Why I Absolutely Love Cheese – and How You Can Too

by Anne Kjellgren @ Food Wine and Flavor | Feb 5, 2025 | Brie, Cheddar, Cheese Tastings, Food, Foundations, Gouda, Swiss

sliced bread with sliced strawberries and sliced fruits on clear glass plate
Photo by solod_sha on Pexels.com

Tasting cheese is a sensory experience that involves using all of your senses to fully appreciate the flavor, texture, and aroma of different cheeses. Here are some steps to follow when tasting cheese:

  1. Choose your cheese - Start by selecting a cheese that you want to taste. Choose a variety that you are unfamiliar with, or one that you haven't tried in a while.
  2. Let the cheese come to room temperature - Cheese is best tasted at room temperature, so let it sit out of the refrigerator for at least an hour before tasting.
  3. Use the right tools - Use a cheese board or plate to present the cheese, and provide a separate knife for each cheese to avoid mixing flavors. A neutral cracker or bread can also be used to cleanse the palate between cheeses.
  4. Observe the cheese - Take a close look at the cheese. Notice the color, texture, and any visual characteristics such as rind, eyes or holes.
  5. Smell the cheese - Bring the cheese to your nose and take a deep breath. Notice any aromas that are present. Different cheeses will have different aromas, ranging from earthy and nutty to floral and fruity.
  6. Taste the cheese - Take a small piece of cheese and place it on your tongue. Allow it to melt in your mouth and coat your tongue. Notice the texture, creaminess, and any flavors that are present. Move the cheese around in your mouth to experience the different flavors.
  7. Consider the finish - The finish of a cheese refers to the lingering flavors and aftertaste. Does the cheese leave a pleasant aftertaste or an unpleasant one?
  8. Pair with complementary flavors - Cheese can be paired with a variety of complementary flavors, such as fruit, nuts, crackers, bread, and wine. Experiment with different pairings to find your favorite combinations.

Remember to take your time and savor each cheese. Tasting cheese is a subjective experience, and everyone's preferences are different. Try new cheeses, and have fun exploring the world of cheese tasting.

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