Question 1

Which hard Italian cheese, often grated over pasta, is named after a city in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy?

Accepted Answer

Parmesan (Parmigiano-Reggiano). Parmigiano-Reggiano can only be produced in a strictly defined area of northern Italy including Parma, Reggio Emilia, and Modena — and wheels must be aged for at least 12 months.

Question 2

What colour is the wax coating traditionally found on a whole Edam cheese?

Accepted Answer

Red. The distinctive red wax coating on Edam was introduced to protect the cheese during long sea voyages, making it one of the world's most widely exported cheeses for centuries.

Question 3

Brie and Camembert are both soft cheeses originating from which country?

Accepted Answer

France. Brie and Camembert are so closely associated with France that Charles de Gaulle famously quipped about the difficulty of governing a country with 246 varieties of cheese.

Question 4

Which Swiss cheese is famous for its large holes, caused by carbon dioxide released by bacteria during the ripening process?

Accepted Answer

Emmental. Emmental's iconic holes, known as 'eyes', are so culturally significant that Swiss cheese regulations actually specify a minimum number of holes required for the cheese to qualify.

Question 5

What is the name of the Italian cheese made from buffalo milk, traditionally served fresh and often paired with tomatoes and basil?

Accepted Answer

Mozzarella di bufala. Mozzarella di bufala Campana has Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, meaning it can only be produced in specific regions of southern Italy, primarily Campania.

Question 6

Which English blue cheese, often called the 'King of English Cheeses', is produced only in the counties of Leicestershire, Derbyshire, and Nottinghamshire?

Accepted Answer

Stilton. Stilton's PDO status means that even a cheese made to the exact same recipe but produced outside those three counties cannot legally be called Stilton.

Question 7

Halloumi, the squeaky grilling cheese beloved at barbecues, originates from which Mediterranean island?

Accepted Answer

Cyprus. Cyprus was granted PDO protection for Halloumi/Hellim in 2021, meaning only cheese produced on the island can officially carry the name.

Question 8

Which Italian cheese, produced in Sardinia and known for containing live insect larvae, is considered one of the world's most controversial foods?

Accepted Answer

Casu marzu. Casu marzu — meaning 'rotten cheese' in Sardinian — contains live maggots that can jump up to 15 centimetres when disturbed, leading some diners to shield their eyes while eating it.

Question 9

The French cheese Roquefort must by law be aged in the natural caves of which mountain in the south of France?

Accepted Answer

Combalou. Roquefort's PDO status legally requires it to be aged exclusively in the natural Combalou caves near Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, where the unique airflow through natural fissures creates the perfect conditions for its distinctive blue mould.

Question 10

The pungent washed-rind cheese Époisses de Bourgogne is traditionally rinsed during its ripening with a local pomace brandy. What is that brandy called?

Accepted Answer

Marc de Bourgogne. Époisses was reportedly Napoleon's favourite cheese, and it is one of the few cheeses banned from French public transport due to its powerful smell.

🧠 Cheese Quiz

Cheese Quiz — Questions and Answers

Cheese

1easyWhich hard Italian cheese, often grated over pasta, is named after a city in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy?

2easyWhat colour is the wax coating traditionally found on a whole Edam cheese?

3easyBrie and Camembert are both soft cheeses originating from which country?

4mediumWhich Swiss cheese is famous for its large holes, caused by carbon dioxide released by bacteria during the ripening process?

5mediumWhat is the name of the Italian cheese made from buffalo milk, traditionally served fresh and often paired with tomatoes and basil?

6mediumWhich English blue cheese, often called the 'King of English Cheeses', is produced only in the counties of Leicestershire, Derbyshire, and Nottinghamshire?

7mediumHalloumi, the squeaky grilling cheese beloved at barbecues, originates from which Mediterranean island?

8hardWhich Italian cheese, produced in Sardinia and known for containing live insect larvae, is considered one of the world's most controversial foods?

9hardThe French cheese Roquefort must by law be aged in the natural caves of which mountain in the south of France?

10hardThe pungent washed-rind cheese Époisses de Bourgogne is traditionally rinsed during its ripening with a local pomace brandy. What is that brandy called?