Cheese is more than just peeling back the wrapper on a slice of
American cheese. There are proper buying, storage and serving
procedures that will help maintain freshness and ensure enhanced
flavor and texture.
When buying cheese consider these three items.
1) Where to Shop
- Choose a reliable source such as a specialty market or gourmet
grocery store.
- Find a cheese only market or a cheese restaurant. Many large
metropolitan areas have restaurants that serve only cheese and
wine.
- Shop at a gourmet food store that specializes in cheese.
2) Amount to Purchase
- Buy only what will be consumed with in a few days. Flavors and
aroma of fine cheeses change over time in a home refrigerator.
3) Characteristics of Cheese
- Cheese should present the characteristics of that particular
style. The interior should not have cracks, mold or
discoloration in any form.
- Natural rind cheeses have a rustic appearance. The rind on the
outside of these cheeses is a side product of production. Blue
or Roquefort styles will have some mold and cracks; this is a
normal characteristic of these types of cheeses.
- Taste and sample. Follow your pallet and choose flavors that
appeal to you.
Storage Guide
When you fist bring cheese home remove it from the plastic wrap
or plastic bag it has come in. This type of storage is only good
for transporting the cheese from shop to home. Re-wrap the
cheese in waxed paper or parchment paper. This will allow the
air and moisture to circulate around the cheese. Air and
moisture are integral to keeping the cheese in the best possible
condition.
Serving Guide
When serving cheese serve no more than 5 varieties at a time.
Vary the size, shape, flavor and texture to add interest. Choose
a wooden board or marble slab to serve on. If you have a silver
tray with a wood insert this is an elegant way to add a special
touch. Remember to never crowd the serving tray and place bread
or fancy crackers on a separate tray. If the cheeses served have
strong distinctive flavors use separate trays and serving
utensils. Mild flavors will pick up aromas and tastes from
stronger flavored cheese.
Cheese can be accompanied by fresh ripe fruit such as apples,
pears, grapes, strawberries, fresh figs, or melon. Even thin
sliced onions are a delightful accompaniment. Remember to slice
all the fruit, onions and bread thin and in bite size pieces.
As a desert, cheese can be very elegant, or as a light course
after the entree and before desert. When serving as an appetizer
cheese should be coupled with a light dinner due to the filling
nature of most cheeses.
Serving cheese chilled or at room temperature is a matter of
personal preference. Room temperature cheese has more flavor and
distinctive characteristics than chilled cheese. Room
temperature can be achieved by leaving the cheese out for 30
minutes before serving. Remember to keep watch that the cheese
does not get to warm and begin to sweat.
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