Discovering Aura Cheese cheese of Finland

Unveiling the Unique Character of Aura Cheese

Aura Cheese stands as a gastronomic gem, outshining others in the myriad of cheese varieties available globally. It is a testament to Finnish dairy artistry and the cheese-making culture deeply embedded in the heart of Finland. A remarkable crowd-pleaser, Aura has distinguished characteristics that set it apart.

Manufactured by Valio, the leading dairy company in Finland, Aura Cheese, also dubbed as blue cheese, has a rich history dating back to 1953. It derives its name from the Aura River in Turku, where it was first produced. Aura is a semi-hard cheese that embodies a blue or blue-veined aesthetic due to Penicillium roqueforti, a fungus that imbues it with its distinctive streaks.

The production process of Aura involves specific methods that contribute to its unique qualities. The milk, primarily sourced from Finland’s lush landscapes, is first pasteurized. It is then added with bacterial cultures, including the P. roqueforti, and rennet to initiate the curdling process. Consequently, the curd is cut and heated, allowing the whey to separate. After which, the curd is ladled into molds and goes through a draining process. The cheese is then aged under carefully controlled conditions for at least three months, during which time it develops its signature flavor and color.

• Aroma and Flavor: Aura has a tangy, sharp taste with hints of earthiness and a robust aroma, resulting from the Penicillium fungus and the ageing process.
• Texture and Appearance: With a semi-hard consistency, Aura possesses a slightly gritty texture due to the presence of cheese crystals. Visually, it exhibits a beautiful, golden yellow color with distinctive blue veins.
• Culinary Use: Aura is versatile in culinary applications. It can be used in salads, pasta, baking, or consumed just as is. It also pairs beautifully with a range of wines and fruits.
• Nutritional Benefits: Apart from its delectable taste, Aura cheese has a balanced nutritional profile, offering a good source of proteins, fat, calcium, and vitamin A.

In essence, Aura Cheese presents itself as a delightful journey that traverses through the soul of Finnish culinary traditions, amplifying the essence of complex flavors and textures. Whether you’re a cheese connoisseur or an individual with a penchant for gourmet delights, experiencing Aura Cheese is a gastronomic adventure worth exploring.

Unravelling the Aura: Insights into Valio’s Signature Blue Cheese

Originating from the icy landscapes of Finland, Aura cheese is a rich, intricate example of culinary craftsmanship offered by the Finnish dairy company Valio. This blue cheese variant, brimming with crumbly texture, sharp taste, and an unmistakable aroma, impels connoisseurs across the globe to Quixotic travel for a savory experience. Unlike its international counterparts that dance between the mellow and robust, Aura distinguishes itself with a vividly electric bite tempered with a decadently creamy finish.

A eloquent study in contrasting intensities, Aura owes its unique taste and texture to its primary ingredient – cow’s milk. Specifically, from Friesian cows, renowned for their high butterfat and protein-reach milk which lends Aura its characteristic creaminess. Vouched for its utter freshness, the milk undergoes a highly regulated pasteurization process, then cultured with the two essential bacteria, Penicillium roqueforti and Pediococcus acidilactici, giving the cheese its distinctive blue veining and acidic flavor notes.

The cheese-making process for Aura is normally a 2-3-month endeavor, signifying a slow aging which amplifies its taste. During this period, it is hand-turn washed and brushed intermittently, which helps in developing a natural outer rind, thereby locking the moisture and maintaining a soft and crumbly texture inside. The final product is a masterpiece, with an intricate network of blue-green veins coursing through a cheese wheel with an ivory paste, that not only seduces the palate with its strong, sharp taste but also delights the eye.

Aura cheese comes with two variants – the Aura (50% fat) and Aura Light (17% fat). The former is the traditional variant with a profound blue flavor, firm yet creamy texture, ideal for savory applications. Aura Light, on the other hand, boasts a reduced fat content without compromising on the characteristic blue flavor, well-suited for those seeking a healthier alternative. Both variants can be relished in crumbles, slices, and wedges, thus marking their diverse applicability in a broad spectrum of culinary adventures.

Aura Cheese: A Taste of Romanian Tradition

Romania, a country located in Southeastern Europe, is proud to produce a variety of high-quality cheeses that are enjoyed by cheese enthusiasts around the world. One such cheese is Aura, a traditional Romanian cheese that showcases the country’s rich culinary heritage. Aura cheese is produced in the Transylvania region, nestled within the Carpathian Mountains, which provides an ideal environment for cheese production.

Aura cheese is made from cow’s milk, which is sourced from local dairy farms known for their commitment to sustainable and ethical practices. The milk used in Aura cheese production is known for its exceptional quality, resulting in a cheese that is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. The production methods used for Aura cheese have been passed down through generations, reflecting the deep-rooted traditions of Romanian cheesemakers.

Aura cheese has a distinctive taste and texture that sets it apart from other cheeses. It has a semi-firm consistency with a smooth, velvety texture that melts in your mouth. The flavor profile of Aura cheese is complex and nuanced, with hints of sweetness and tanginess that come together harmoniously. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments, such as crusty bread, figs, and nuts, making it a versatile cheese for various culinary applications.

One unique aspect of Aura cheese is its beautiful appearance. The cheese is often shaped into decorative molds, resulting in an eye-catching presentation. The molds not only add to the visual appeal of Aura cheese but also contribute to its distinctive flavor and texture.

Whether you are a cheese connoisseur or simply someone who appreciates high-quality food, Aura cheese is a must-try. Its rich history, unique production methods, and exquisite taste make it a true gem of Romanian culinary tradition. Add a slice of Aura cheese to your cheeseboard or incorporate it into your favorite recipes to experience the flavors of Transylvania and indulge in a truly memorable cheese experience.

Delighting Your Palate with Aura Cheese: Two Exclusive Recipes

Aura is a tantalizing blue cheese from the Finnish cheese producer, Atria. This handcrafted delicacy is prepared from pure, unpasteurized cow’s milk, carefully aged for several weeks to develop its unique taste and velvety texture. Aura cheese is known for its robust, slightly spicy taste with subtle earthy undertones – a complex flavor profile that renders it an exquisite addition to a range of dishes. Let’s delve into two beguiling recipes that highlight the splendid uniqueness of Aura cheese.

The first recipe, ‘Honey Roasted Figs and Aura Cheese Tart’, fascinatingly melds the strong, characterful flavor of Aura cheese with the ecstasy of honey-roasted figs. You will need:

• 1 pre-baked tart shell
• 6 fresh figs
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 150 grams Aura cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the figs into quarters and drizzle them with honey. Bake for 10-15 minutes until tender and glazed. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, and seasonings. Crumble the Aura cheese and scatter it over the pre-baked tart shell. Arrange the roasted figs on the cheese, then pour the egg mixture over it. Bake for about 25 minutes until set and golden.

Our second recipe, ‘Grilled Peach and Aura Cheese Salad’, offers a light yet indulgent experience. For this, you will need:

• 4 ripe peaches
• 100 grams Aura cheese
• A handful of mixed salad leaves
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Halve the peaches and remove the stone. Grill on a hot pan until charred and caramelized. Arrange the salad leaves on a plate, scatter crumbled Aura cheese, and place the grilled peaches on top. Drizzle with a simple dressing made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Enjoy this sumptuous salad as an appetizer or a light main course, paired wonderfully with a favorite white wine.

Undoubtedly, with the savory Aura cheese, you can transform the ordinary to extraordinary, proving that this Finnish blue cheese is not just a board cheese, but also an excellent cooking cheese. Its strong characterful flavor creates a ripple of richness in your dishes, which everyone will attribute to your extraordinary cooking skills.

Please ensure to store Aura cheese in cool temperatures ideally below ten degrees celsius for optimum freshness and flavor. While Aura’s piquant flavor may not be for everyone’s palette, for those who have developed a strong liking for this distinctive Finnish blue, creating and indulging in these alluring recipes can be a real gustatory adventure.

Pairing Possibilities: Finding the Perfect Complement for Aura Cheese

Aura cheese is a delicious blue mold cheese hailing from Finland. The creamy, semi-soft cheese is produced by the Hermannin Viinitila Oy dairy, and its enchanting flavors has a captivating effect on the palate. Artists at heart, the Finnish producers have created a stunning marriage of blue cheese with aromatic hints of Aura region’s forest berries, which results in a cheese with sophistication, deep sensuality, and an aura of mystique. The marriage of flavors intensifies the delicate balance between sweet and savory and brings out subtle notes of tart acidity. The cheese’s unique flavor profile opens up a world of pairing possibilities that can enhance and complement its inherent nuances.

Given the cheese’s rich, creamy character and subtle hints of sweetness, it pairs excellently with a variety of wines and dishes. Consider the following pairings to welcome the allure of Aura into your culinary repertoire:

• Wines: When combining Aura cheese with wine, consider pairing it with a rich, full-bodied white such as an oaked Chardonnay or a plush, fruity red like a Merlot. The buttery, oak notes found in Chardonnay work harmoniously with the creamy texture and subtly sweet undertones of the Aura cheese. A Merlot, with its soft tannins and notes of ripe red fruits, creates a delightful contrast against the cheese’s savory mold and berry nuances.
• Dishes: When using Aura cheese in cooking, it shines in risottos and pastas. Try incorporating it into a mushroom risotto — the earthiness of mushrooms combined with the creaminess and distinctive, fruity note of the cheese creates a dish that’ll whisk you away to the Finnish forests. It’s also divine melted over a classic steak — its savory yet sweet profile elevating the primal, umami tastes of the meat.

Experimenting with Aura cheese pairings allows you to truly appreciate the nuances of flavor and texture this exquisite Finnish cheese has to offer. Whether paired with a robust wine or incorporated into a savory dish, Aura cheese has the inherent ability to enhance a gastronomic experience, reflecting its creators’ passion and dedication for producing cheese of unrivaled quality and distinctiveness.

Similar Cheeses for Aura Cheese

Aura cheese is a unique and flavorful variety that hails from Finland. It is a creamy, blue-veined cheese with a distinctive savory taste that is loved by cheese enthusiasts around the world. If you enjoy the complex flavors of Aura cheese and are looking for similar cheeses to add to your cheese board or recipes, here are a few recommendations:

1. Gorgonzola: Gorgonzola cheese comes from Italy and is renowned for its blue-green veins and rich, creamy texture. It shares some similarities with Aura cheese, particularly in terms of its pungent aroma and tangy taste.
2. Roquefort: Another well-known blue cheese, Roquefort is a French cheese made from sheep’s milk. It has a crumbly texture and a bold, salty flavor that is slightly milder than Aura cheese. Roquefort also has its own unique aroma, which adds to its appeal.
3. Stilton: Stilton cheese is a classic English blue cheese that is often considered the king of British cheeses. It has a crumbly but creamy texture and a rich, robust flavor. While Stilton is slightly less intense than Aura cheese, it is still a fantastic choice for blue cheese lovers.
4. Cabrales: Cabrales is a Spanish blue cheese that is known for its strong and tangy flavor. It is traditionally made from a blend of cow, sheep, and goat’s milk, giving it a unique profile. Cabrales is often aged in natural limestone caves, which adds to its distinct taste.

These cheeses can be a great addition to your cheese collection if you enjoy the bold and complex flavors of Aura cheese. Whether you’re looking to explore different cheeses for a cheese tasting or want to experiment with new flavors in your favorite recipes, these options provide a range of tastes and textures that are sure to impress.

About the author: Dr. Wolfgang Sender writes on international careers. He is founder of Life-in-Germany.de and Jobs26.com.