what is gorgonzola cheese

3 min read 16-03-2025

Gorgonzola cheese, a creamy, pungent blue cheese hailing from Italy, is a culinary delight known for its distinctive flavor and texture. This article explores everything you need to know about this iconic cheese, from its origins and production to its unique characteristics and culinary uses.

A Brief History of Gorgonzola

Gorgonzola's history stretches back centuries, with some accounts tracing its origins to the late 10th century near the town of Gorgonzola, located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. Legend attributes its accidental discovery to a cheesemaker who, in a rush, prematurely packaged cheese. The resulting mold created the characteristic blue veining and unique flavor profile now synonymous with Gorgonzola.

Over time, production techniques evolved, but the fundamental process remained largely unchanged, making it a cherished traditional Italian food.

How Gorgonzola is Made

The process of making Gorgonzola involves several key steps:

1. Milk Selection and Coagulation

Gorgonzola is traditionally made using cow's milk, although sheep's or goat's milk may sometimes be used. The milk is pasteurized (though some artisan producers still use raw milk) and then carefully coagulated using rennet.

2. Curdling and Cutting

Once coagulated, the curd is cut into small pieces. This allows whey to drain, and it impacts the final texture of the cheese.

3. Salting and Mold Inoculation

The curds are then salted and inoculated with Penicillium glaucum and Penicillium roqueforti, the molds responsible for the characteristic blue veining.

4. Mold Ripening and Aging

The cheese is pressed into molds and allowed to age, usually for several months, during which the mold develops and spreads throughout the cheese, creating the characteristic blue veins and pungent aroma. The aging process significantly impacts the final flavor and texture.

Types of Gorgonzola

There are two main types of Gorgonzola:

Gorgonzola Dolce (Sweet Gorgonzola): This variety is characterized by its creamy, sweet, and less pungent flavor. It has a shorter aging period, resulting in a milder taste. Its texture is softer and more spreadable.
Gorgonzola Piccante (Spicy Gorgonzola): This type undergoes a longer aging process, resulting in a sharper, more intense, and pungent flavor. Its texture is firmer, less creamy, and often crumbly.

The Unique Flavor Profile of Gorgonzola

Gorgonzola boasts a complex flavor profile. The taste varies depending on the type and aging period. It ranges from subtly sweet and nutty in the Dolce to intensely sharp and spicy in the Piccante. The characteristic pungent aroma is also a defining feature. This is due in part to the molds and the aging process.

The creamy texture of Dolce contrasts sharply with the firmer, crumbly consistency of Piccante.

Culinary Uses of Gorgonzola

Gorgonzola's versatility makes it a prized ingredient in various dishes. Its rich, bold flavor enhances a wide range of recipes:

Pasta dishes: Gorgonzola pairs beautifully with pasta, especially with creamy sauces or as a topping. Consider Gorgonzola pasta with walnuts and pear for a classic combination.
Salads: Crumbled Gorgonzola adds a tangy, salty kick to salads, balancing the sweetness of fruits and vegetables. Arugula and Gorgonzola salad is a popular choice.
Pizzas: Gorgonzola pizza is a delicious and flavorful alternative to traditional mozzarella.
Sauces: Gorgonzola can be used to create creamy and flavorful sauces for meat and poultry.
Stuffings and fillings: Gorgonzola makes a fantastic addition to stuffings for poultry or vegetables.
Cheese boards: Gorgonzola is a staple on any cheese board, its strong flavor contrasting well with milder cheeses and fruits.

Where to Buy and Store Gorgonzola

You can typically find Gorgonzola at specialty cheese shops, gourmet grocery stores, and some larger supermarkets. Look for cheeses with clear labeling indicating the type (Dolce or Piccante).

Store Gorgonzola wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. It can be kept for several weeks, though its flavor will evolve over time.

Conclusion

Gorgonzola cheese, with its rich history and unique characteristics, remains a beloved ingredient in Italian cuisine and beyond. Whether you enjoy it on its own, incorporated into a pasta dish, or atop a pizza, its bold flavor and creamy texture are sure to tantalize your taste buds. From its creamy Dolce to its pungent Piccante, there’s a Gorgonzola to please every palate.