What is Gorgonzola Cheese? Uses, Making Process, Storage, Cutting, and Serving Tips

Gorgonzola cheese is one of Italy’s most famous blue cheeses, known for its distinct flavor and creamy texture. Whether you’re a cheese enthusiast or just curious about this unique delicacy, understanding more about Gorgonzola can enhance your culinary experience. This article will cover what Gorgonzola cheese is, its various uses, how it’s made, storage advice, cutting techniques, and serving suggestions.

What is Gorgonzola Cheese?

Gorgonzola is a veined Italian blue cheese made from unskimmed cow’s milk. Its roots trace back to the Gorgonzola region near Milan in Northern Italy. The cheese is known for its creamy texture and bold flavor profile, which ranges from mild to sharp depending on its age. Gorgonzola can be enjoyed both as a young cheese (Dolce) and as an aged variety (Piccante).

Uses of Gorgonzola Cheese

Gorgonzola is an incredibly versatile cheese that can elevate various dishes:

• Salads: Crumble Gorgonzola over fresh greens for a flavorful salad.
• Pasta: Melt into a sauce for creamy pasta dishes such as gnocchi or fettuccine.
• Pizzas: Add to gourmet pizzas for an extra punch of flavor.
• Desserts:</strong: Pair with fruits like pears or apples for a delicious dessert.
• Cheese Boards:</strong: Include in a charcuterie or cheese platter for a sophisticated touch.

How is Gorgonzola Cheese Made?

The process of making Gorgonzola involves several key steps:

1. Milk Collection: Unskimmed cow’s milk is collected and heated in large vats.
2. Curdling: Rennet and Penicillium glaucum mold spores are added to the milk to promote curdling.
3. Cutting the Curd: After curdling, the curd is cut into smaller pieces to release the whey.
4. Molding: The curds are then molded into large wheels and allowed to drain naturally.
5. Piercing: The cheese wheels are pierced with needles to create air channels that promote blue mold growth.
6. Aging: The cheese is aged in cool and humid conditions for several weeks to months depending on whether it’s Dolce or Piccante.

How to Store Gorgonzola Cheese

Proper storage ensures that Gorgonzola retains its quality and flavor:

• Wrap Carefully: Wrap the cheese in wax paper or parchment paper first then cover it with aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate: Store the wrapped cheese in your refrigerator’s vegetable drawer where the temperature is cold but not too dry.
• Avoid Freezing: Freezing can alter the texture and flavor of Gorgonzola; it’s best consumed fresh from refrigeration.

How to Cut Gorgonzola Cheese

The method of cutting Gorgonzola depends on whether it’s soft (Dolce) or firm (Piccante):

• Semi-Soft Varieties (Dolce): Use a wire cheese cutter or dental floss to cleanly slice through the creamy texture without squishing it.
• Firm Varieties (Piccante): A sharp knife with a thin blade works best for cutting through aged and firmer cheeses.

Serving Suggestions: How Much Cheese to Serve?

The quantity of Gorgonzola cheese to serve depends on the context:

• Culinary Recipes: If used in recipes like pasta or salads, 1-2 ounces per person should suffice due to its strong flavor.
• Cheese Boards & Appetizers: Plan on approximately 1 ounce per person when including it as part of a varied cheese platter or appetizer spread.

Conclusion: Enjoying Gorgonzola Cheese at Its Best

Gorgonzola cheese offers a delightful combination of creamy texture and robust flavor that can enhance various dishes. From understanding how it’s made to storing it correctly and knowing how much to serve, these tips will help you appreciate this Italian delicacy in all its glory. Whether you’re cooking up a gourmet meal or putting together an elegant cheese board, let Gorgonzola add that special touch.

If you have enjoyed this article or have any questions about Gorgonzola cheese, feel free to leave a comment below!