What is the difference between cheese and blue cheese?

Here's a breakdown:

Cheese:

* General term: "Cheese" refers to a broad category of dairy products made by coagulating milk with rennet or other enzymes, then separating the solids from the whey.

* Wide variety: There are countless types of cheese, ranging in flavor, texture, and appearance, from mild cheddar to creamy brie.

* Mold: Most cheese varieties do not contain mold.

Blue Cheese:

* Specific type: Blue cheese is a type of cheese that is specifically characterized by the presence of blue-green mold, called *Penicillium Roqueforti*.

* Flavor: This mold gives blue cheese its distinctive strong, pungent, and sometimes earthy flavor.

* Texture: The mold creates veins and pockets within the cheese, contributing to its crumbly, somewhat soft texture.

Key Differences:

| Feature | Cheese | Blue Cheese |

|---|---|---|

| Mold: | Typically no mold | Contains *Penicillium Roqueforti* mold |

| Flavor: | Varies greatly based on type | Strong, pungent, earthy |

| Texture: | Varies based on type | Crumbly, soft, with veins of mold |

| Examples: | Cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, brie | Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton, Danish blue |

In essence, blue cheese is a specific type of cheese that's defined by the presence of blue-green mold, which gives it its unique flavor and texture.