What is pressed cheese?

Pressed cheese is a broad term that refers to cheese that has been pressed during the cheesemaking process. This pressing is done to remove excess whey, which is the watery liquid that separates from the curds during cheesemaking.

Here's what you should know about pressed cheese:

How it's made:

* Curdling: Milk is curdled using rennet or acid (like vinegar or lemon juice).

* Cutting and stirring: The curds are cut into small pieces and stirred to release whey.

* Pressing: The curds are then placed into molds and pressed, usually with a heavy weight. This removes more whey and shapes the cheese.

* Aging: Many pressed cheeses are then aged for varying lengths of time, which develops flavor and texture.

Characteristics:

* Firm texture: Pressed cheeses are known for their firm texture, which ranges from semi-hard to hard. This is due to the removal of whey during pressing.

* Long shelf life: The pressing process helps to remove moisture, which contributes to a longer shelf life.

* Wide range of flavors: Pressed cheeses can have a wide range of flavors, from mild and buttery to sharp and complex. The flavor depends on the type of milk used, the aging process, and other factors.

Examples of pressed cheese:

* Cheddar: A classic hard cheese with a sharp, tangy flavor.

* Gouda: A semi-hard Dutch cheese with a nutty flavor.

* Parmesan: A hard, aged Italian cheese with a salty, nutty flavor.

* Emmental: A semi-hard Swiss cheese known for its large holes (eyes).

* Gruyere: A semi-hard Swiss cheese with a nutty, slightly sweet flavor.

* Swiss: A general term for a variety of hard, pressed Swiss cheeses.

Uses:

Pressed cheeses are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. They can be eaten on their own, grated over pasta or salads, melted into sauces, or used in sandwiches.

In summary, pressed cheese is a category of cheese that includes many popular varieties. It is characterized by its firm texture, long shelf life, and wide range of flavors.