Cabrales 101: Nutrition, Benefits, How To Use, Buy, Store | Cabrales Cheese: A Complete Guide

What is Cabrales

Cabrales is a type of blue cheese from Spain, specifically made in the Asturias region. It’s known for its strong flavor and creamy texture, which come from a mix of cow’s, sheep’s, and goat’s milk. The cheese is aged in caves, giving it a unique taste that varies with each batch. During the aging process, molds develop, creating those distinctive blue veins that you see in blue cheese. People often describe Cabrales as tangy and sharp, with a bit of earthiness that makes it really special. It’s usually served with bread, fruit, or even as part of a cheese platter.

Other Names of Cabrales

Here are some other names and terms associated with Cabrales cheese, explained in a straightforward way:

1. Cabrales Blue Cheese: This is often just called “Cabrales,” but adding “blue cheese” makes it clear that it’s one of those cheeses with blue veins. It helps people understand what to expect in terms of flavor.
2. Queso de Cabrales: This is the Spanish name for Cabrales cheese. If you’re in Spain, you’ll hear locals refer to it this way. It literally means “cheese from Cabrales,” pointing out where it comes from.
3. Cabrales Cheese: Sometimes people just drop the “blue” and say “Cabrales cheese.” It’s still understood that it’s a blue cheese, but this way is simpler.
4. Asturian Blue Cheese: Since Cabrales is made in the Asturias region, it can also be referred to as Asturian blue cheese. This name highlights its geographic roots and the traditional methods used in that area.
5. Cabrales Viejo: This term means “old Cabrales” and refers to a more aged version of the cheese. It tends to have a stronger flavor and creamier texture.

These names all connect back to the same delicious cheese but highlight different aspects, like its origin or age.

Nutritional Value of Cabrales

The nutritional content of Cabrales cheese can vary based on factors such as the milk blend used and the specific production methods. Below is a general overview of the approximate nutritional values for Cabrales cheese per 100 grams:

Nutrient	Amount per 100g
Calories	367 kcal
Protein	21.4 g
Fat	30.2 g
Saturated Fat	19.4 g
Cholesterol	85 mg
Carbohydrates	2.2 g
Sugars	0.0 g
Fiber	0.0 g
Calcium	890 mg
Sodium	1,627 mg

Benefits of Cabrales

Here are some benefits of Cabrales cheese that you might find interesting:

1. Rich in Flavor: Cabrales has a unique taste that can really enhance your meals. Whether you’re using it in cooking or as part of a cheese platter, its strong flavor adds depth to dishes.
2. Source of Protein: Like many cheeses, Cabrales is a good source of protein. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in your body, making it a helpful addition to your diet.
3. Calcium Boost: Cabrales contains calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. Eating cheese can help you meet your daily calcium needs, especially if you’re not consuming a lot of dairy products.
4. Healthy Fats: Cabrales has healthy fats that can provide energy. While it’s important to eat fats in moderation, the fats found in cheese can be beneficial when included as part of a balanced diet.
5. Versatile Ingredient: You can use Cabrales in various recipes. It melts well, making it great for sauces, and it can also be crumbled over salads or mixed into pasta dishes for extra flavor.
6. Pairing with Other Foods: Cabrales goes well with a lot of different foods, like fruits, nuts, and bread. This can make meals more enjoyable and help you explore new flavor combinations.
7. Cultural Experience: Trying Cabrales can be a fun way to experience Spanish culture. It connects you to the traditions of the Asturias region, and you might even enjoy it with some local wines.

So, while you enjoy this tasty cheese, you can also feel good about the benefits it brings to your diet.

Varieties of Cabrales

Here are some varieties of Cabrales cheese that you might find interesting:

1. Cabrales Tradicional: This is the classic version of Cabrales, made from a mix of cow’s, sheep’s, and goat’s milk. It has that rich, strong flavor that people love and is aged in natural caves, which gives it its unique character.
2. Cabrales Viejo: This is the aged version of Cabrales. It stays in the aging process longer, which makes its flavor even stronger and more intense. The texture becomes creamier, and the tanginess is heightened, appealing to those who enjoy a bold cheese.
3. Cabrales with Herbs: Some cheesemakers add herbs to the Cabrales during the aging process. This version has a twist in flavor, with fresh, earthy notes that complement the classic taste. It can be a nice option if you’re looking for something different.
4. Cabrales with Truffle: This fancy variety features truffles mixed in, adding an extra layer of rich, earthy flavor. It’s perfect for special occasions or if you just want to treat yourself to something luxurious.
5. Cabrales Fresco: This is a fresher version of Cabrales, aged for a shorter time. It has a milder flavor and a creamier texture, making it a great choice if you’re new to blue cheeses or prefer something less intense.

Each of these varieties brings its own twist to the classic Cabrales, giving you different experiences to enjoy.

What Does Cabrales Taste Like

Cabrales cheese has a really unique and bold taste that can surprise you if you’ve never tried it before. When you take a bite, you might notice it has a strong, tangy flavor that hits your taste buds right away. It’s a little sharp, and that comes from the blue molds that develop during the aging process. The texture is creamy and crumbly at the same time, which makes it really interesting to eat. You might also pick up hints of earthiness, almost like a taste of the caves where it’s aged. Some people say it has a slightly spicy finish, too. It’s definitely not a mild cheese, so if you enjoy rich, intense flavors, Cabrales can be a real treat.

How Cabrales is Made

Making Cabrales cheese is a fascinating process that combines tradition, skill, and a little bit of science. Here’s a detailed look at how this unique blue cheese is made:

1. Milk Collection:
   • Cabrales is made from a mix of cow’s, sheep’s, and goat’s milk. The combination of these milks gives the cheese its rich and complex flavor. The milk is collected from local farms in the Asturias region of Spain, where the cows, sheep, and goats graze on lush pastures.
2. Pasteurization:
   • Before making the cheese, the milk is often pasteurized to kill any harmful bacteria. Some cheesemakers might use raw milk for a more traditional approach, but pasteurization helps ensure the cheese is safe to eat.
3. Adding Cultures and Rennet:
   • Next, cheesemakers add specific bacteria cultures to the milk. These cultures help in the fermentation process, giving Cabrales its unique flavor. After that, rennet is added, which is an enzyme that helps the milk coagulate, turning it from liquid into curds.
4. Curd Formation:
   • Once the rennet is added, the milk starts to thicken and form curds. This process usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes. After the curds are formed, the cheesemaker cuts them into small pieces to help release the whey (the liquid part of the milk).
5. Cooking the Curd:
   • The cut curds are gently heated, which helps them firm up and continue to release more whey. This step is crucial because it affects the final texture of the cheese.
6. Draining the Whey:
   • After cooking, the curds are drained to remove the whey. This is done by placing the curds in a cheese mold, where they are pressed to help shape the cheese and expel any remaining whey.
7. Salting:
   • Once the whey is drained, the cheese is salted. Salting not only adds flavor but also helps preserve the cheese. Some cheesemakers rub salt on the surface, while others mix it directly into the curds.
8. Inoculation with Penicillium Roqueforti:
   • To create the blue veins that Cabrales is known for, cheesemakers inoculate the cheese with Penicillium roqueforti, a mold that naturally occurs in certain caves. This mold is what gives Cabrales its distinctive blue color and tangy flavor.
9. Molding and Pressing:
   • The cheese is then placed into molds and pressed to form its shape. During this stage, the curds knit together, and the cheese develops its final texture. The pressing can last several hours, depending on the desired firmness.
10. Aging:
    • After molding, Cabrales is aged in natural caves, which is a critical part of its development. The caves have a unique environment with the right temperature and humidity, allowing the cheese to breathe and develop its flavors. The aging process can last anywhere from two to six months, and during this time, the blue mold grows throughout the cheese, creating those characteristic veins.
11. Turning and Monitoring:
    • While aging, the cheese is regularly turned and monitored. This helps ensure even aging and prevents any unwanted molds from forming on the surface. Cheesemakers often check the cheese for moisture levels and texture to ensure it’s aging correctly.
12. Packaging:
    • Once it has aged to perfection, the Cabrales cheese is carefully packaged. It’s often wrapped in paper to allow it to breathe, and then it’s ready to be shipped to stores or enjoyed right at the source.

This whole process takes a lot of time and skill, but the end result is a truly delicious cheese that’s worth the effort! Whether you’re enjoying Cabrales on its own or in a recipe, you’re tasting the dedication and tradition that goes into making it.

How To Use Cabrales

Here are some great ways to use Cabrales cheese in your cooking and meals:

1. Cheese Platter: One of the easiest ways to enjoy Cabrales is on a cheese platter. Just slice or crumble it and serve it with some fresh fruits, nuts, and crackers. It pairs nicely with sweet fruits like pears or figs, which balance out its strong flavor.
2. Salad Topping: You can sprinkle Cabrales over salads for an extra punch. Its bold taste works well with greens, nuts, and a simple vinaigrette. Try adding it to a spinach or mixed greens salad for a delicious twist.
3. Pasta Dishes: Cabrales melts nicely, so you can use it in pasta recipes. Just add it to your favorite pasta sauce, and it’ll create a creamy texture with tons of flavor. It goes especially well in dishes with mushrooms or spinach.
4. Stuffed Dishes: You can stuff meats, like chicken or pork, with Cabrales for a fancy touch. Just mix it with some herbs and garlic, then put it inside the meat before cooking. It’ll make your dish super flavorful!
5. Pizza Topping: Instead of using regular cheese, try adding Cabrales to your pizza. It adds a unique taste that can make your pizza stand out. Combine it with other toppings like caramelized onions or prosciutto for an amazing flavor combo.
6. Sauces: You can make a creamy Cabrales sauce to drizzle over grilled meats or vegetables. Just melt the cheese with some cream, butter, and a bit of garlic for a rich sauce that elevates any dish.
7. With Bread: Simply enjoy Cabrales with crusty bread. Just spread it on, and you’ve got a tasty snack or appetizer. It’s a quick way to appreciate the cheese’s full flavor without much fuss.

Using Cabrales in these ways can really enhance your meals and give you a taste of its unique qualities. So, whether you’re cooking a special dinner or just looking for a tasty snack, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this delicious cheese.

Substitute for Cabrales

If you can’t find Cabrales cheese or just want to try something different, here are some great substitutes that can still give you a tasty experience:

1. Roquefort: This is a classic blue cheese from France. It has a similar tangy flavor and crumbly texture. Roquefort is made from sheep’s milk, which gives it a rich taste, just like Cabrales.
2. Gorgonzola: An Italian blue cheese that’s a bit milder than Cabrales but still has that characteristic blue vein. It comes in two types: dolce (sweet) and piccante (spicy), so you can choose based on how bold you want the flavor to be.
3. Stilton: This is an English blue cheese with a creamy texture and a slightly less intense flavor compared to Cabrales. It’s rich and can add a nice touch to salads or cheese platters, making it a great option.
4. Bleu d’Auvergne: Another French blue cheese, Bleu d’Auvergne is known for its strong aroma and creamy texture. It has a bold taste that can stand up to other ingredients, much like Cabrales.
5. Feta Cheese: While not a blue cheese, feta has a crumbly texture and a tangy flavor that can work as a substitute in some dishes. It’s milder, but it adds a nice saltiness that can still enhance salads or pasta dishes.
6. Cotija Cheese: This is a Mexican cheese that’s crumbly and salty. It doesn’t have the same blue mold flavor, but it can add a similar texture and a punch of saltiness to dishes, especially in tacos or salads.
7. Parmesan Cheese: If you’re looking for a hard cheese substitute, Parmesan can work well in some recipes. While it lacks the blue flavor, its strong and savory taste can add depth to your cooking.

Using these substitutes can help you create delicious dishes when Cabrales isn’t available. Each cheese brings its own unique flavor, so you might discover a new favorite along the way.

Where to Buy Cabrales

If you’re looking to buy Cabrales cheese, here are some great places to check out:

1. Local Cheese Shops: Specialty cheese shops are a fantastic place to find Cabrales. The staff there usually know a lot about different cheeses and can help you choose the right one. Plus, you might get to taste some before you buy!
2. Farmers’ Markets: Some farmers’ markets feature local cheesemakers who produce Cabrales or similar blue cheeses. Visiting these markets can be a fun experience, and you can often talk to the producers about their cheese.
3. Grocery Stores: Larger grocery stores, especially those with a good cheese section, may carry Cabrales. Look in the specialty cheese aisle or ask someone in the deli if they have it available. Sometimes they might even be able to order it for you.
4. Online Retailers: There are many online stores that specialize in gourmet foods and cheeses. Websites like Murray’s Cheese or iGourmet often have Cabrales available for delivery. Just make sure to check the shipping options, especially for perishable items.
5. Spanish or Mediterranean Markets: Stores that focus on Spanish or Mediterranean foods often carry Cabrales cheese. These markets can have a variety of cheeses and other delicious foods that pair well with Cabrales.
6. Cheese Festivals: If you happen to be near a cheese festival, it’s a great opportunity to try Cabrales and other cheeses. Many vendors sell their products, and you can often sample different varieties.
7. Restaurants: Some restaurants, especially those that focus on Spanish cuisine, might serve Cabrales. While you can’t buy it there, it can be a good way to try it before deciding to buy some for home.

Checking these places can help you find Cabrales cheese easily.

How To Store Cabrales

Storing Cabrales cheese properly is important to keep its flavor and texture just right. Here are some tips on how to do it:

1. Keep It in the Fridge:
   • Ideal Temperature: Cabrales should be stored at a temperature between 34°F and 38°F (1°C to 3°C). This is usually the temperature range of most refrigerators. Keeping it in the fridge slows down spoilage and helps maintain its taste and texture.
   • Placement: The cheese drawer in your fridge is usually the best spot. This area tends to have a more consistent temperature and humidity level, which is great for cheese.
2. Wrap It Well:
   • Parchment or Wax Paper: Start by wrapping Cabrales in parchment or wax paper. This type of paper allows the cheese to breathe while preventing it from drying out. It also helps retain the cheese’s moisture content.
   • Avoid Plastic Wrap: Try to avoid using plastic wrap directly on Cabrales. While it might seem convenient, plastic can trap moisture and cause the cheese to become slimy. It can also lead to the growth of unwanted molds.
3. Use an Airtight Container:
   • Choose the Right Size: After wrapping the cheese, place it in a small airtight container. Make sure the container isn’t too large, as excess air can affect the cheese’s quality.
   • Seal It Tight: Ensure the lid is sealed tightly to keep out moisture and prevent the cheese from absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge.
4. Keep It Away from Strong Odors:
   • Strategic Placement: Store Cabrales away from foods with strong smells, such as onions, garlic, or fish. Cheese can absorb these odors, which can alter its flavor. If possible, place it in a separate section of the fridge where it won’t come into contact with such items.
5. Check for Freshness:
   • Visual Inspection: Before using Cabrales, inspect it closely. Look for any discoloration or unusual spots. If you see pink or black mold, or if the cheese has developed an off smell, it’s better to err on the side of caution and discard it.
   • Removing Mold: If you notice some surface mold that’s typical for blue cheeses, you can simply cut away the affected areas. As long as the rest of the cheese looks and smells good, it should still be safe to eat.
6. Limit Exposure to Air:
   • Minimize Air Time: Each time you open the container or unwrap the cheese, try to limit the time it’s exposed to air. Air can dry out the cheese and alter its texture. Only take out what you need for your recipe or serving and wrap it back up quickly.
   • Use Clean Utensils: When cutting or serving Cabrales, always use clean utensils to avoid introducing bacteria or contaminants that could spoil the cheese faster.
7. Consume Within a Reasonable Time:
   • Shelf Life: While Cabrales can last for a few weeks in the fridge, it’s best to consume it within two weeks after opening. Over time, the flavors may intensify or change, and the texture may become firmer or drier.
   • Labeling: If you’re storing Cabrales for a while, consider labeling the container with the date you opened it. This way, you’ll know when it’s time to enjoy it or when it might be best to discard it.
8. Freezing (Optional):
   • Not Recommended: While it’s technically possible to freeze Cabrales cheese, it’s not recommended. Freezing can alter its texture and make it crumbly or grainy once thawed. However, if you have to freeze it, wrap it tightly in wax paper first, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Use it within three months for the best flavor.
   • Thawing: When you’re ready to use frozen Cabrales, thaw it in the fridge, not at room temperature, to prevent any bacteria growth.

By following these detailed storage tips, you can enjoy your Cabrales cheese at its best, savoring its bold flavor and creamy texture every time you take it out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cabrales