Who would have expected that the disgusting mold would play its most famous and delicious role in the year 1070, offering humanity its own cheese known as “blue cheese” using the Penicillium fungus that thrives on rotting fruits, especially lemons, tangerines and oranges.

The legend about the birth of "Roquefort" cheese says that the story began with giving the name to the food of a young shepherd consisting of a crumb of rye bread and a dose of yoghurt from the milk of "Lacaune" sheep, after the shepherd left them for a period of time in a damp and cold cave where he was exposed Food to rot.

The name "Roquefort" is protected under French law and is limited only to cheese made in the town of Roquefort, near Toulouse (southern France). Blue cheese known since approximately the 11th century, as well as English "Stilton" cheese, which was known in the early 18th century, in addition to other types that appeared in the 20th century as alternatives to the expensive roquefort, such as the Danish "Danablo" and the German "Cambozola".

Kinds of blue cheese

Types of blue cheese range from mild to sharp depending on the moisture content and the degree of maturity after perforation. It is made using cow, goat and sheep milk. It takes 3 to 6 months to make. It produces a variety of combinations of taste and texture similar to fine porcelain, in terms of an ivory marble background. The clear, blue veins that make up the iconic look of this delicious cream cheese.

Roquefort is one of the greatest cheeses in France for centuries, referred to as the "cheese of kings and popes", and is said to have been the favorite of Emperor Charlemagne, and the French philosopher Denis Diderot is credited with having been the first to call it the "queen of cheeses" for its sharp, refreshing and salty flavour. Its rich creamy texture.

Penicillium mold is credited with giving this cheese its strong flavor and taste after being perforated and kept in caves for 10 weeks, with its characteristic blue-green veins and spots.

Gorgonzola is one of the oldest Italian blue cheeses known since 879. Although it was without blue veins until about the 11th century, it is known as a bold, refreshing and versatile cheese that adds flavor to a variety of risotto, pasta or pizza dishes and blends wonderfully With grapes, honey and pistachios.

Stilton is the English blue cheese that has been popular since the early 18th century. It is strong, intense, complex and rich in taste like a beautiful mosaic with fine veins that extend like narrow rivers all over the disk. It is less moist than other types, and it is mixed with honey, walnuts and apple slices. .

Danablu is a Danish blue cheese made from cattle's milk. It is a creamy blend of complex flavors and a smooth texture, blended with fresh pears, citrus and walnuts.

Health benefits of blue cheese

Blue cheese is low in calories and rich in the necessary nutrients. A 100-gram serving of it provides 18 calories, 20% of the recommended daily dose of vitamin B12, 8% of vitamin B6 (B6), and 53 % Calcium, 42 % Protein.

In addition to beneficial vitamins and minerals such as zinc and phosphorous, the same portion also provides 45% of the daily recommended fat, 95% of saturated fat, 25% of daily cholesterol, and 50% of sodium per day, which makes this cheese many health benefits, the most important of which are:

  • Prevention of osteoporosis

    , due to its calcium content (150 milligrams per serving) blue cheese can give us a healthier bone density over time, and helps reduce arthritis and relieve pain, in addition to containing phosphorus useful in reducing bone problems as well.

  • Fighting obesity

    , studies have found that consuming blue cheese helps reduce levels of visceral fat around the abdominal area, and maintains the health of the intestines, and the calcium in it can be linked to the advantage of reducing obesity and reducing body fat.

  • Preventing heart disease

    . Blue cheese contains spermidine, which delays aging and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, which may explain the “French paradox” due to France’s low death rates from heart disease. Despite the population's intake of large amounts of dietary cholesterol and saturated fat, leading some experts to believe that blue cheese actually helps reduce the likelihood of developing heart disease rather than causing it, according to a study published in 2012.

Eating blue cheese helps prevent and fight plaque and tooth decay (Pixabi).

  • Anti-inflammatory and strengthens the immune system

    , consuming blue cheese can provide many essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin D, potassium, sodium and zinc, all of which play an important role in preventing diseases and infections. , enhance the immune system.

  • Strengthens memory,

    as the nutrients in blue cheese help to enhance the work of brain cells and strengthen memory, so it is recommended to add it to the diet of children to improve their memory.

  • A source of milk protein

    , blue cheese containing milk protein provides enough protein for those who cannot drink milk directly due to lactose intolerance.

  • Dental health

    , as eating blue cheese helps prevent and fight plaque and tooth decay due to its richness in phosphorous (39% in a 100-gram serving), and the good amount of calcium that makes it a friend of your teeth.