamy white interior, streaked with blue-green veins of mold
        Circular, wedges, oblongs
        Appetizers, snacks, salads, dessert1Imported only                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 | Kind or Name
        Place of Origin                                                                                                                                                                                                                               | Kind of Milk Used in Manufacture            
|
|Kind or Name
        Place of Origin                                                    | Kind of Milk Used in Manufacture                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                | Ripening or Curing Time                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             | Flavor                                      
|
|Cottage, plain or creamed
        (unknown)                                             | Cow's milk skimmed; plain curd, or plain curd with cream added                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | Unripened                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           | Mild, acid                                  
|Cream, plain
        (U.S.A)                                                            | Cream from cow's milk                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           | Unripened                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           | Mild, acid                                  
|Neufchatel
        (France)                                                             | Cow's milk                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | Unripened                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           | Mild, acid                                  
|Ricotta
        Italy                                                                   | Cow's milk, whole or partly skimmed, or whey from cow's milk with whole or skim milk
        added. in Italy whey from sheep's milk                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            | Unripened                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           | Sweet, nut-like                             
|
|Gjetost,1
        (Norway)                                                              | Whey from goat's milk or a mixture of whey from goat's and cow's milk                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           | Unripened                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           | Sweetish, caramel                           
|1Imported only                                                                          
|Myost, also called Primost
        (Norway)                                             | Whey from cow's milk                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            | Unripened                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           | Sweetish, caramel                           
|Mozzarella, also called Scamorza
        (Italy)                                        | Whole or partly skimmed cow's milk; in Italy, originally made from buffalo's milk                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               | Unripened                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           | Delicate, mild                              
|
|Brie
        France                                                                     | Cow's milk                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | 4 to 8 weeks                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | Mild to pungent                             
|Camembert
        (France)                                                              | Cow's milk                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | 4 to 8 weeks                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | Mild to pungent                             
|Limburger
        (Belgium)                                                             | Cow's milk                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | 4 to 8 weeks                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | Highly pungent, very strong                 
|Bel Paese2
        (Italy)                                                              | Cow's milk                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | 6 to 8 weeks                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | Mild to moderately robust                   
|Brick
        (U.S.A.)                                                                  | Cow's milk                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | 2 to 4 months                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       | Mild to moderately sharp                    
|Muenster
        (Germany)                                                              | Cow's milk                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | 1 to 8 weeks                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | Mild to mellow                              
|2Italian trademark-licensed for manufacture in
        U.S.A.; also imported.          
|Port du Salut
        (France)                                                          | Cow's milk                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | 6 to 8 weeks                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | Mellow to robust                            
|
|Cheddar
        (England)                                                               | Cow's milk                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | 1 to 12 months or more                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              | Mild to very sharp                          
|Colby
        (U.S.A.)                                                                  | Cow's milk                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | 1 to 3 months                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       | Mild to mellow                              
|Caciocavallo
        (Italy)                                                            | Cow's milk (In Italy, cow's milk or mixtures of sheep's, goat's, and cow's milk)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                | 3 to 12 months                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | Piquant, similar to Provolone but not smoked
|Edam
        (Netherlands)                                                              | Cow's milk, partly skimmed                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | 2 to 3 months                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       | Mellow, nut-like                            
|Gouda
        (Netherlands)                                                             | Cow's milk, whole or partly skimmed                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             | 2 to 6 months                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       | Mellow, nut-like                            
|Provolone, also smaller sizes and shapes called Provolette, provolocini
        (Italy) | Cow's milk                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | 2 to 12 months or more                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              | Mellow to sharp, smoky salty                
|Swiss, also called Emmentaler
        (Switzerland)                                     | Cow's milk                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | 3 to 9 months                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       | Sweet, nut-like                             
|Parmesan, also called Reggiano
        (Italy)                                          | Partly skimmed cow's milk                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       | 14 months to 2 years                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                | Sharp, piquant                              
|Romano, called Sardo Romano or Pecorino Romano
        (Italy)                          | Cow's milk. In Italy, sheep's milk (Italian law)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                | 5 to 12 months                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | Sharp, piquant                              
|Sap Sago1
        (Switzerland)                                                         | Skimmed cow's milk                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              | 5 months or more                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    | Sharp, pungent clover-like                  
|
|Blue, spelled Bleu on imported cheese
        (France)                                  | Cow's milk                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | 2 to 6 months                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       | Tangy, peppery                              
|1Imported only                                                                          
|Gorgonzola
        (Italy)                                                              | Cow's milk. In Italy, cow's milk or goat's milk or mixtures of these                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            | 3 to 12 months                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | Tangy, peppery                              
|Roquefort1                                                                               | Sheep's milk                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    | 2 to 5 months or more                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               | Sharp, slightly peppery                     
|Stilton1
        (England)                                                              | Cow's milk                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | 2 to 6 months                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       | Piquant, milder than Gorgonzola or Roquefort
|1Imported only                                                                          
|                                                                                         | Mold formed on natural, hard, block cheeses is not harmful and may be removed; just cut
        off at least an inch around and below the mold spot, keeping the knife out of the mold
        itself. The particular mold in the interior of cheeses such as Blue, Gorgonzola,
        Roquefort, or Stilton has been carefully developed to produce the characteristic color and
        distinctive flavor of those varieties and is consumed as part of the cheese.
            Ends or pieces of cheese that have become dried out and hard may be grated and kept
        refrigerated in a clean, airtight container, and used for garnishing or accenting.
            Store aromatic cheeses such as Limburger in tightly sealed containers. These cheeses are
        fast-curing and are best when used soon after purchase.
            Normally, frozen cheese will lose its characteristic body and texture, becoming crumbly
        and mealy. However, small pieces (1 pound or less, not over 1 inch thick) of certain
        varieties may be frozen for as long as 6 months -- if they are handled and stored
        properly. To prevent evaporation, cut cheese should be tightly wrapped in foil or other
        moistureproof freezer wrapping, then frozen immediately. Freeze the product quickly, at a
        temperature setting of 0 �F. or lower.
            Cheese varieties that can be successfully frozen in small pieces are: Brick, Cheddar,
        Edam, Gouda, Muenster, Port du Salut, Swiss, Provolone, Mozzarella, and Camembert. Small
        cheeses, such as Camembert, can be frozen in their original packages. When removed from
        the freezer, cheese should be thawed in the refrigerator and used as soon as possible
        after thawing.
            Except for soft, unripened cheeses such as cottage and cream cheese, all cheese should
        be served unchilled to help bring out distinctive flavor and texture characteristics. This
        usually requires 20 minutes to 1 hour or more at room temperature. Soft and semisoft
        cheeses should not be kept at room temperature longer than 2 hours.Ripening ClassificationsUnripened Varieties
              
              The soft, unripened varieties such as cottage cheese contain relatively high moisture and
        do not undergo any curing or ripening. They are consumed fresh -- soon after manufacture.
        Firm, unripened cheeses such as Gjetost and Mysost also may be used soon after
        manufacture; but, because they contain very low moisture, they may be kept for several
        weeks or months.
            Soft, Ripened Varieties
              
              In the soft, ripened cheeses, curing progresses from the outside, or rind of the cheese,
        towards the center. Particular molds and bacterial cultures that grow on the surface of
        some cheeses contribute to their characteristic flavor, body, and texture. Curing
        continues as long as the temperature is favorable. These cheeses usually contain more
        moisture than semisoft, ripened varieties.
            Semisoft, Ripened Varieties
              
              These cheeses ripen from the interior as well as from the surface. The process begins soon
        after the cheese is formed, with the aid of a characteristic mold or bacterial culture, or
        both. Curing continues as long as the temperature is favorable. These cheeses contain
        higher moisture than the firm, ripened varieties.
            Firm, Ripened Varieties
              
              These cheeses ripen with the aid of a bacterial culture distributed throughout the entire
        cheese. Ripening continues as long as the temperature is favorable. The rate and degree of
        curing is also closely related to the moisture content. Therefore, being lower in moisture
        than softer varieties, they usually require a longer curing time.
            Very Hard, Ripened Varieties
              
              These cheeses also are cured with the aid of a bacterial culture and enzymes. The rate of
        curing, however, is much slower because of the very low moisture and higher salt content.
            Blue-Vein Mold Ripened
              
              Curing is accomplished by the aid of bacteria, but more particularly by the use of a
        characteristic mold culture that grows throughout the interior of the cheese to produce
        the familiar appearance and characteristic flavor.Kinds of CheeseThe charts in this pamphlet will help you in learning some of the more popular and
    generally available varieties of natural cheese, their general classification, principal
    characteristics, and some of their uses.Pasteurized Process CheesePasteurized process cheese is a blend of fresh and aged natural cheeses that have been
    shredded, mixed and heated (pasteurized), after which no further ripening occurs. It melts
    easily when reheated. The blend may consist of one or more varieties of natural cheese and
    may contain pimentos, fruits, vegetables, or meats. Smoked cheese or smoke flavor may also
    be added.The flavor of pasteurized process cheese depends largely on the flavor of the cheese
    used, and may be modified by flavorings added. Pasteurized Gruyere cheese has a nutsweet
    flavor, somewhat similar to Swiss.Other available varieties are pasteurized process American cheese, pasteurized process
    Swiss cheese, pasteurized process Swiss cheese blended with American, and pasteurized
    process Brick cheese.Process cheese is packaged in slices, 1/2-, 1-, 2-, and 5-pound loaves, and cut
    portions. It may be used in main dishes, for snacks and cheeseburgers, with cold cuts and
    salads, on grilled or toasted sandwiches, in numerous sandwich combinations, and in
    casseroles. All pasteurized process cheese products should be kept refrigerated after
    opening.Pasteurized Process Cheese FoodPasteurized process cheese food is prepared in much the same manner as process cheese,
    except that it contains less cheese, with nonfat dry milk, or whey solids and water added.
    This results in a lower milkfat content and more moisture than in process cheese.
    Pasteurized process cheese food also may contain pimentos, fruits, vegetables or meats, or
    may have a smoked flavor.Cheese food has milder flavor and softer texture. It spreads more easily and melts more
    quickly than process cheese. The most popular variety is pasteurized process American
    cheese food, packaged in slices, rolls, links and loaves. It may be used any place where
    process cheese is used, although it is not likely to add as much cheese flavor.Pasteurized Process Cheese SpreadPasteurized process cheese spread is made in much the same manner as pasteurized
    process cheese food, but generally contains higher moisture, and the milkfat content is
    usually lower. A stabilizer is used in this product to prevent separation of ingredients.
    It is normally more spreadable than cheese food. Cheese spread also may contain pimentos,
    fruits, vegetables or meats, or may have a smoked flavor.The flavor of pasteurized process cheese spread depends largely on the flavor of the
    cheese used and may be modified by added flavorings. Some available varieties are
    pasteurized process American cheese spread, pasteurized process pimento cheese spread,
    pasteurized process pineapple cheese spread, and pasteurized process Blue cheese spread.Spreads are packaged in jars and loaves. They are convenient for use as snacks, in
    stuffing celery stalks, in deviled eggs, and as an ingredient in noodle casseroles,
    meatballs, hot vegetables, sandwiches, sauces, and dressings.Coldpack CheeseColdpack cheese, or Club cheese, is a blend of one or more varieties of fresh and aged
    natural cheese. Coldpack cheese is similar to process cheese, except that it is mixed into
    a uniform product without heating. It may have a smoked flavor.Coldpack American cheese and Coldpack Swiss cheese are the principal varieties. Their
    flavor, usually aged or sharp, is the same as the natural cheese used. The body is softer
    than natural cheese and it spreads easily.Coldpack cheese is packed in jars, rolls, or links. It is especially good as an
    appetizer, snack, or dessert. Always refrigerate coldpack cheese products after opening.Coldpack Cheese FoodColdpack cheese food is prepared in the same manner as Coldpack cheese but includes
    dairy ingredients used in process cheese food. In addition, sweetening agents such as
    sugar or corn syrup may be added.Coldpack cheese food may contain pimentos, fruits, vegetables, or meats, or may have a
    smoked flavor. The flavor resembles the cheese from which it is made but is milder. It is
    softer than natural cheese and spreads more easily due to the added ingredients and higher
    moisture content. It is packaged the same way as Coldpack cheese and may be served in the
    same manner.For more information about nutrition, write:
            
            U.S. Department of Agriculture,
            
            Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion
            
            1120 20th Street NW, Suite 200 North
            
            Washington, DC 20036Picture of Food PyramidUse the Food Guide Pyramid to help you eat better every day...the
    Dietary Guidelines way. Start with plenty of Breads, Cereals, Rice, and Pasta; Vegetables;
    and Fruits. Add two to three servings from the Milk group and two to three servings from
    the Meat group. Each of these food groups provides some, but not all, of the nutrients you
    need. No one food group is more important than another - for good health you need them
    all. Go easy on the fats, oils, and sweets, the foods in the small tip of the Pyramid.HOW TO BUY CHEESECheck the Label
              Variety Name
                  
                  Ingredients
                  
                  Net Weight
                  
                  USDA Shield on Cheddar Cheese
                  
                  Cure on Cheddar Cheese
                
                mild
                
                medium or mellow
                
                aged or sharp
            Look for the Type
              Natural
                  
                  Pasteurized Process
                  
                  Coldpack
            Buy What You Need
              Unripened varieties:
                only what
        you can use in a few days
                Ripened varieties:
                only what you can use in a few weeks
            Consider Dietary Needs
              Fat:
                reduced fat, lowfat,
        or nonfat cheese and cheese products are available for those watching their fat intake.
                Sodium:
                while many cheeses may be high in sodium, low-sodium products are also
        available.This pamphlet supersedes:
            
            HOW TO BUY CHEESE
            
            Home and Garden Bulletin No. 193
            
            Agricultural Marketing Service
            
            September 1971
            
            Issue Date: July 1995 |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |