What is the main difference between hard and soft cheeses?

The main difference between hard and soft cheeses lies in their moisture content. Hard cheeses contain lower moisture levels, which contributes to their dense and firm texture. This lower moisture also affects how they are aged and their flavor intensity, leading to a sharper taste. On the other hand, soft cheeses have higher moisture levels, resulting in a creamier texture and often a milder flavor. The moisture content is a fundamental factor that influences the overall characteristics of the cheese, including its texture, storage requirements, and even the way it is served and enjoyed.

While fat content, flavor profile, and aging processes can vary greatly among different cheese types, these aspects are not the primary distinguishing factors between hard and soft cheeses. Moisture content is key to defining the classification of cheeses as either hard or soft and plays a critical role in their production and characteristics.