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How to Buy, Store and Serve Cheese
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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