When you see a cheesy dish online, you get the urge to make it with cheese from the same supermarket. You always choose industrial or processed cheese, which is easily accessible at neighboring stores. But you will be less inclined to choose the same industrial cheese if you have previously had cheese from an expensive wheel. Even though processed cheese and farm cheese are made from the same base ingredient, they have distinct textures and flavors. For some people, it can be difficult to differentiate between the two types of cheese. Therefore, we have put together a straightforward guide to help you understand the differences between processed cheese and farm cheese.
In this article, you will examine how to distinguish between artisan cheeses and industrial cheese and determine which one you prefer based on your preferences.
Artisan Cheese vs Industrial Cheese: Differences in Points
Artisan Cheese or Traditionally Produced Cheese
An expert cheese maker directly produces Artisan Cheeses at a farmhouse. A cheese maker supervises the production of cheese making, from the selection of milk to testing the final produced cheese. Making cheese is lengthy and requires more time to get high-quality cheese. Therefore, the quality of artisan cheese is higher than industrial cheese. Artisan cheeses are a rare find, but the effort to locate them is worthwhile because they are produced with great care by skilled cheese makers. Only a few farms produce artisan cheeses, which are hand-molded and of exceptional quality. As a result, they are made in small batches.
Industrial Cheese or Industrially Produced Cheese
Unlike traditionally produced cheese, industrial cheese is produced in bulk and large quantities. Mass-produced cheese is faster than traditional cheese and makes it readily available to the public. Whereas artisan cheese uses unpasteurized milk, industrial cheese uses milk from different sources and pasteurized it to avoid health problems.
Also, it enables the producers to maintain consistent quality and flavor across the board. Contrary to common belief, industrial cheeses are not inherently inferior to artisan cheeses; instead, it all comes down to the maker and the caliber of their production methods.
Difference in Taste
Artisan Cheese usually has a strong taste because it’s produced from raw milk. During traditional cheese production, master cheese makers use the best quality raw milk to make flavorful and finest quality cheese. As a result, artisan cheese is more flavorful, complex, and nuanced. One of the best examples is Manchego Cheese, which has a strong taste with a bit of spiciness.
Industrial Cheese: These cheeses are produced in mass batches using pasteurized milk for consumers’ safety. It follows the vat processing method for the quick production of industrial cheeses. So, you will not taste any strong flavor in the cheese as it gets lost during the process. Unlike artisan cheeses known for their delicate and more sophisticated palate, many commercial kinds of cheese have a sweet flavor that will appeal to the broadest audience.
Difference in Smell
When it comes to distinguishing between artisan and industrial cheese, the smell can be a key factor. Artisan cheeses, while delicious and often sought after by cheese enthusiasts, can have a strong odor that sets them apart from their mass-produced counterparts. This is particularly true for soft artisan cheeses like camembert or brie, which often have a whitish coating that protects the exterior and contributes to their distinct aroma. The pungent smell of artisan cheeses is a result of the cheese being made with unpasteurized milk and allowed to mature naturally over time.
In contrast, industrial cheese is typically pasteurized, which means that much of the natural bacteria that contribute to the distinctive aroma of artisan cheeses are eliminated during the manufacturing process. As a result, industrial cheeses tend to have a mild milk scent or may even be completely odorless, making them less distinctive in terms of smell. While some people may prefer the milder scent of industrial cheese, others appreciate the strong aroma and unique flavor profile of artisan cheeses.
Difference in Appearance
The appearance of these cheeses can also help us distinguish them. The white colour of industrial cheese makes it appear more appealing, as it is pure and uniform. On the other hand, artisan cheeses usually have a yellowish rind and a rougher appearance. Blue mould, for example, is also an “imperfection.”.
Conclusion
You may have seen an increasing demand for artisan cheeses for recipes and cooking in recent years. It offers new flavors and tastes and enhances traditional dishes’ authenticity. Artisan cheese is an excellent option if you like a flavorful, nuanced, and intense aroma with a bit of spiciness. Industrial cheeses, however, can add a certain level of dependable comfort to any recipe or cheese platter. Industrial cheese is perfect for those who don’t like the scent of cheese. No matter what you choose, both kinds of cheese are excellent options and unique in their way.
