Cheese can be divided into different categories, depending on texture or
whether it has been ripened (also called cured). The texture of cheese varies
from soft to semisoft, firm, and hard. Ripened cheeses are those that have
been fermented with bacteria or molds. By contrast, unripened cheese are
Ripened cheese need many mouths to age and develop into a marketable
cheese. The longer they age, the sharper their flavor-and the higher their cost.
Cheddar and Swiss are popular types of ripened cheese. Cheddar cheese
comes in many varieties, ranging in flavor from very mild to very sharp.
Cheddar is used as an appetizer, in sandwiches, and as a dessert cheese.
Two kinds of imported Swiss are frequently used in the kitchen: Emmenthaler
and Gruyere. Domestic Swiss is usually used in sandwiches.