Blue cheese is good to cook with as so little is needed, it has been claimed.

Varieties such as stilton, which can be found in gift hampers, have a strong and tangy flavour resulting from veins created by mould cultures, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Darlene Zimmerman of Henry Ford Hospital explained that although the unique ingredient is high in fat, it can be incorporated into dishes in a way that is healthy.

"The trick to making it an appropriate ingredient in a Heart Smart recipe is the amount used. Because the flavour is so intense, a little blue cheese goes a long way," she said.

Ms Zimmerman noted that colour and texture can vary between different batches depending on how they have been aged and treated.

Earlier this month, the Globe and Mail reported on the appearance of a new blue on the market which is a smoother alternative to the traditional style - Devil's Rock Creamy Blue.