Cheese Types

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Learning about cheese types will make you hungry!

There are hundreds of types of cheese made from the milk of many different animals from all parts of the world. Different cheese types can be categorized by the type of milk used to make them, the cheese aging process, the cheese's country of origin, etc. A cheese such as cheddar cheese can be made using identical methods but using different milks to achieve wonderful and unique cheese varieties.

Italian Cheese

These Italian cheeses are sure to be familiar

Italian Cheese



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Many Italian cheeses are in common use in American kitchens. One of the best known Italian cheeses is mozzarella cheese. Mozzarella is a semi-soft cheese that is generally eaten fresh, not aged. Buffalo mozzarella is made from the milk of water buffaloes.

Another well known Italian cheese is Parmigiano-Reggiano or Parmesan cheese. Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is made from raw cow's milk, and is cooked using a thermophilic culture and rennet. It is brined for about 3 -4 weeks, and is aged for at least 1 year.

Mascarpone cheese is made from cream that has been curdled with acid, usually citric or ascetic acid. It can even be made using lemon juice. Mascarpone is neither pressed nor aged. Its soft texture and high fat content make it a good cheese for desserts, and it is a key ingredient in tiramisu.

Provolone is a semi-hard cheese from whole cow's milk, usually aged for a minimum of 4 months.

Ricotta cheese is made from the whey left over from the production of other cheeses, and can be produced from cow, goat, or buffalo whey.

Bianco Sardo di Moliterno by Artisanal Premium Cheese

Basket molded raw sheep's cheese from Italy

Bianco Sardo di Moliterno by Artisanal Premium Cheese

Bianco Sardo di Moliterno by Artisanal Premium Cheese


"Bianco Sardo, from Basilicata, Italy, is also known as Canestrato, after the baskets in which this hard sheep's milk cheese was traditionally matured. These unique molds were made from Apulian reed and influenced the flavor of the end product, all while giving the cheese a beautiful exterior that reinforced its handmade appeal. Furthermore, the raw sheep's milk used for Bianco Sardo comes only from animals grazing on Apulian green grasses, instilling Bianco Sardo with the well-rounded and balanced flavor of the land. Its paste is dense and sometimes crumbly, its flavor earthy, sweet, and nutty. Bianco Sardo is a versatile cheese partner for many wines."





Bianco Sardo di Moliterno by Artisanal Premium Cheese

Italian Cheese Sampler

A fabulous way to sample Italian cheeses

Although going to Italy is probably the most fun way to sample Italian cheese types, you can do so easily with this great Italian cheese sampler pack. It makes a great gift for friends, or just for yourself.

Cheeses from the Italian Countryside Gift Tray - FREE SHIPPING (4.9 pound)

Amazon Price: $59.99 (as of 05/29/2012)Buy Now

We have selected fine cheeses from Italy that will whisk you away with each bite.
Grana Padano Fresco: A distinctly fruity hard cheese with subtly sweet undertones from the North Italian countryside (8 oz)
Monte Veronese: Monte Veronese is a typical Italian table cheese. Monte Veronese is aged approximately 60 days to create a sweet, yet delicate and pleasant flavor. (8 oz)
Crotonese: This ewe's milk cheese from Calabria's Crotone region is sweet and tasty. It's a very wine-friendly cheese that also pairs well with grapes and figs. (8 oz)
Provolone Dolce: Our Provolone Dolce is produced from selected cow's milk in Italy. It is aged for only a short period of time, allowing it to maintain the delicacy of the milk taste in the cheese. (8 oz)
Mini Toasts: Perfect for serving with cheeses, fruit, and spreads when entertaining. (2.75 oz)
igourmet.com Signature Cheese Serving Knife: Specifically crafted for us at igourmet.com, this multi-function cheese knife is the perfect tool to easily slice uniform servings of your favorite cheeses.
igourmet.com Cutting Board: The inclusion of this cutting board makes it easy to enjoy all of these cheeses the moment the box is opened.
Gift Presentation: This beautiful gourmet gift is hand assembled in a wicker tray and wrapped with a decorative dark brown ribbon.
Please note that any item temporarily out of stock will be substituted with a similar item of equal value. Free shipping offer only applies to street addresses in the contiguous 48 states.

Goat Cheeses

Is goat cheese dairy? Yes!

Goat Cheeses



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Goat cheese is called chevre, which is French for "goat," and goat cheese is most certainly dairy. It was probably the oldest dairy product produced. Soft goat cheeses are easy to make successfully at home, although goat's milk can be used to make all kinds of great cheeses, both hard and soft.

The largest producer of goat cheeses is France, although other countries around the world also have regional cheese made from goat's milk. Soft goat cheeses are easily flavored with herbs or finished with ash, The most well known goat cheese is feta, a Greek cheese made from goat and sheep's milk.

Monte Enebro by Artisanal Premium Cheese

Spanish goat's milk cheese

Monte Enebro by Artisanal Premium Cheese

Monte Enebro by Artisanal Premium Cheese


"Monte Enebro is handmade in Avila, Spain, by legendary cheesemaker Rafael Baez and his daughter Paloma. The Baezs make their complex goat's milk cheese from pasteurized milk and then inoculate the logs with the mold that is used to make Roquefort, adding to Monte Enebro's complexity and distinctive appearance. Air-shipped to Artisanal at only 21 days, Monte Enebro arrives creamy, lemony and slightly acidic; as it ages, the texture becomes denser and the flavor acquires a more intense, pungent finish."





Monte Enebro by Artisanal Premium Cheese

Try Some Chevre Goat Cheese

Goat cheese is a treat

Chevre is a delicate cheese treat. It's piquant taste is wonderful on crackers. Add a little fresh fruit or jelly for a tasty and healthy dessert.

Belle Chevre (11 ounce)

Amazon Price: $15.99 (as of 05/29/2012)Buy Now

Handmade by Tasia Malakasis and her crew of devoted women, Belle Chevre has been around since 1989. Malakasis, a former marketing exec, fell in love with Belle Chevre goat cheese and came back to Alabama to learn the art of cheesemaking and persuade the owner emeritus to let her be the next generation of Belle Chevre. The cheese is rolled into logs by hand and ages them from ten days to two weeks. This multiple award-winning chevre has been served at the White House, at the base of Mount Everest and on Antarctica. Belle Chevre is an artisan cheese with a taste and texture that reflects the care with which it was made. Enjoy it on French bread or over a toasted bagel.
Made from goat's milk.
Photo depicts several 11 oz. forms of cheese.
National award winner from the American Cheese Society.
Gold medal award winner from the American Dairy Goat Association.

Goat Cheese Recipes

Goats Produce Too!

I love this book, and have used it as a reference for years when making cheese. It has all the science of cheese information, but it also has numerous easy to follow recipes for goat cheeses, goat milk yogurt, goat milk desserts, and even goat milk soap recipes. The spiral binding means it will lay flat on your counter, which I really appreciate.

Goats Produce Too! The Udder Real Thing, Vol. 2: Cheese Making & more

Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 05/29/2012)Buy Now

Vacherin Fribourgeois by Artisanal Premium Cheese

Swiss cow's milk cheese, perfect for fondue

Vacherin Fribourgeois by Artisanal Premium Cheese

Vacherin Fribourgeois by Artisanal Premium Cheese


"Vacherin Fribourgeois is a hearty and potent Swiss cow's milk cheese with a semi-soft to firm texture, depending on age. Selected by master affineur Rolf Beeler, Vacherin Frigourgeois is an ""old fashioned"" Vacherin with an uneven, craggly rind and harsh edges. Its taste is grassy, nutty, and with the perfume of fresh-cut hay. The flavors increase when melted, and, as such, Vacherin Fribourgeois makes an excellent fondue cheese."





Vacherin Fribourgeois by Artisanal Premium Cheese

Cast Iron Fondue Pot by Artisanal Premium Cheese

Gorgeous way to serve a cheese fondue

Cast Iron Fondue Pot by Artisanal Premium Cheese

Cast Iron Fondue Pot by Artisanal Premium Cheese


"This traditional Swiss cast-iron fondue pot is the best one we have found. Pair it with our sensational copper rechaud for the perfect fondue experience. 2 liters, 8 1/4"" inches across."





Cast Iron Fondue Pot by Artisanal Premium Cheese

Cheeses of the World Poster

A great addition to the cheese lover's kitchen

French Cheeses

Some of the most delicious cheese types

Cheeses of France



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The French government regulates, classifies, and protects 56 different types of cheeses, including 2 types of brie, one type of camembert, and Roquefort. These cheeses are all enjoying growing popularity in the US.

Fourme d'Ambert by Artisanal Premium Cheese

French cow's milk cheese

Fourme d'Ambert by Artisanal Premium Cheese

Fourme d'Ambert by Artisanal Premium Cheese


"Fourme d'Ambert is a rich and creamy cow's milk blue from the Auvergne region of France. It has a thin, yellowish rind mottled with sandy molds. Its interior is bone white with distinctive bluing. Although its scent is very earthy, Fourme d'Ambert has a creamy and mild flavor with a slightly nutty finish. The paste is both soft and smooth."





Fourme d'Ambert by Artisanal Premium Cheese

Taste an Array of French Cheeses

Wonderful cheese varieties from Fance

French Cheese Assortment in Gift Box (3.5 pound) by igourmet

Amazon Price: $59.99 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

When the word cheese is mentioned, most of us immediately think of France. We can't help it; it's a knee-jerk reaction. As excellent as are the hundreds of cheeses that originate from all corners of the globe, France is always the first country the comes to mind when discussing cheesemaking.

Our French Cheese Assortment captures a good bit of French cheese culture with the four cheeses listed below.

Chevre by Couturier: This classic French goat cheese is quite fresh and spreadable. Formed in the shape of a log, enjoy this cheese on salads, as a snack, or with fruit for dessert. (4 oz)
Camembert: This famous soft-ripened cheese from Normandie has a creamy interior beneath a fluffy (and edible) white rind. (8 oz)
Abbaye de Belloc: We're happy to bring you this cheese from the Pays Basque region of Aquitaine (French Pyrenees). Its milk comes from red-nosed Manech ewes raised on farms adjacent to the Abbaye de Notre Dame de Belloc. (8 oz)
Gruyère de Comté: Created by local villagers in alpine dairies called "Fruiteries", its milk comes only from Montbeliarde and Tachete de L'est cows. Each 70+ pound wheel of Comté is aged for at least six months, resulting in a sweet and nutty masterpiece. (8 oz)
igourmet.com Signature Cheese Serving Knife: Specifically crafted for us at igourmet.com, this multi-function cheese knife is the perfect tool to easily slice uniform servings of your favorite cheeses.
Mini Toasts: Perfect for serving with cheeses, fruit, and spreads when entertaining. (2.75 oz)
Gift Presentation: Hand assembled in a chocolate-brown gift box, finished with an elegant matching ribbon.
Please note that any item temporarily out of stock will be substituted with a similar item of equal value.

A country producing almost 360 different types of cheese cannot die.
Winston Churchill in June 1940

Cow's Milk Cheese

Used for hundreds of types of cheeses

Cow Cheese



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Cow's milk is used to make hundreds of types of cheeses. The breed of cow, what it eats, and how it is kept can all have a significant effect on the complex flavors of different cheese types. Finding a variety of gourmet cow's milk cheese types is relatively easy in the US, where most different types of cheeses are made from cow's milk.

Morbier by Artisanal Premium Cheese

French cow's milk cheese with vegetable ash vein in the center

Morbier by Artisanal Premium Cheese

Morbier by Artisanal Premium Cheese


"Morbier is an aromatic and surprisingly mild French cow's milk AOC cheese defined by the dark vein of vegetable ash streaking through it middle. Today, the ash is purely decorative, a nod to the method by which Morbier was once produced in Franche-Comt?. Traditionally, the evening's fresh curds were sprinkled with ash to prevent the formation of a rind overnight. The next morning, new curds were laid upon the thin layer of ash to finish off the wheel. The wheel was then washed and rubbed by hand, forming a rind to protect the rich, creamy interior and to create a delectably stinky aroma. Morbier, which is aged for at least 60 days, pleasantly confounds expectations. Contrary to its smell, Morbier has a mild taste and leaves a wonderful, nutty aftertaste. Morbier is excellent served with Gew?rztraminer or Pinor Noir."





Morbier by Artisanal Premium Cheese

I Love Cheese Chef's Apron

A great gift for the lover of all types of cheese

Azeitao by Artisanal Premium Cheese

Portuguese sheep's cheese uses a vegetable rennet

Azeitao by Artisanal Premium Cheese

Azeitao by Artisanal Premium Cheese


"Azeitao is a concentrated round of sheep's milk cheese that is coagulated with cardoon thistle instead of traditional animal rennet. Azeitao is named for the village where it was born in the foothills of the Arribida mountain range in Portugal. The pastures where the sheep of Azeitao graze are lush and covered in herbaceous scrub, giving the milk its characteristically rich flavor. Molded in cloth, Azeit?o has a rustic appearance that adds to its romance. Its texture ranges from soft and unctuous to firm and chewy; you can cut open the top and scoop its yellow cream onto slabs of nutty bread. Azeitao was awarded name-protection (Denominao de Origem Protegida certification, DOP), elevating its stature in Portugal and abroad. If you have never tasted Portuguese cheese before, this is a great starting place! Pair Azeitao with Tempranillo or Albariao. One piece weights approximately 8 ounces."





Azeitao by Artisanal Premium Cheese

Sheep's Cheese

Sheep's milk is used for many different types of cheeses

Sheep's Cheese



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Although sheep's milk is not widely consumed as milk, it is frequently used for different types of cheese around the world. In Greece, it is used to make feta, in France it is used to make Roquefort, and in Italy it is used to make Pecorino-Romano and Ricotta cheeses.

Abbaye de Belloc by Artisanal Premium Cheese

French sheep's milk cheese

Abbaye de Belloc by Artisanal Premium Cheese

Abbaye de Belloc by Artisanal Premium Cheese


"Abbaye de Bel'loc is still made in the traditional manner by Benedictine Monks at the abbey of Notre-Dame de Belloc. A French Pyrenees sheep's milk cheese, Abbaye has a fine, dense texture and is high in fat. The milk comes from the red-nosed Manech ewes (an old local breed) whose milk is brought into the monastery from neighboring farms. Abbaye de Belloc has a true Basque character, and it is believed that many centuries ago the monks from the Belloc Monastery first taught the Basque shepherds how to make cheese. Proper care in the right maturing conditions will accentuate the rich, caramelized flavors that make this cheese so addictive."





Abbaye de Belloc by Artisanal Premium Cheese

Try a Selection of Sheep's Cheeses

Have a cheese tasting party

Why not have a cheese tasting party? Have an array of crackers, cheeses, wines, and fruit spreads for people to enjoy. Distribute rating cards for everyone to rate their most favorite cheeses, and share the results on a blog or your Facebook page for all to enjoy.

Selection of Sheep's Milk Cheeses (1.5 pound)

Amazon Price: $27.99 (as of 05/29/2012)Buy Now

We have put together a memorable selection of three fine sheep's milk cheeses. Or, for the linguists out there - ewe's milk cheeses. Whatever you call them, they are certainly delicious. The pure delight we derive from eating sheep's milk cheese comes from the fact that sheep's milk contains twice as much butterfat as cow's milk. It is the butterfat that gives a cheese its creamy goodness. Here are the selections in this assortment:
Pecorino Toscano: From Tuscany (of course), this DOP cheese comes to us in a five-pound wheel preserved by a very thin layer of clear wax. Aged for 40 days, pasteurized Pecorino Toscano balances a slight tang with the inherent sweetness of sheep's milk. (8 oz)
Agour Ossau-Iraty: Imported from the French Pyrenees, raw milk Agour is aged for a minimum of 6 months, giving it a quality and complexity rarely seen. A slightly dry texture gives way to a creamy, buttery quality in the mouth, and the flavors hint at both herbs and fruit, with slightly nutty undertones. (8 oz)
Manchego: A specialty from the La Mancha region of Spain, this famous D.O. cheese is an essential part of any tapas course. We savor its nutty sweetness, especially when served with olives and cured ham. Aged three months. (8 oz)
Please note that any item temporarily out of stock will be substituted with a similar item of equal value.

Fleur du Maquis by Artisanal Premium Cheese

Corsican sheep's milk cheese

Although technically a French territory, Corsica lies off the coast of Italy.
Fleur du Maquis by Artisanal Premium Cheese

Fleur du Maquis by Artisanal Premium Cheese


"Fleur du Maquis is made in Corsica from the milk of the Lacaune ewes. Its name means ""Flower of the Maquis,"" the maquis being the local term for the typical thickets of rough underbrush where highway robbers and guerrilla fighters used to hang out. This cheese is quite similar to Brin d'Amour, meaning ""a breath of love."" During production, the smallish wheels are encrusted with rosemary, fennel seeds, juniper berries, and the occasional bird's eye chile. A versatile cheese partner for many wines, the Fleur du Maquis is especially recommended for crisp white and lighter bodied reds."





Fleur du Maquis by Artisanal Premium Cheese

What's Your Favorite Type of Cheese?

We need a cheese lover's opinion here

Of course, there is no way we could possibly put in a poll for hundreds of different types of cheeses, so we have narrowed the field to some of the more well known cheese types.

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The World's Finest Handcrafted Cheese


Buy Cheese at Artisanal Cheese

Various Types of Cheeses

A terrific vintage cheese types reference

Various Cheeses in Household Management Book



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This vintage poster of various types of cheeses is ideal decor for a rustic kitchen.

Cheesemaking Books

Learn to make all types of cheeses

There are many cheese types you can make right at home. Many fresh cheeses are made to be eaten the same day, but you may also want to experiment with some hard aged cheeses.
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Hard Cheese Press

Great for all hard pressed types of cheeses

This is a great cheese press; I have one of this model, and I like this cheese press a lot. It is heavy duty and easy to clean thoroughly. I like the screw down of the press for slowly pressing cheeses.

Stainless Steel Cheese Press

Amazon Price: $254.95 (as of 05/29/2012)Buy Now

Rennet for Cheesemaking

A necessity for many different types of cheeses

Junket Rennet Tablets 8 Ct. - 12 Unit Pack

Amazon Price: $24.00 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

Please Sign Our Guestbook

Spread the cheese love and pass the crackers

  • TheLifestyleChanger Apr 16, 2012 @ 6:35 am | delete
    Your cheese pictures are so appetising and distracting! Blessings.
  • aesta1 Apr 15, 2012 @ 6:45 am | delete
    We are in Switzerland right now and are able to go to both France and Italy easily so we go on market days and sample the local cheeses. What a delight.
  • MelonyVaughan Apr 12, 2012 @ 6:42 pm | delete
    Great lens!
  • JoshK47 Apr 5, 2012 @ 11:21 am | delete
    I love so many different types of cheese! Wonderful! Blessed by a SquidAngel!
  • vivonmattress Apr 4, 2012 @ 3:02 am | delete
    I love cheese! How I wish to be able to taste all kinds of cheese. I'm only limited to the popular ones like mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta.
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About Me

Natalie Schorr

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I am a writer, artist, and designer living in beautiful McLeansville, NC. I received my BFA from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and my... more »

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