And the Cheese of the Month Club Winner is....

Congratulations to Sandra O of St. Paul, Minnesota for winning the Golden Age Cheese Cheese of the Month club membership this year. Sandra shared she is very happy to win this package because she has 5 siblings and 6 children, who will enjoy the cheese every month as much as her! We are offering up another drawing, so check out more details HERE.

Can You Be Allergic To Cheese?

Most people enjoy a little cheese here and there, but some people though they may want to, are not able to; they have a cheese allergy. It is important not to confuse lactose intolerance with cheese allergies because they are in fact something completely different. A cheese allergy can usually mean that you are also allergic to dairy products, but that is not always the case. It is also important to know that most allergies do not last past the age of three so an allergist would need to check if in fact what you are suffering from is indeed an allergy.

The Symptoms

If you indeed have a cheese allergy then you will experience symptoms like hives, vomiting, wheezing, cramps, watery eyes, runny nose, diarrhea, itchy skin and others. It is important to find out if the symptoms are from allergies or something else because though it is rare in some cases it can be life threatening. Usually the allergies are to proteins like whey and casein which are found in milk and other dairy products. The body recognizes the proteins as a potential danger so your immune system so the reaction that takes place is what causes the symptoms. The truth is that in most cases it is not real allergies but rather sensitivity to proteins found in it.

Not Lactose Intolerance

People confuse allergies with lactose intolerance and they are completely different conditions. Lactose intolerance is not a problem of the immune system like allergies are. Instead the problem originates in a person’s digestive system and the malfunction it suffers. The stomach does not process lactose (sugar found in milk) correctly. At the same time the small intestine does not produce the lactase enzyme which is needed for the digestion and nutrient absorption. The symptoms of lactose intolerance are also different in that a person who suffers from it will have diarrhea, bloating and excessive amounts of gas. As you can see most of the symptoms in lactose intolerant people are of the gastrointestinal type.

Options

Fortunately there are a few options when you like cheese and you are suffering of allergies. The most obvious would be to go with vegan cheeses because they do not contain animal byproducts and therefore the proteins that you may be allergic to are not in that type of cheese. Some people have been known to have their allergies triggered by most cheeses, but then cheese curds will not have a reaction. That is because they have a lot less lactose than other cheeses. The better option is to look for cheeses which are aged for a longer period of time. If you have lactose intolerance and not allergies then they will be a much better choice.

More information about them can be found at www.goldenagecheese.com. 

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Is There Anyone Who Should Not Eat Cheese?

Cheese is a delicacy we all enjoy as a healthy meal, part of a snack or on its own. With so many different types to choose from, there is a cheese that we all love. Whether its Mozzarella on pizza, Swiss cheese with wine, cheddar in sandwiches or parmesan with pasta, we have made this delicacy part of our everyday meals including in dessert platters. There are different types of cheeses such as hard, soft, tangy, mellow, creamy or ripe. Some such as aged cheddar has more sharpness to its taste than mild cheddar while some are sweet and others are tangy. Cheese is known to have good calcium content but it also gets bad press because of its high fat content.

So is there anyone who should not be eating cheese? Cheese does not have to be avoided in anyone’s diet but it has to be eaten moderately and in some diets in very small quantities. The high saturated fat content is not good for anyone in the long run and can cause problems if you a person continually overindulges. In general, the following groups should  limit eating too much cheese or some types of cheese.

Pregnant Women

Pregnant women are advised to not eat cheese made with raw (unpasteurized) milk. During pregnancy it is best to avoid any food or drink made with raw milk. Raw milk and food can carry disease causing organisms. It is best to avoid soft cheeses such as Feta, Brie, Camembert, Gorgonzola and Roquefort as they are made with raw milk. Pregnant women are encouraged to eat cheese made from pasteurized milk as it is less likely to carry harmful bacteria.

During A Period Of Dieting

Cheese is known to be the cause of weight gain when eaten in large quantities. If you are overweight and are on a diet plan, cheese should be eaten in very small proportions. Although it may be high in calcium, the high fat content of cheese will not benefit or help in losing weight. Cottage cheese is recommended instead as it is low in calories and fat. You can also enjoy Mozzarella in small amounts as it tends to have a lower fat content.

Anyone With A Dairy Allergy

Cheese is composed mainly of milk and anyone with a dairy allergy should try avoiding cheese if they can. If you are not careful, the consequences can be fatal. Although a mild case might present with vomiting, wheezing and nausea, most serious cases will lead to anaphylaxis and if not treated in time this can lead to death.

Lactose Intolerant Individuals

Lactose intolerance happens to be a digestive issue that is relatively common. In the condition, people struggle to digest lactose which is the sugar that is generally in milk and dairy. Some individuals still continue to eat cheese but in moderation and have no problems. Goat cheese is a substitute that is popular as it is low in lactose. Aged cheeses can also be eaten as the longer cheese ages, the less lactose it contains.

What Kind Of Cheese Is the Best For A Gift?

There is something intriguing about cheese. Cheese is great to eat by itself or with any other food item as part of a main meal. It is good for your health as it contains calcium and with so many types available, you could eat a different cheese every day.  However, people have decreased the cheese consumption lately because of its expensive price. This is why cheese is a great delicacy as a gift nowadays. So, why not gift a loved one with a cheese basket for a special occasion? Cheese gift baskets are usually filled with more than one type of cheese along with a range of snacks such as crackers or biscuits. Many retailers have a variety of gift baskets pre- made to order or you have the option of creating your own basket. With so many types of cheese out there, what kind of cheese is the best for a gift? Here are a few you can choose from.

French Cheese

For the French, cheese is a way of life. They enjoy a lot of cheese and most importantly they are deeply connected and proud of the cheese they produce. France is known to produce some of the best cheese in the world and is an essential item in your cheese basket. Brie, Camembert and Roquefort are common French cheeses that are considered to be a delicacy and would be ideal as part of a gift.

Italian Cheeses

When we think of Italian cheeses, Mozzarella and Parmesan is the first thing that comes to mind. Most of us enjoy Mozzarella in our salads while Parmesan adds that extra touch to our pasta dishes. However, Italy is also known for its fine selection of more than 400 different types of cheeses. Commonly found in gift baskets and given as gifts are Parmesan, Asiago and Gorgonzola.

Swiss Cheese

The two most famous Swiss cheese are Emmentel and Gruyére but more than 450 different varieties are produced altogether. The main characteristic of this type of cheese is the high quality natural taste. In addition, Apenzeller is another type of cheese made in Switzerland that is found in gift boxes.

English Cheeses

Currently, there are over 700 cheeses produced in the UK. Divided into blue cheeses and others, there are many types to cheese from. The most popular cheese from all this is the classic cheddar cheese. Both mild and aged cheddar are enjoyed by many and is a classic addition to a cheese gift box. Blue cheese is also popular as an English cheese and of this Stilton and Dovedale are the popular choices.

Dutch Cheese

The Netherlands is known for the production of Gouda and Edam cheese. Both these are found all over the world and especially Gouda has made its name with it being a popular choice for buyers at cheese markets. Addition of a Dutch cheese to your gift box will give it uniqueness especially since Gouda cheese comes in a variety of different flavors such as smoked, that you can choose from.

How Can You Use Gouda In Cooking?

Everyone knows that there are many varieties of cheese available but one that is least frequently used in cooking is Gouda. That is because although this cheese is popular for cheese trays, many people do not realize quite how versatile it can be in cooking as well. Gouda cheese is originally from the Netherlands and is unique because of the exterior of bright red wax. It usually comes in a wheel ranging from 3 to 15 inches and the cheese itself is the color of straw. The taste is generally buttery and mild and the texture is cream but firm. Before determining how to cook with Gouda cheese, you need to know the age of it as different ages are best used in different ways.

Baby Gouda

You can distinguish baby Gouda because although its wax coating is red like older cheese, this is a much softer variety. Because of that it melts much quicker than ages of the same cheese. Because of its texture (semi-soft to firm) and mild nutty flavor, young Gouda is ideal for seasoning salads and on cheese trays. It also tastes great spread on certain fruits. If you want to actually cook with the cheese, it works well on casseroles because of its quick melting nature as well as its great flavor. You can also try to make some homemade macaroni and cheese using Gouda mixed with other cheeses.

Aged Gouda

Aged Gouda cheese is also coated in red wax but has a much more astringent flavor than baby Gouda. In addition to the astringent flavor, aged Gouda also gives off a hint of butterscotch. Because of this, it goes great in desserts that are based on apples or pears. For something a bit more creative, you can try adding it to a homemade pizza. A great combination would be a barbeque chicken pizza with both mozzarella and Gouda. You can also try swapping out your normal omelet cheese for Gouda if you want to give it some different flavor.

Smoked Or Flavored Gouda

You can generally tell Gouda that has been smoked or flavored apart from plain Gouda as it will be wrapped in brown or black wax as opposed to red and may include caraway seeds. Some of the flavored options will include additions such as pepper, jalapenos and herbs. This type of Gouda has an intense flavor that makes it fairly versatile in terms of cooking. Like the other types it can do well with desserts, fruits and macaroni and cheese. Smoked Gouda is also great for making quiche as the flavor can add a great deal. Try pairing it with spinach for a delicious breakfast quiche. It can also be a great way to add a bit more flavor to your mashed potatoes.

RESOURCE BOX: To learn more about Gouda cheese as well as other types available, visit http://www.goldenagecheese.com. There you will also find more great recipe ideas to help you enjoy your Gouda in your cooking.

How Did Gouda Cheese Get Its Name?

Cheese is one of the most assorted and delicate foods that is enjoyed by many of us around the world. There are many different types of cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, Edam and Swiss cheese to name a few. Each type of cheese comes with a different taste or smell. The taste of cheeses can range from being mild to sharp while the smell can either be mild or intense. Cheese can be enjoyed at any time of the day and can be enjoyed with wines, in platters and as an addition in pastas and sauces.

Gouda is a popular cheese that is found worldwide. With different varieties available it is enjoyed by many of us.  Originating in Netherlands, it is now manufactured and exported to many countries across the globe. The main characteristic of this cheese is that it has a very distinct sweet taste. This cheese is also high in calcium and phosphorus and although has a sweet taste, it is low in sugar.

Gouda Cheese And Its Origin

Gouda cheese is a Dutch cheese and the name originates from the city in the southern province of Netherlands. Its name is not protected but the European Commission established that ‘Gouda Holland’ is to be protected. This cheese is still traded in the cheese market that is held every Thursday. This is an orange-colored, semi hard cheese produced from cow milk that has been cultured. There are many variations of the cheese and it can range from being very mild to very sharp but the sharpness varies depending on the age of the cheese. This cheese is usually commonly seen on dessert platters and just like cheddar goes well with wine and sandwiches.

How Is Gouda Made?

Gouda is made from cow milk that has been cultured. The milk is heated through until the curds and whey separate. Some of the whey will then get drained and a small portion of water gets added. This is a process that is termed washing the curd. It is in this process that a portion of lactic acid gets washed away leaving the sweet taste we enjoy with Gouda. The cheese is then pressed for hours in a mold to give its shape that’s become traditional.

Afterward a brine soak is used for more flavors before a few days of drying followed by aging. Gouda cheese is aged for some weeks to as long as three years or more. To get a sharper taste, the cheese is aged a lot longer. Aged Gouda can have a robust caramel flavor with crystals giving it a bit of a crunch.
In addition to the aged, young and farm versions, you will also find smoked Gouda. Other cheese makers may spice it with caraway, pepper, nettle, mustard, cumin, and clove or mixed seasons. Today you also find this cheese that has been beer washed and even some holey cheese with a sweeter taste made from propionic cultures.