Why is blue cheese made with mold?

Blue cheese is made with mold because the mold is essential to its unique flavor, texture, and aroma.

Here's why:

* Flavor: The mold, specifically *Penicillium roqueforti*, breaks down the cheese's fat and protein molecules, creating the characteristic sharp, pungent, and earthy flavor of blue cheese.

* Texture: The mold creates veins and pockets within the cheese, giving it its characteristic crumbly and creamy texture.

* Aroma: The mold produces a unique aroma that is both pungent and slightly sweet, contributing to the overall sensory experience of blue cheese.

Essentially, the mold isn't just an ingredient, it's a key player in the cheesemaking process, transforming the milk into the distinctive blue cheese we know and love.