Stilton Cheese: A Guide to the Blue Cheese of England

Question 1

Which English county is most closely associated with the production of Stilton cheese?

Accepted Answer

Derbyshire

Answer

Cornwall

Answer

Devon

Answer

Norfolk

Question 2

What is the texture of a well-matured Stilton cheese typically like?

Accepted Answer

Smooth and creamy

Answer

Crumbly and flaky

Answer

Hard and brittle

Answer

Grainy and dense

Question 3

Which type of mold is responsible for the characteristic blue veins in Stilton cheese?

Accepted Answer

Penicillium roqueforti

Answer

Penicillium camemberti

Answer

Aspergillus oryzae

Answer

Rhizopus oligosporus

Question 4

Which accompaniment is NOT traditionally paired with Stilton cheese?

Accepted Answer

Champagne

Answer

Port wine

Answer

Celery sticks

Answer

Apple chutney

Question 5

How does the introduction of the blue mold, Penicillium roqueforti, contribute to the unique texture and flavor of Stilton cheese?

Accepted Answer

Forms blue veins and imparts a sharp, salty taste

Answer

Creates a creamy texture and nutty flavor

Answer

Enhances aroma and adds a smoky note

Answer

Prevents spoilage and extends shelf life

Question 6

In the production of Stilton cheese, which type of milk is used as the primary ingredient?

Accepted Answer

Cow's milk

Answer

Goat's milk

Answer

Sheep's milk

Answer

Buffalo's milk

Question 7

Which natural element is responsible for creating the distinctive blue veins characteristic of Stilton cheese?

Accepted Answer

A cultivated mold

Answer

A specific type of bacteria

Answer

An additive

Answer

A reaction with oxygen

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a distinctive feature of Stilton cheese?

Accepted Answer

Mild aroma

Answer

Crumbly texture

Answer

Sharp, salty flavor

Answer

Prominent blue-green veins

Question 9

During the aging process, Stilton cheese is pierced with stainless steel needles. What is the purpose of this step?

Accepted Answer

To allow oxygen to enter and promote mold growth

Answer

To drain excess moisture

Answer

To enhance the flavor

Answer

To prevent spoilage

Question 10

In the United Kingdom, Stilton cheese is protected by a specific designation that ensures its authenticity and quality. What is this designation?

Accepted Answer

PDO (Protected Designation of Origin)

Answer

PGI (Protected Geographical Indication)

Answer

TSG (Traditional Speciality Guaranteed)

Answer

EU Organic

Question 11

Which county in England is primarily associated with the production of Stilton cheese?

Accepted Answer

Leicestershire

Answer

Derbyshire

Answer

Nottinghamshire

Answer

Lincolnshire

Question 12

What is the typical aging period required for a Stilton cheese to develop its characteristic flavor and texture?

Accepted Answer

9-12 months

Answer

6-8 weeks

Answer

3-4 months

Answer

Over 2 years

Question 13

Colwick Stilton is a unique type of Stilton cheese that stands out from the rest. What sets it apart in terms of its composition?

Accepted Answer

It is made from a blend of cow's and sheep's milk.

Answer

It is made exclusively from sheep's milk.

Answer

It is made from goat's milk.

Answer

It is made from a blend of cow's and buffalo's milk.

Question 14

Which organization is responsible for overseeing the production and certification of Stilton cheese to uphold its authenticity and quality?

Accepted Answer

Stilton Cheesemakers' Association

Answer

British Cheese Board

Answer

Food Standards Agency

Answer

Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Question 15

What visually distinguishes Stilton cheese from other cheeses?

Accepted Answer

Blue veins

Answer

Orange rind

Answer

Crumbly texture

Answer

Sharp aroma

Question 16

Which ingredient is absent from the traditional production process of Stilton cheese?

Accepted Answer

Butter

Answer

Unpasteurized cow's milk

Answer

Penicillium roqueforti

Answer

Salt

Question 17

How long is Stilton cheese typically aged before consumption?

Accepted Answer

12-18 months

Answer

3-4 weeks

Answer

6-9 months

Answer

2-3 years

Question 18

Which organization oversees the protection of the origin designation for Stilton cheese?

Accepted Answer

Stilton Cheesemakers Association

Answer

British Cheese Board

Answer

Food Standards Agency

Answer

United Kingdom Cheese Council

Question 19

Why is Stilton cheese awarded Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status?

Accepted Answer

To protect its authenticity and prevent imitation

Answer

To ensure it's made with local milk

Answer

To increase its popularity worldwide

Answer

To control its price

Question 20

Which characteristic is unique to Stilton cheese?

Accepted Answer

Blue-green mold

Answer

Washed rind

Answer

Made from goat's milk

Question 21

Approximately how long does Stilton cheese age before it is ready to consume?

Accepted Answer

6 months

Answer

6 weeks

Answer

2 years

Question 22

How does the blue-green mold develop in Stilton cheese?

Accepted Answer

It forms naturally when the cheese is pierced with needles.

Answer

It is added during production.

Answer

It grows on the surface of the cheese after packaging.

Question 23

Which flavor descriptor best characterizes Stilton cheese?

Accepted Answer

Earthy

Answer

Sweet

Answer

Spicy

Question 24

What is the purpose of the certification mark for Stilton cheese?

Accepted Answer

To protect its production methods and regional origin

Answer

To guarantee its safety for consumption

Answer

To indicate its exceptional quality

Question 25

What type of milk is used to traditionally produce Stilton?

Accepted Answer

Cow's milk

Answer

Goat's milk

Answer

Sheep's milk

Answer

Buffalo milk

Question 26

Which element gives Stilton its signature blue-green veins?

Accepted Answer

Mold spores

Answer

Natural dyes

Answer

Bacterial growth

Answer

Artificial flavoring

Question 27

How is Stilton cheese classified?

Accepted Answer

Blue cheese

Answer

Hard cheese

Answer

Soft cheese

Answer

Washed-rind cheese

Question 28

Identify the microorganism responsible for creating the blue-green veins in Stilton.

Accepted Answer

Penicillium roqueforti

Answer

Penicillium camemberti

Answer

Penicillium glaucum

Answer

Aspergillus niger

Question 29

How does Stilton cheese production contribute to the local economy? Consider its impact on employment and tourism.

Accepted Answer

Creates jobs in production, packaging, and distribution.

Accepted Answer

Attracts tourists interested in cheese and the region's heritage.

Answer

Has minimal impact on employment due to automation.

Answer

Discourages tourism because of the cheese's strong odor.

Question 30

How do the environmental conditions of the East Midlands region contribute to the development of Stilton cheese's unique flavor and characteristics?

Accepted Answer

The region's humid climate and limestone caves foster the growth of Penicillium roqueforti, creating the distinctive blue veins.

Answer

The region's pastures provide grazing land for cows producing milk for Stilton cheesemaking.

Answer

The region's proximity to the North Sea influences Stilton cheese's salty flavor.

Answer

The region's cheesemaking history has influenced traditional techniques used in Stilton cheese production.

Question 31

In which natural environment is the blue mold, Penicillium roqueforti, primarily found for use in Stilton cheese production?

Accepted Answer

Caves

Answer

Bread

Answer

Grapes

Answer

Milk

Question 32

Which specific blue mold is used in the production of Stilton cheese?

Accepted Answer

Penicillium roqueforti

Answer

Penicillium glaucum

Answer

Penicillium camemberti

Answer

Penicillium expansum

Question 33

In which region of England is Stilton cheese traditionally produced?

Accepted Answer

Derbyshire

Answer

Cornwall

Answer

Devon

Answer

Gloucestershire

Question 34

What specific technique is employed during the production of Stilton cheese to create the characteristic blue veins?

Accepted Answer

Needling

Answer

Wheying

Answer

Curdling

Answer

Molding

Question 35

Which flavor profile is not typically associated with Stilton cheese?

Accepted Answer

Sweet

Answer

Salty

Answer

Buttery

Answer

Bitter

Question 36

Which type of wine is a classic pairing for Stilton cheese?

Accepted Answer

Fortified wine

Answer

White wine

Answer

Red wine

Answer

Sparkling wine

Question 37

Which factor plays a crucial role in the formation of the distinctive blue-green veining in Stilton cheese?

Accepted Answer

Mold

Answer

Bacteria

Answer

Yeast

Answer

Salt

Question 38

What is a key distinction between Blue Stilton and White Stilton?

Accepted Answer

Mold used

Answer

Type of milk used

Answer

Maturation time

Answer

Region of production

Question 39

Which region in England is renowned for producing Stilton cheese?

Accepted Answer

Leicestershire

Answer

Somerset

Answer

Cornwall

Answer

Suffolk

Question 40

What type of mold is used to create the characteristic blue veins in Stilton cheese?

Accepted Answer

Penicillium roqueforti

Answer

Botrytis cinerea

Answer

Aspergillus niger

Answer

Mucor miehei

Question 41

Which of the following is an essential ingredient used in the production of Stilton cheese?

Accepted Answer

Pasteurized cow's milk

Answer

Sourdough

Answer

Honey

Answer

Vinegar

Question 42

What is the cultural significance of Stilton cheese in British cuisine?

Accepted Answer

It is an iconic cheese with a rich history and cultural reputation.

Answer

It is the most exported cheese from the United Kingdom.

Answer

It is used as a primary ingredient in traditional British dishes.

Question 43

Which of the following is a unique aspect of Stilton cheese?

Accepted Answer

It is protected by a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin).

Answer

It is the only blue cheese made from sheep's milk.

Answer

It has a natural rind that develops during the aging process.

Question 44

Which organization is responsible for overseeing the production and quality of Stilton cheese?

Accepted Answer

Stilton Cheesemakers' Association

Answer

English Cheese Board

Answer

British Cheese Guild

Answer

Dairy Council of the United Kingdom

Question 45

Which of the following potential health benefits is attributed to Stilton cheese?

Accepted Answer

It may promote gut health due to the presence of probiotics.

Answer

It is a low-calorie food.

Answer

It contains high levels of vitamin C.

Question 46

In which region of England is the production of Stilton cheese concentrated?

Accepted Answer

Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Nottinghamshire

Answer

Cumbria, Lancashire, and Yorkshire

Answer

Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset

Answer

Kent, Sussex, and Hampshire

Question 47

What microorganism is responsible for the characteristic blue-green veining in Stilton cheese?

Accepted Answer

Penicillium roqueforti

Answer

Rhizopus stolonifer

Answer

Fusarium oxysporum

Answer

Aspergillus niger

Question 48

What type of milk is traditionally used as the base ingredient for Stilton cheese?

Accepted Answer

Cow's milk

Answer

Sheep's milk

Answer

Buffalo's milk

Answer

Goat's milk

Question 49

What is the purpose of the process known as 'pricking' in the production of Stilton cheese?

Accepted Answer

To introduce air into the cheese, encouraging mold growth

Answer

To drain excess whey from the cheese

Answer

To prevent the cheese from becoming too hard

Answer

To enhance the color of the cheese

Question 50

Which factor has a significant influence on the intensity of flavor in Stilton cheese?

Accepted Answer

Aging time

Answer

Breed of cow

Answer

Temperature during production

Answer

Size of the cheese

Question 51

What potential health benefit is associated with the consumption of Stilton cheese?

Accepted Answer

Contains beneficial probiotics

Answer

Prevents heart disease

Answer

Low in cholesterol

Answer

High in vitamin C