What is the difference between ripen and unripened cheese?

Unripened cheese:

* No aging process: These cheeses are made and ready to eat immediately.

* Soft texture: They tend to have a softer, creamier texture.

* Milder flavor: Their flavor is generally milder, with little to no complexity.

* Short shelf life: They have a shorter shelf life due to the lack of aging.

Examples:

* Cream cheese: Spreadable, made from milk and cream.

* Feta cheese: Brined, made from sheep's or goat's milk.

* Ricotta cheese: Whey cheese made from sheep's or cow's milk.

Ripened cheese:

* Aged for varying periods: The cheese is aged for weeks, months, or even years.

* Developing flavors and texture: During aging, bacteria and molds break down the cheese, developing complex flavors and textures.

* Wide range of textures: Ripened cheese can have a wide range of textures, from soft and creamy to hard and crumbly.

* Stronger, more complex flavors: Aging develops a wide range of flavors, from nutty and buttery to sharp and pungent.

* Longer shelf life: They have a longer shelf life thanks to the aging process.

Examples:

* Cheddar cheese: Sharp and crumbly, aged for months.

* Brie cheese: Soft and creamy, with a bloomy rind.

* Parmesan cheese: Hard and granular, aged for years.

In summary:

Unripened cheeses are fresh and ready to eat, while ripened cheeses undergo a transformation through aging, developing complex flavors and textures.