All About Cheese

Cheese is probably the most wonderful food in the world.  I could never ever be Vegan because I can't live without cheese.  Everyone I know loves cheese - my friend's niece even asked for cheese for Christmas (she was about 2 at the time).  My love of cheese comes through in my cooking.  I genuinely try to keep things pretty healthy, and one way I try to do this is by selecting cheeses carefully.  I thought it might be helpful to write about post comparing the nutritional information of various cheeses!

I found this great chart at http://www.fitsugar.com/Nutritional-Information-Popular-Cheeses-1000038

Cheese (1 oz.)	Calories	Fat (g)	Saturated Fat (g)	Sodium (mg)	Protein (g)	Calcium (mg)
American (Slice)	105	8.8	5.5	417	6.2	154.6
Brie	95	7.9	4.9	179	5.9	52.3
Bleu	100	8.2	5.3	396	6.1	150
Camembert	85	6.9	4.3	239	5.6	110.2
Cheddar	114	9.4	6	176	7.1	204.8
Chèvre (Goat Cheese)	103	8.5	5.9	146	6.1	84.5
Feta	75	6	4.2	317	4	140
Gorgonzola	99	8	5.1	312	6	n/a
Gouda	101	7.8	5.0	232	7.1	198.5
Gruyère	117	9.2	5.4	95	8.5	287.1
Laughing Cow	95	8.1	5.4	230	6.8	202.9
Monterey Jack	107	9.7	6	180	6.7	200
Mozzarella (Part-Skim)	72	4.5	2.9	176	6.9	222.1
Mozzarella (Whole Milk)	85	6.3	3.7	178	6.3	143.4
Parmesan	128	8	5.0	18	12	n/a
Provolone	100	7.6	4.9	249	7.3	214.7
Ricotta	39	2.2	1.4	35	3.2	77.1
Roquefort	105	8.7	5.5	514	6.1	188
Swiss	108	7.9	5.0	55	7.6	224.6
Velveeta	81	6.1	4.1	416	5.1	152.1

According to this chart Part Skim Mozzarella and Ricotta are the way to go.  This chart does not include the other lower fat options that are easily available. 

Once really important thing to consider is: How much is 1 ounce? One ounce of Parmesan, once grated is about 5 tablespoons - enough to make Spaghetti alla Rustica for 5 people.  While one ounce of cheddar might be only enough for a couple crackers. 

I try to use cheese thoughtfully.  I do not drown my food in cheese, and I consider which type of cheese is best for any particular recipe.  Parmesan and Goat Cheese are very flavorful, and a little can go a long way.  I also try to use part skim cheeses as much as possible.  Trader Joe's has a good selection of part skim cheeses.