Question

An example of hard and ripened cheese is:

• A. Roquefort cheese
• B. Cottage cheese
• C. Cheddar cheese
• D. Camembert cheese

Hint:

To classify cheese, ask two questions: 1. Is it soft or hard? (Think about how easily it slices or crumbles). 2. Is it eaten fresh or aged? (Fresh cheeses like cottage cheese and mozzarella are mild; aged cheeses like Cheddar and Parmesan are sharp). A hard, ripened cheese will be firm and flavorful.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Cheese is classified based on several factors, including moisture content (soft, semi-hard, hard) and whether it undergoes a ripening (aging) process. A hard, ripened cheese is one with low moisture content that has been aged for a period, allowing enzymes and microbes to develop its characteristic flavor and texture.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
- Cheddar cheese: This is the quintessential example of a hard, ripened cheese. It has a low moisture content (typically<39%) and is aged for several months to over a year, developing a sharp flavor and a firm, dense texture.
- Roquefort cheese: This is a semi-soft, blue-veined cheese. It is ripened, but it is not considered a hard cheese due to its higher moisture content.
- Cottage cheese: This is an unripened, fresh cheese. It has a very high moisture content and a soft, curdy texture. It is consumed fresh and is not aged.
- Camembert cheese: This is a soft-ripened cheese. It has a high moisture content and a soft, creamy interior that ripens from the outside in.
Step 4: Final Answer:
Among the given options, Cheddar cheese is the best example of a hard and ripened cheese. Therefore, option (C) is correct.