About Horseradish Cheese
Horseradish cheese can be made from many different types of cheeses, but the most common are American, cheddar and processed cheese (such as Velveeta). Horseradish cheese gives snacks and hors d'oeuvres a pungent, spicy bite, tempting the palate.
History
Horseradish cheese uses horseradish as its main ingredient. Horseradish is a perennial plant classified with mustard, cabbages and wasabi. It is of the Brassicaceae family. The plant is native to western Asia and southeastern Europe. The root is used in food applications. The root itself is not that spicy, but grating the root damages cells, which then release a mustard oil. It is the mustard oil that gives grated horseradish its pungent taste. Mustard oil will also make your eyes water.
Function
Horseradish cheese can be formed, as in a block of cheese or a softer log used for hors d'oeuvres. It can also be used as a dip or spread if made with a soft cheese or processed cheese. Its most popular use is in hors d'oeuvre recipes, spread or sliced and placed on crackers.
Geography
Horseradish cheese is not specific to any one area, and can be found throughout the United States. The horseradish plant, while originating in western Asia and southeastern Europe, is now grown all over the world.
Identification
Horseradish cheese comes in blocks or as dips and spreads. You may even see it as a log, particularly in cheese and sausage gift baskets. It may come in anything up to a 10-pound block of cheese, if made from a harder cheese, such as cheddar, to an 8-ounce container of spread. A simple horseradish cheese spread is made from melting one pound of Velveeta, then stirring in one cup of mayonnaise and one-half cup of grated horseradish and allowed to cool.
Benefits
Horseradish is known to have some health benefits. It has been used to treat bronchitis, sinus problems and urinary tract infections. It is said that the compounds found in horseradish kill certain bacterial strains. It is higher in vitamin C than oranges or lemons. It stimulates the gastric system and, when infused with wine and because of its diuretic properties, causes you to sweat, sweating out any impurities.
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