How To Create A Cheeseboard Or Grazing Platter
Cheeseboards and grazing platters are a great way to experience a variety of different cheese types and flavours. They are perfect for small gatherings or larger dinner parties. In this article, we look at how to put together the perfect cheeseboard or grazing platter. How to Create a Perfect Cheeseboard or Grazing Platter: When putting together your board or platter, it is important to choose cheeses that will provide a nice variety and appeal to all. Choosing a theme for your platter can help to give it some structure, and help give you some direction when choosing the cheese. Examples of themes may be Orange cheese or Blue cheese. This can ensure variety, such as a mild blue cheese, medium-strength or very strong. Alternatively, you may choose to have cheeses on your platter made with different kinds of milk, for example, cow, ewe or goat. Grazing Platters: Grazing platters are…
How To Pair Cheese And Cider
Cider is perhaps not the first alcohol that comes to mind when you think about pairing cheese. However, when paired correctly, cheese and cider can create a wonderful and unique flavour combination. In this article, we look at the best cheese types to pair with each different type of cider. How to Pair Cheese and Cider: When deciding on a cheese type for your cider, consider whether you prefer complementing or contrasting flavours. This will vastly impact the cheese types you select. If you decide on contrasting flavours, it is important not to be too bold or abstract, as this may overpower each other and ruin the flavours. However, when considering complementing flavours, a good phrase to use is ‘what grows together goes together’. When choosing your cheese type, read the description of the cider which defines the flavour profile. This will heavily influence the cheeses you choose to pair…
Does Cheese Dissolve In Water?
Ever wondered what happens to cheese when placed in water, and whether or not it disappears and dissolves completely? In this article, we look at whether or not cheese will dissolve in water. Does Cheese Dissolve in Water? Cheese will not dissolve in water. This is due to the combination of proteins and water molecules in the cheese. If the cheese has a high salt content or washed in a brine solution, it is more likely to float on water, rather than dissolve. It is common for fresh cheese with a higher water content to separate when placed in water, in comparison to harder cheeses which are denser and have lower water content. To change a cheese from a solid to a liquid state, the cheese is heated and therefore melts. Factors that cause Cheese to Melt: Water Content: The proteins in fresh and soft cheese are more loosely packed…
What Are The Different Types Of Cheddar?
Cheddar cheese is the most well-known and popular cheeses across the world, primarily in the UK, America and Australia. There are a variety of cheddar types, each one boasting a different texture and flavour profile. In this article, we look at the different types of cheddar. What are the Different Types of Cheddar? The type of cheddar you are eating is dependent on how long the cheese has been matured. For example, mature a very mild cheddar for 1-3 months. In contrast, mature a vintage cheddar for anywhere between 12 and 24 months. The flavour profile will also vary vastly, for mild cheddars will be buttery and sweet, whereas vintage cheddar will be more sharp and salty. Where was Cheddar Invented? Traditional cheddar is always made from cows milk and in the UK. Invented during the 12th Century in the town of Cheddar in Somerset, it quickly became popular all…
What Cheese Can I Eat When Pregnant?
All cheese is made in various ways, as well as certain bacterias and moulds present to help it taste a certain way and develop a particular texture. In this article, we look at what cheese can you eat when pregnant? What Cheese can I Eat when Pregnant? It is recommended for pregnant women to eat pasteurised cheese only. This is because some unpasteurised cheese MAY contain harmful bacteria and microorganisms such as E-coli, salmonella or Listeria. Examples of pasteurised cheese include cheddar, manchego, gouda and variations of parmesan. Also, some Swiss cheese may be pasteurised, such as Emmental or Gruyere. What is Pasteurised Cheese? Pasteurised cheese occurs at the early stages of the cheese-making process. It involves heating the milk to 70℃, and then rapidly cooling it. This helps to remove the harmful bacteria in the milk before it is turned into cheese. What is Listeria? Listeria is a form…
What is Cheese?
Cheese comes in a variety of different forms, textures and flavours. Having said that, it is incredibly popular, with cheeseboards and grazing platters often the feature at many dinner parties. Cheese is also great in many different dishes, making it a great allrounder. However, there are many different styles and types of cheese. In this article, we look at what is cheese, as well as the key characteristics that distinguish different cheeses. What is Cheese? Cheese is a dairy product and therefore made from milk. Primarily, the types of kinds of milk used are cow, buffalo, goat and ewe. Dairy contains lactose, which is the milk sugars found in dairy products. If you are ‘lactose intolerant’ this means your small intestine cannot produce enough enzymes to digest the lactose. Similar to other allergies, this can range from mild to severe. Cheese is made up of different fats and proteins found…
Does Orange Cheese Have Dye In It?
Ever wondered why some cheese (particularly cheddar) is sometimes, white, yellow or even orange? There are a variety of different factors that can affect this, including man-made products. In this article, we look at whether orange cheese has dye in it. Does Orange Chees have Dye in it? Orange cheese does have dye in it. Naturally, cheese is white/ buttery yellow, of course, depending on the milk used. Goats milk cheese tends to be very white, whereas cows milk cheese tends to be more yellow. Although naturally, cheese may have a tint in colour, if the cheese is excessively orange, this is due to human intervention. Why does Cheese Vary in Colour? The flavour and colour of cheese come from the quality of the milk produced by the animal, in turn, the milk is affected by what the animal eats. Also, grass naturally contains Beta-Carotene. Bright coloured fruits and vegetables,…
What is Semi-Hard Cheese – All You Need to Know
There are many different styles of cheese, each one with a different flavour and texture profile, as well as made in very different ways. Semi-hard cheese is perhaps one of those categories that gets forgotten or even misinterpreted. However it is the category that holds many of our favourite cheeses! In this article, we look at what is a semi-hard cheese, as well as some examples and their key features that make it distinguishable. What is Semi-Hard Cheese? Semi-hard cheese is the perfect balance in textures as well as flavours. It has a well-rounded texture, between moist and acidic, it also has a mild taste and aroma. Usually, it is made with cows milk can be sweet, buttery and salty in flavour. A common example of a semi-hard cheese is cheddar. How is Semi-Hard Cheese Typically Made? Compressed curds release excess whey (moisture) which causes the cheese to dry out.…
What is Hard Cheese – All You Need to Know
There are many different styles of cheese , each one with a different flavour and texture profile, as well as made in very different ways. In this article, we look at the category of hard cheese; what is a hard cheese, including its characteristics and some examples. What is Hard Cheese? Hard cheese is aged for a longer period, between 6 and 36 months. It is known for its lack of moisture, and therefore to have a dry, crumbly texture. Hard cheese has a strong, sharp, intense flavour. A common example of hard cheese is Parmigiano Reggiano (also known as parmesan). Hard Cheese Texture: The texture of hard cheese is very dry and firm. It can also be gritty and granular. The texture of hard cheese means it is perfect for crumbling and grating into dishes such as pasta or soups. Best enjoyed in smaller quantities so that the rich…
What Causes Cheese to Melt?
Melting cheese is the key principle in many dishes such as pizza, lasagne and mac and cheese, and many more.In this article, we look at what causes cheese to melt, in addition to some examples of the best melting cheeses, as well as the worst melting cheeses, and why this is. What Causes Cheese to Melt? Cheese melts best when there is a good balance between fat and moisture content. When the cheese begins to heat, at around 32℃, the solid milk fats in the cheese liquefy and the cheese starts to soften. The fats then rise to the surface, giving it a greasy like texture.As the cheese continues to heat, the bonds between the proteins eventually collapse, better known as melting. This collapsing (or melting) occurs at different stages depending on the type of cheese. For soft and young cheese (for example mozzarella) it may be around 55℃. Semi-hard…