Monterey Jack cheese originated in Monterey, California during the 18th century. Spanish Franciscan monks in California popularized the cheese while entrepreneur David Jacks later marketed it. Monterey Jack is a creamy, mild-tasting, slightly buttery cheese made from cow's milk. Often used in Mexican American cuisine and grilled cheese sandwiches, this cheese melts easily and has a delicate and subtle flavor.
2. Gouda
Answer: Netherlands
This type of cheese is named after the city of Gouda, Netherlands. It dates back to the 12th century. It's a semi-soft cheese with a rind made of paraffin. Gouda is ivory in color whereas aged gouda is a darker gold and saltier. Gouda is versatile and works well with a plate of appetizers and wine.
3. Havarti
Answer: Denmark
Havarti is named for the farm where it was created by Hanne Nielsen in Havarti Gaard, Denmark during the 1880s. She had a passion for cheese-making and traveled throughout Europe to perfect her skills. The creamy flavor was produced by Nielsen using washed-curd techniques which involves washing the curd in warm water before pressing. What makes Havarti so enjoyable is its creamy and springy texture.
It's also easy to slice.
4. Gruyere
Answer: Switzerland
This hard cheese comes from La Gruyère in southern Switzerland as well as eastern regions of France. It's formed in large wheels, 70 to 80 pounds. The outside rind is brown while the interior is a light gold and has small holes. Aged for six to eight months, this cheese is made from cow's milk. It goes well in various soup recipes, quiche, and the French dish cordon bleu.
5. Emmental(Emmentaler)
Answer: Switzerland
Emmental cheese originated in Switzerland. Raw milk, cultures, rennet, and certain strains of bacteria go into producing this type of cheese. The holes in Emmental and other cheeses comes from the aging process. As gas is trapped within the curds, bubbles form.
The larger the bubbles the bigger the holes. Emmental cheese has a mild, sweet and slightly nutty taste and is often used in fondue and sandwiches.
6. Brie
Answer: France
Brie cheese originated in the northern region of Brie, France. Invented by 7th century monks, the cheese originally contained unpasteurized cow milk, cream, salt, cultures, ripening molds, and animal rennet to produce the curd. It takes more than four to five weeks to mature.
Some people enjoy eating the rind which adds flavor while others prefer just the inside. Brie cheese is a light color with a white rind. Nowadays Brie is made all over the world although the French government only certifies Brie de Melun and Brie de Meaux as authentic.
7. Manchego
Answer: Spain
Unlike many cheeses, Manchego cheese is made from the milk of sheep in the La Mancha region of Spain. To produce this type of cheese, cool sheep's milk is poured into heated vats then placed in grass-woven molds. This process produces a firm curd which is cut and separated to remove excess whey.
After being soaked in brine, it's coated with olive oil which adds to the flavor. Most cheeses of this type age for two weeks while others take a year.
8. Cheddar
Answer: United Kingdom
Known for its long shelf life, cheddar cheese dates back to the 12th century in the English village of Cheddar in Somerset. Cheddar was originally made by local farmers and has become one of the most widely produced cheeses. The taste is slightly buttery. Sharp cheese is tangy and bolder in flavor.
As its name implies, smoked cheddar has a smoky flavor. The difference between mild and sharp cheddar cheese is how it's aged. The longer the aging process the sharper the taste.
9. Feta
Answer: Greece
Feta is a popular, white-colored Greek cheese made with sheep's milk. It can also be made using goat's milk. Feta cheese has been around for centuries and means 'sliced' in Greek. Rennet and casein are used to produce this type of cheese. Once the milk thickens, curds are separated, drained of excess whey, then placed in molds covered in brine where the curds age for one week to several months. Spanakopita is a classic Greek dish made with spinach and feta cheese filling.
It can be created as a pie or inside sheets of phyllo. I have tried this dish and it's delicious.
10. Camembert
Answer: France
Created in 1791 by cheesemaker Marie Harel in Normandy, France, Camembert cheese is made using cow's milk. Soft and creamy, pale yellow in color with a white rind, it's aged for at least three weeks in small, round wheels. It's the most popular cheese in France and can be served raw or baked.
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Bruyere before going online.
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