Featured Photo Courtesy of Cook's Illustrated
When you hear the words “Moldy Cheese,” most people would immediately lose their appetites. Well, we are here to clear the moldy cheese name. The WREN Home team specializes in quality cutting and serving boards that go hand in hand with quality cheese boards. Cheeseboards are high on the list of priorities for us, and that includes all the “moldy” cheese goodness.
The History of Blue Mold Cheese
Here is a little history lesson on moldy cheeses (AKA Blue Mold Cheese, Blue Cheese, or Bleu Cheese). The first known record of bleu cheese originated in the village of Roquefort, France, in the 7th century AD. Allegedly, Roquefort blue cheese was accidentally created when villagers stored cheeses in cold caves to keep the cheese fresh. It turns out these caves were the perfect environment for harmless molds to make a home in the cheeses. Now, we don’t know who was brave enough to try this cheese first, but we sure are happy that they did.
One important tidbit to remember is that not all types of moldy cheeses are edible. The colorful (and many times delicious) growth on blue mold cheeses is created by a group of harmless bacterias: Penicillium (P.) roqueforti, P. glaucum, and P. candidum. Some of the most popular types of blue cheeses are Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton, and Danish Blue.
A Few Popular Pairings
Roquefort
Roquefort Blue Cheese originated in the village of Roquefort-Sur-Soulzon, located in the South of France. This type of cheese is made from sheep’s milk in addition to the bacteria Penicillium roqueforti. To be considered Roquefort Cheese, the cheese must be made in Roquefort and meet several requirements.
Photo Courtesy of Cheese Connoisseur
Pairings: Nuts and fruits such as walnuts and apricots with a drizzle of honey over a baguette or fresh bed of lettuce. Best when sipping on a glass of Rosé or Sauvignon Blanc with crisp, fruity notes.
Stilton
Stilton, or the “King of English Cheese,” is a gem of England and is only considered Stilton Cheese if made in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Leicestershire villages. This delicious and rich cheese gets its veins from the molds Rennet and Penicillium roqueforti. After ripening for around five weeks, then aging again for approximately nine weeks, the cheese is finally ready to be consumed!
Photo Courtesy of Stilton Cheese Makers Association
Pairings: Stilton is best paired with a sweet dessert wine or robust red like Shiraz. Allow your Stilton to warm up to room temperature (around 2 hours), then serve with sliced pear, figs, and honey with a simple cracker.
Gorgonzola
This unique blue mold cheese originated in the lush pastures of Gorgonzola, a town north of Milan, Italy, around 879 AD. It is different from the cheeses mentioned before as it is created from cow’s milk. Gorgonzola gets its deep blue-green veins from the bacteria rennet and acquires a crumbly texture after aging properly.
Photo Courtesy of Castello Cheese
Pairings: Gorgonzola cheese is used in a variety of culinary creations. It is delicious atop risotto, pasta, or a juicy steak. This cheese dominates a cheese board when paired with grapes, honey, and pistachios. Depending on how heavy or light your dish is, Gorgonzola Cheese is delectable with a Pinot Noir or Pinot Gris.
Danish Blue
Danish Blue Cheese, also known as Danablu, is an exquisite cheese that comes from the island of Funen in Denmark. It was created by replacing goat’s milk with cow’s milk to make a creamier cheese, and Voila! The Danablu was created. Danablu is milder than most blue cheeses, making it perfect for those taking baby steps with cheese tasting.
Photo Courtesy of Gourmet Foodstore
Pairings: Danish Blue is perfection with beef or veal and also delicious as a soup garnish. On a cheese board, pair with cold apples, dark chocolate, and walnuts. Danish Blue is traditionally served with port wine but is equally delicious with a Malbec or Prosecco.
Our Favorite Cheese Boards and Wine Glasses
Theron Olive Medium Board
The Theron Olive Medium Board is the unique cheese board that you never knew you needed. Light enough to maneuver easily for the perfect entertaining tool.
Tuckahoe East Asian Large Walnut Board
The Tuckahoe east Asian Large Walnut Board is great for serving up large cheese boards. With this board, you'll have room for all types of blue cheese.
Medium Sapele Nautical Board
Whether you're landlocked or by the sea, the Sapele Nautical Board will make you feel like you're relaxing on the beach no matter where you are. Sturdy Cleat handles make it easy to carry snacks of your choice to any destination.
Birdie Wine Glasses With Stems
Our Birdie Wine Glasses are perfect for pairing delicious wines with your blue cheese of choice. Our variety of personalization options make these glasses even more special.
Check out these fabulous products and many more on our website for the most beautiful cheese and wine nights!
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