Confused by the Many Types of Cheese? What Cheeses Have We Been Eating?

Cheese is probably one of the Western foods we enjoy most. More people are now adding cheese not only to popular foods such as pizza but also to Korean dishes including tteokbokki, dak-galbi and bibimbap. Cheese is a food made by coagulating proteins in the milk of animals such as cows, goats, buffaloes and sheep, and it comes in many varieties. Depending on factors ranging from the raw ingredients to the region where it is made, more than 2,000 types of cheese are known today. It is also said that around 500 types of cheese are produced worldwide. These diverse cheeses each have different culinary uses, to the extent that specific cheeses must be purchased for particular cheese dishes.

Ricotta Cheese

Originating in Italy, ricotta is a fresh cheese, unlike aged cheeses. Made using the whey left over from cheesemaking, ricotta is characterized by its soft texture and sweet flavor. Ricotta blends easily with other foods. It can be mixed with breadcrumbs, sprinkled over chicken or fish and baked, or combined with herbs and added to pasta dishes. In Korea, ricotta is used mainly in salads.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is spread on sliced bread or bagels. Like ricotta, it is a type of unaged fresh cheese characterized by a soft, smooth flavor. Unlike typical cheeses, cream cheese tastes slightly tangy rather than salty and has a rich, nutty finish, making it approachable even for people who dislike the distinctive taste of cheese. Cheesecake is one dish made with cream cheese, which is also used in canapés, salad dressings, desserts and cookies. Because cream cheese spoils easily, it is not advisable to store it after purchase, and it is best consumed as soon as possible.

Cheese for Grilling

One of the hottest cheese varieties lately is cheese for grilling. This refers to halloumi, which has the distinctive quality of retaining its shape even when heated. Halloumi is well known in Greece, Turkey and the Middle East, and it had been made for centuries before becoming popular in Korea. Halloumi can make a nutritious snack for children who are reluctant to eat cheese, and it is also a special treat when grilled alongside meats such as samgyeopsal, or pork belly.

[Fam Times=Reporter Joo Na-rae]