What is a characteristic feature of semi-soft cheeses?

A defining characteristic of semi-soft cheeses is their high moisture content and flexibility. These cheeses typically contain a significant amount of water, which contributes to their creamy texture and allows them to be easily sliced and melted. This combination of moisture and pliability is what sets semi-soft cheeses apart from other types, such as hard cheeses, which are firmer and drier.

Semi-soft varieties, such as Brie, Gouda, and Havarti, showcase this feature, making them versatile for various culinary applications, from cold cheese platters to melting in recipes. Their structure results from specific production methods that maintain moisture while allowing for some firmness, thus providing that unique balancing act of being both soft yet sliceable.

While flavor and aroma can indeed vary in cheeses, they aren't exclusively tied to the semi-soft category, as these qualities can be found across all cheese types. Similarly, low-fat considerations do not apply uniformly across this group; there are semi-soft cheeses that contain higher fat content, just as they come in different flavor profiles. Lastly, semi-soft cheeses are not characterized by hardness, as their key attributes stem from their moisture and texture.