Ingredient
Cheese, cashel blue
"The Creamy Delight: Unveiling the Allure of Cashel Blue Cheese"
Cashel Blue cheese is a semi-soft, blue-veined cheese with a creamy and crumbly texture. It has a pale ivory color with blue-green veins running throughout. The cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk and has a slightly tangy and buttery flavor. Its creamy consistency melts in the mouth, leaving a pleasant and lingering taste. The cheese develops a more pronounced flavor as it ages, becoming creamier and more complex.
Origins and history
Cashel Blue cheese originated in County Tipperary, Ireland, in the early 1980s. It was created by Jane and Louis Grubb, who were inspired by the traditional methods of making Roquefort cheese in France. They aimed to produce a unique Irish blue cheese using local ingredients and traditional techniques. Cashel Blue quickly gained popularity and became the first Irish blue cheese to be made commercially.
Nutritional information
Cashel Blue cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamin B12. It contains approximately 100 calories per ounce and is relatively high in fat content.
Allergens
Cashel Blue cheese contains milk and is not suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergies.
How to select
When selecting Cashel Blue cheese, look for a cheese that is firm but slightly yielding to the touch. It should have a consistent blue veining throughout and a fresh, clean aroma. Avoid cheeses with excessive mold growth or an ammonia-like smell.
Storage recommendations
To maintain the freshness and quality of Cashel Blue cheese, store it in the refrigerator in its original packaging or wrap it tightly in wax paper or aluminum foil. It is important to keep the cheese away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption. Consume within a week of opening for the best flavor.
How to produce
Cashel Blue cheese is best left to professional cheesemakers due to the complex process involved. However, cheese enthusiasts can explore making other types of blue cheese at home using starter cultures, mold spores, and specific aging techniques.
Preparation tips
Cashel Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed on its own, crumbled over salads, melted into sauces, or paired with fruits and nuts on a cheese board. It is also a delightful addition to pasta dishes, risottos, and savory tarts. To enhance its flavor, serve the cheese at room temperature.
Substitutions
A suitable substitute for Cashel Blue cheese is Roquefort cheese, which shares similar characteristics and flavor profiles.
Culinary uses
Cashel Blue cheese is commonly used in salads, sandwiches, and as a topping for burgers or pizzas. It can also be incorporated into creamy pasta sauces, stuffed into chicken breasts, or melted over roasted vegetables.
Availability
Cashel Blue cheese is primarily available in Ireland and the United Kingdom. It can also be found in specialty cheese shops and gourmet stores worldwide.
