Stilton

What Is Stilton?

Stilton is a cow’s milk cheese made in certain parts of England, with blue mold veins and a crumbly texture. It is known for its rich, sharp, mildly spicy flavor and is a cheese protected by a geographical indication.

It comes in two types, blue and white; blue Stilton is the best known. It traditionally takes pride of place on English cheese boards and is called the “king of English cheeses.”

Nutritional Values of Stilton

Like other blue cheeses, Stilton contains about 350 kcal of energy per 100 g, along with a high amount of protein, a notable amount of fat, and a high amount of calcium. It is high in salt; the values are approximate and based on a similar blue-cheese profile.

What Are the Benefits of Stilton?

Stilton can be included as part of a balanced diet because it contains calcium, protein, and vitamin B12. It is high in salt and fat, so moderate consumption is recommended.

This information is general; Stilton is a food and is not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Stilton

Good-quality Stilton has cream-colored paste, evenly distributed blue veins, a moist yet crumbly texture, and a sharp, fresh smell. Cheese that has dried out and cracked or smells of ammonia is past its prime.

• The paste should be cream-colored, with evenly distributed blue veins.
• The texture should be moist and crumbly, not excessively dry.
• The smell should be sharp but not ammoniacal or stale.

How to Store Stilton

Store Stilton in the refrigerator, loosely wrapped in foil or parchment paper; blue cheese needs to breathe and should not be smothered in an airtight bag. Bringing it to room temperature shortly before serving opens up its flavor.

Using Stilton in the Kitchen

Stilton is most often used on cheese boards, in classic broccoli and Stilton soup, in salads, and in sauces. Its crumbly texture makes it suitable for sprinkling over salads and melting into sauces.

Broccoli and Stilton Soup

Add crumbled Stilton to the cooked and puréed broccoli at the end, once the soup is hot, and melt it in; the cheese gives the soup a sharp, creamy flavor.

Where Is Stilton Used?

Cheese boards, creamy soups, pear-and-walnut salads, and meat sauces are among the most common uses for Stilton.

What Recipes Use Stilton?

Broccoli and Stilton soup, Stilton salad, cheese boards, and steak with Stilton sauce are among its best-known uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Stilton and Gorgonzola?

Both are blue cheeses; Stilton is English and firmer and more crumbly, while Gorgonzola is Italian and generally creamier. Stilton also has a more earthy, sharp flavor.

What is white Stilton?

It is a fresh cheese made in the same region as blue Stilton, without mold veins; dried fruit, usually cranberries or apricots, is often added.

What pairs well with Stilton?

It pairs very well with pears, walnuts, figs, cranberries, and honey; in England, it is traditionally associated with port wine.

Why is Stilton so sharp?

The development of blue mold during aging and the cheese’s long maturation give it its sharp, spicy flavor.

Can Stilton be frozen?

It can be frozen, but its texture becomes more crumbly and less creamy; after thawing, it is best used in sauces and cooked dishes.