The Basics of Appreciating Cheese - Everything you need to know!

The Art of Cheese-Making

Cheese-making is an ancient process that transforms milk into a rich, flavourful delicacy.

While methods vary, the basic process involves curdling milk, separating the curds (solid parts) from the whey (liquid), and then pressing, aging, or flavouring the curds. Each step in this process—whether it's using cow, sheep or goat milk, adding certain cultures, or aging in specific conditions—impacts the final flavour and texture.

• Milk Type: The type of milk used is foundational to the cheese’s character. Cow’s milk cheeses are creamy and mild, while sheep’s milk is richer and tangier. Goat’s milk offers a distinct tanginess, and buffalo milk creates a smooth, buttery texture.
• Cultures and Rennet: Cultures (bacteria that acidify the milk) and rennet (an enzyme that curdles it) influence texture and flavour. Cultures help develop the cheese’s character, creating flavours ranging from mild to tangy.
• Aging Process: The aging (or maturation) of cheese impacts its texture, flavour, and aroma. Fresh cheeses are soft and mild, while aged cheeses become firmer, stronger, and more complex over time.
  

Types of Cheese

One of the best ways to start appreciating cheese is by learning the different types.

These categories, while broad, help you understand the range of flavors and textures available.

• Fresh Cheeses: These are young, unaged cheeses with high moisture content. They’re soft, spreadable, and have a mild flavour profile. Examples include ricotta, cream cheese, and chèvre (goat cheese).
• Soft-Ripened Cheeses: Known for their soft, edible rinds, soft-ripened cheeses like Brie and Camembert are creamy and sometimes oozy. They’re aged briefly, developing a mild to intense flavour as they ripen.
• Semi-Hard Cheeses: Firmer than soft cheeses, these cheeses have a springy or dense texture. They range from mild to nutty and include varieties like gouda, Havarti, and young cheddar.
• Hard Cheeses: Aged for extended periods, hard cheeses are firm, crumbly, and often salty. They have intense flavours, such as the nutty Parmigiano-Reggiano, aged cheddar, and Manchego.
• Blue Cheeses: Recognised by blue or green veins, these cheeses are injected with Penicillium mould. Blue cheeses like Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Stilton are bold, salty, and pungent, with a creamy, crumbly texture.
• Washed-Rind Cheeses: These cheeses are washed in brine or alcohol, creating a distinctive, often orange, rind and a strong aroma. Examples include Epoisses and Munster, known for their pungent smell and complex flavours.

Cheese Tasting Basics

Cheese tasting allows you to experience each cheese’s unique qualities.

Here’s how to approach cheese tasting to fully appreciate each bite:

Step 1: Observe

Before tasting, take a moment to look at the cheese. Notice its colour, texture, and rind.

• Colour: Cheeses range from pale white to deep yellow or even orange, influenced by milk type, diet of the animals, and aging process.
• Texture: Touch the cheese to feel its firmness. Is it soft and pliable, crumbly, or hard and dense?
• Rind: Observe the rind (if present). Some cheeses have a natural rind, others have a bloomy white rind, and some are washed or brushed to create a unique crust.

Step 2: Smell

Much of cheese appreciation comes through the sense of smell. Take a moment to inhale the cheese’s aroma.

• Intensity: Is the smell mild, strong, or pungent? Fresh cheeses have milder aromas, while aged or washed-rind cheeses tend to be more aromatic.
• Scent Notes: Cheese can have a wide range of scents, from buttery and nutty to earthy, grassy, or even barnyard-like. Smelling helps you anticipate the flavors.

Step 3: Taste

Now, take a small bite and let it melt on your tongue.

Try to identify the different flavours and textures as you taste.

• First Impressions: Note the initial flavours. Is it salty, sweet, sour, or bitter?
• Texture: Chew slowly to experience the cheese’s texture—creamy, crumbly, firm, or gooey.
• Flavor Development: Observe how the flavours evolve. Complex cheeses often change as they warm in your mouth, revealing different layers of taste.
• Finish: Some cheeses leave a lingering aftertaste, which can range from mild to robust. A longer finish often indicates a more complex cheese.

Exploring Flavour Profiles

Cheeses vary widely in flavour, making each one a unique tasting experience.

Here are common flavour notes to help you identify what you enjoy:

• Creamy and Buttery: Fresh cheeses, like mozzarella or cream cheese, are often mild, with a light, buttery flavour that’s universally pleasing.
• Nutty and Sweet: Aged cheeses like Gouda or Parmigiano-Reggiano develop a nutty, caramelised flavour profile.
• Earthy and Grassy: Farmhouse and soft-ripened cheeses, especially those made from goat’s milk, can have earthy, grassy flavours that reflect the terroir.
• Salty and Pungent: Blue cheeses and certain hard cheeses are typically saltier and more intense, with a sharp, piquant finish.
• Funky and Aromatic: Washed-rind cheeses are known for their strong, distinctive aromas and flavors. While they may have a pungent smell, the flavours are often creamy and rich.

Pairing Cheese with Food and Drink

The right pairing can enhance the flavours of cheese, making it an integral part of the tasting experience.

Here’s a guide to basic pairings:

• Wine and Cheese Pairing: The traditional pairing, wine complements cheese by matching or contrasting its flavours. White wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pair well with soft cheeses, while red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon match with hard, aged cheeses.
• Beer and Cheese Pairing: Beer, with its carbonation and variety of flavors, is surprisingly versatile with cheese. Light lagers go well with mild cheeses, while stouts and porters match with strong, sharp cheeses.
• Honey and Jams: A sweet component, like honey or fruit jam, pairs beautifully with salty or tangy cheeses, adding contrast and enhancing flavors.
• Fresh Fruits and Nuts: Apples, pears, grapes, and nuts bring out the best in cheese. The natural sugars in fruit complement savory cheeses, while nuts add texture.
• Charcuterie and Bread: Pairing cheese with cured meats, olives, and crusty bread creates a well-rounded tasting experience, adding saltiness and umami flavours.

The Importance of Temperature and Storage

To get the most out of cheese tasting, it’s essential to serve and store it properly:

• Serving Temperature: Cheese is best served at room temperature to allow its flavours and textures to shine. Remove cheese from the fridge about 30-60 minutes before serving.
• Storage: Cheese should be stored in the refrigerator but allowed to breathe. Wrap hard cheeses in wax paper, then plastic wrap, while softer cheeses can be kept in their original wrapping or a plastic container.

Building a Cheese Board

A well-curated cheese board is an excellent way to appreciate a range of cheeses.

Here’s how to create a balanced cheese board for an enjoyable tasting experience:

• Select a Variety: Include a range of textures and flavors by selecting different types, such as a soft cheese (Brie), a semi-hard cheese (Gouda), a hard cheese (Cheddar), and a blue cheese (Stilton).
• Add Pairing Elements: Enhance the board with fruits, nuts, olives, honey, and charcuterie to complement the cheese flavours.
• Arrange with Care: Arrange cheeses from mild to strong, allowing tasters to move from subtle flavours to more intense ones.

Expanding Your Palate

Like wine, appreciating cheese is a journey.

Here’s how to expand your palate and deepen your cheese knowledge:

• Try New Cheeses Regularly: Experiment with different types, regions, and aging styles. The more cheeses you try, the better you’ll understand what you enjoy.
• Learn About Regions and Origins: Knowing the origin of a cheese enhances your appreciation. For example, Parmigiano-Reggiano from Italy has a unique, complex flavour influenced by the Italian landscape.
• Visit a Cheese Shop or Tasting Event: A dedicated cheese shop or tasting event offers a range of options and expertise, providing insights into flavour profiles and ideal pairings.

Summing it up.

Cheese appreciation invites you into a world of delightful flavours, textures, and aromas that captivate all the senses.

By understanding the basics of cheese varieties, tasting techniques, and pairing options, each bite transforms into a memorable experience. Whether crafting a cheese board, savouring a single piece, or pairing cheese with wine, every tasting offers the chance to uncover something fresh and exciting.

With a bit of practice and curiosity, you’ll find yourself fully immersed in the rich, flavourful universe of cheese.

Enjoy the journey, and remember that every taste holds a story to be discovered.