Whether it’s that pull on a pizza or the decadence of a rich pasta, the magic often lies in the type and more importantly the quality of the cheese being used.

Walk into a supermarket and you will see an endless display of cheeses – from hard, to medium hard, from soft to downright melting, there are so many varieties that you can pick and choose from that you might be left wondering, how many types of cheese are there!

To be honest, the world of cheese is a large one and not knowing at least the basic ones could leave you floundering. If you shop at Waangoo, you can find not only a large variety of cheeses in Singapore, but also have them delivered right to your doorstep and that too at a timing of your convenience.

What makes shopping at Waangoo all the more special is the fact that you can also shop for a wide variety of cheeses too! But before you can get your cart ready, why not explore the world of cheese a little bit first?

So, how many types of cheese are there?

If you were to take a list of the types of cheeses, it would a pretty long one – not only are there several types of cheeses, but also those which are differentiated on the basis of:

• the region they come from
• the country they belong to
• the type of milk that is used to prepare the cheese
• the manner in which the cheese is cultured
• how mature the cheese is
• how strong or mild the flavour is
• the texture of the cheese
• the flavour profiles
• how it can be used

Delving into the world of hard and soft types of cheese and beyond

Although there are plenty of types of cheese on offer, there are some that are a lot more popular than the others and we have compiled a list of the most popular ones.

• Mozzarella – This is a classic cheese, which is known the world over the delicious pull that it can provide when cooked or baked. Made using buffalo milk curds, this Italian cheese is stretched but not aged, which is why there is no rind. The springy cheese has a mild flavour and can be eaten raw and can be used for cooking as well. This cheese is most commonly used in pizza, lasagna and other popular Italian dishes.
• Cheddar – Another incredibly popular cheese, this one comes from mostly the United Kingdom, although cheddar cheese is now being produced in several parts of the world. This semi-hard cheese has a slightly dense consistency, making it easy to grate or slice. Once the liquids are completely drained from the curds, they are compressed, which is what gives it the texture. Cheddar is generally an aged cheese and the aging can be anywhere between a few months to a few years and that will also determine the flavour profiles. This cheese is one of the best options for sandwiches, but can be used as topping for baked dishes too.
• Parmesan – Made exclusively from the raw milk of cattle that is raised in the northern parts of Italy, parmesan is basically a hard cheese that has a slightly lengthy process attached to it. The curds and whey are separated and the whey is drained away, before pressing the curds. The cheese then undergoes a brining process, which is what gives it that stiff rind. It is the aging process that makes the cheese more delicious and the sharp notes make it the perfect pairing for a huge variety of food items.
• Cream cheese – Did you know that the history of cream cheese all the way back to the late 1500s? Belonging to the same group as mozzarella cheese, cream cheese is a type of fresh cheese that is easy to spread. Regular cream cheese is made only with milk and cheese, but some might have flavourings. As per the name, this cheese has a creamy and slightly runny texture, and the flavour is mild and almost decadent. This ingredient is perfect for both sweet and savoury items and its most popular usage has to be a cheesecake.
• Feta cheese – This slightly salty cheese has become incredibly popular in the past few years, and what was once used in Greek salads has now gained a centre place in several kitchens, across the globe. Made with a blend of sheep’s and goat’s milk, feta is brined in saltwater. The brining is what gives the cheese its crumbly nature and this cheese is known to be lower in fat as well as calories. You can use the cheese as is, grill it or even cook with it.
• Cottage cheese – Commonly known in India as paneer, cottage cheese has become quite popular all over the world for its delicate milky flavour. Prepared by boiling milk and adding something acidic like lemon juice or vinegar, the whey is generally strained out and the curds are pressed through a muslin cloth. At Waangoo, you can buy cottage cheese in Singapore, which can be enjoyed raw, grilled, fried or added to curries.
• Brie – Because this cheese comes from the Brie region in northern France, it is named Brie. This soft cheese is made from cow milk and it ages from the outside in. This is why, the rind is slightly chewy, but the inside is runny and creamy. It is said that brie becomes earthier and almost fruity, as it ages. The most popular way to enjoy brie is on a cheese board, with fruits, bread, crackers etc, but you can also use it for certain types of baked sweets.
• Camembert – Similar to brie, this cheese comes from northern France too and is like brie in many ways. The interior of the cheese is super soft and smooth and has a slightly runny consistency. This cheese is generally ripened in small batches and this speeds up the ageing process. Experts say that good quality camembert can have flavour notes of caramelised butter, mushrooms and even delicate wine, which is probably why it is such a popular item on cheese boards. A baked camembert can be a lovely appetiser option, allowing one to dip crackers, fruits and veggies.

As a leading online grocery in Singapore, you can shop for several types of cheese and all other grocery items at Waangoo. We will ensure that the best quality products are delivered to your doorstep, every time!