Cheese, also called "cheese" (often written as 芝士), is a dairy product made from cow's milk, sheep's milk, and even camel or donkey milk. The process is fun: first the liquid milk is turned into a gel, then the solids are separated, placed into molds and salted. After the cheese matures, it's ready to eat!
There are many kinds of cheese, and each country has its own classification system, so trying every variety in the world would take some effort. Don’t worry—I’ve summarized 11 major cheese categories that cover most cheeses you’ll commonly find.
1. Fresh Cheeses
Very short aging time; can be eaten within hours or days. They taste fresh with a slight lactic tang.
Representative: Feta — Greece’s most classic cheese.
2. Soft Bloomy-Rind Cheeses
The rind is covered with white mold and feels velvety; the rind is edible but can be removed if preferred.
Representative: Camembert, Brie
3. Soft Natural-Rind Cheeses
Often made from sheep’s milk, their rinds form naturally and may have wrinkled textures.
Representative: Valencay
4. Soft Washed-Rind Cheeses
During aging the rind is washed with brine or alcohol, leaving a moist surface and strong aroma while the interior remains soft.
Representative: Munster, Taleggio
5. Semi-Hard Uncooked Pressed Cheeses
The curd is pressed to remove whey but isn’t cooked during production.
Representative: Gouda, Cantal, Cheddar
6. Hard Cooked-Pressed Cheeses
The curd is pressed and heated, resulting in a firm texture and rich flavor.
Representative: Emmentaler, Parmigiano Reggiano, Comté
7. Mold-Patterned Cheeses
These have mold veins inside, like blue cheeses, offering a sharp, piquant taste.
Representative: Roquefort, Stilton, Gorgonzola
8. Stretched-Curd Cheeses
Highly elastic and stringy, they pull without breaking easily—common on pizzas and in Italian dishes.
Representative: Mozzarella
9. Flavored Cheeses
Fruits, spices or herbs are added for unique combined flavors.
Representative: Gaperon d'Auvergne (pepper-garlic cheese)
10. Whey Cheeses
Made by heating and coagulating whey, then draining; they have a light, fresh texture.
Representative: Brocciu (Corsica)
11. Processed Cheeses
Made by melting and reprocessing several cheeses; industrial products that are often popular with kids.
Representative: 乐芝牛®、百吉福®
