Both gorgonzola and blue cheese are used a lot in cooking and flavoring dishes and recipes.
Blue cheese has marks and stripes of a mold, type penicillium.
Gorgonzola is an Italian style of blue cheese and does have a unique appearance and flavor or taste.
A lot of times, we use cheese just as a filling for bread that we eat every breakfast or brunch. However, there are categories of cheeses that will make your palate satisfied and crave more. In this article, we’ll tackle the differences between gorgonzola and blue cheese as well as their health benefits.
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The Difference Between Gorgonzola and Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is a category of cheese while Gorgonzola is a specific type of blue cheese. This is the most basic way to differentiate them. But, to differentiate them further:
- Taste: Blue cheese taste sharp and salty and has a manageable pungent smell while gorgonzola is also salty but more on the crumbly side.
- Appearance: Blue cheese has veins of color (either blue-gray or blue-green). On the other hand, gorgonzola has a green-blue marble appearance inside the cheese.
- Made From: Blue cheese is usually made from cow’s milk but other manufacturers use milk of goats and sheep as well. In addition, they add Penicillium glaucum mold. Gorgonzola is made with the same ingredients but unskimmed.
- Production/Manufacturing: Blue cheese is mainly injected with Penicillium glaucum and is stored to age for months until it reaches a certain state. The temperature for this cheese is also controlled. Gorgonzola, on the other hand, is aged with added Penicillium glaucum. The only difference is that the latter is aged in a cave with metal rods pierced through it and are removed from time to time.
- History: Blue cheese is created on a whim or accidentally in the early middle ages while gorgonzola is produced in an Italian town with the same name.
- Use: Blue cheese can be eaten on its own and paired with a glass of red wine. Gorgonzola is commonly used as a topping for pizza or pasta.
Can You Substitute Blue Cheese for Gorgonzola?
Yes! Technically speaking the latter is a specific variety of blue cheese. But to be specific, any kind of blue cheese like blue stilton can be substituted for gorgonzola, vice versa. This is fine when you are serving a group of people who just love eating cheeses. However, it is an acquired taste and not for those who are keen and observant when it comes to the look and smell of the food they eat. You can tell that there’s a difference between the two based on the aroma they produce, the texture, and the taste itself.
Is It Okay to Freeze Gorgonzola Cheese?
You can freeze gorgonzola cheese. The best way to preserve goods made from dairy is to freeze them. By doing this, the taste, texture, and nutrients will not be dissolved by the ever-changing room temperature. As for how long can gorgonzola will last in the freezer, it will stay at its peak for up to four (4) months.
Is It Safe to Eat the Mold in Blue Cheese?
Yes, it is safe to eat the mold in blue cheese. It is one of the only molds that you can. However, if you have allergies to mold, then it might affect you. I would then not eat it at all.
What Beer Goes Well with Gorgonzola Cheese?
The best beer is a yeast beer for full-bodied beer.
For example
- Hoegaarden
- Guinness
- Lagunitas IPA
- Sam Adams Full Brew
What Wine Goes with Gorgonzola Cheese?
Pairing cheese with wine is an easy way to add flavor without adding as many calories. Try pairing Gorgonzola Dolce (a milder version) with Malbec or Zinfandel for a delicious meal. Or pair Blue If you’re looking for something refreshing, then a crisp Riesling would be perfect!
What Condiments Should Be Served with Gorgonzola Cheese?
Pair Gorgonzola with accompaniments like
- Fruit Relish
- Green Apples
- Pears
- Walnuts
- Cranberries
- Grapes
- Dried Cherries
- Strawberries
How Long Does Gorgonzola Last?
It lasts for about three weeks in your refrigerator.
Which Is Stronger Gorgonzola or Bleu Cheese
Blue cheese is considered stronger than Gorgonzola because it has a more intense flavor
Bleu cheese has a stronger overall flavor. It also has a harder texture and is crumblier. Gorgonzola on the other hand is gentler in flavor, taste, and texture.