Patrick Oconnell
There are countless varieties of cheese available, and choosing the right one can be a daunting task. The best way to find a good-quality cheese that suits your taste is to visit a local, independent cheese shop and talk to a cheesemonger about what's in stock. If you don't have access to a local cheese shop, you can always buy cheese online, which offers a wide variety of options, or from the specialty cheese counters at your local grocery store. When buying cheese, it's important to consider factors such as flavour, texture, packaging, and brand reputation. Sampling different cheeses and learning about their unique characteristics can help you discover new favourites and make informed purchases.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Cheddar, mozzarella, comte, Gruyère, blue cheese, goat cheese, Camembert, pimento cheese, etc. |
| Source | Local cheese shop, direct-selling farm, online stores, or supermarkets |
| Season | Cheese availability varies by season, and things like weather and animals' diets can impact the flavor. |
| Taste | Should taste purely of milky, smooth, pleasant, and sweet cream flavors. |
| Texture | Should not be too soft or squishy, as that may indicate the presence of excess water, which affects taste. |
| Rind | Younger cheeses should have a blue, bloomy, and edible rind. Older, harder cheeses should have a firm rind. |
| Smell | Some good-quality cheeses have an unsavory smell, especially smear-ripened cheeses like Raclette or Limburger. |
| Packaging | Pre-cut pieces can take on a plasticky flavor after a few days. |
| Brand | Higher-quality cheeses usually belong to brands that invest in telling their stories. Look for certifications, awards, etc. |
| Age | Older cheeses are likely to be more expensive due to the cost of aging. |
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What You'll Learn
Shop at independent, cut-to-order stores or online
When it comes to buying good-quality cheese, shopping at independent, cut-to-order stores or online offers several advantages.
Firstly, independent cheese shops often have knowledgeable staff called cheesemongers who can guide your purchase. Cheesemongers can answer your questions, recommend cheeses based on your preferences, and provide samples for tasting. They understand that cheese is a living product, with flavour and texture that continue to evolve, and they prioritise keeping their products fresh and flavourful. By engaging with cheesemongers, you can learn about different cheeses, discover new favourites, and make informed purchases.
Cut-to-order stores also offer flexibility in terms of quantity. If you're on a tight budget, you can buy smaller pieces, typically with a minimum order of a quarter pound. This way, you can explore a variety of cheeses without committing to large quantities. Additionally, cut-to-order cheeses are often fresher, and the cheesemonger can cut the cheese to your desired size, ensuring it meets your specific needs.
If you don't have access to local cheese shops, online cheese stores provide a convenient alternative. They offer a vast selection of cheeses, ranging from crowd-pleasing, inexpensive options to unique, artisanal creations from small producers. Online shopping allows you to discover and purchase cheeses from different regions and countries, expanding your options beyond what's typically available in your local area. Websites often provide detailed descriptions, tasting notes, and pairing suggestions, helping you make informed choices.
When buying cheese online, pay attention to shipping policies, especially when ordering soft cheeses that are more perishable. Some online retailers offer tailored shipping methods to ensure your cheese arrives in optimal condition.
Whether you shop at independent stores or online, you can benefit from the expertise of cheesemongers, explore a diverse range of cheeses, and ultimately discover and enjoy good-quality cheeses that suit your tastes.
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Check the rind for freshness
When it comes to buying good-quality cheese, checking the rind for freshness is essential. While not all cheeses have rinds, and some are coated in inedible substances like wax, cloth, or bark that should be discarded, many cheeses have edible rinds that contribute to their flavour and texture.
For example, the rind of a Brie cheese should be slightly firm but not slimy or sticky. A healthy Brie rind is usually white or off-white, sometimes with slight brownish or grayish patches that are part of its natural bloom. However, be cautious if you observe unusual colours like blue, green, black, or pink mould that aren't part of the natural bloom, as these could indicate the growth of potentially harmful mould species. Additionally, excessive or rapidly spreading fuzz, sliminess, or stickiness could suggest bacterial growth.
Similarly, washed rinds, which are created by cheesemakers using a secondary culture, often have a reddish-orange colour and a sticky texture. While these rinds may seem unappetizing, they are safe to eat and contribute to the cheese's flavour. However, if you notice light crystallization on washed rinds, it may indicate that the cheese is overripe, and you may prefer to avoid eating the rind in this case.
When in doubt, trust your senses. A fresh cheese rind should convey quality and freshness through its appearance, texture, and smell. A pristine rind should have a uniform colour, a slightly fuzzy or downy texture, and a mild aroma. Any significant deviations from these characteristics may indicate spoilage or overripeness, and you can decide whether to consume the rind accordingly.
Remember, while some people choose to avoid eating rinds due to their texture or flavour, most rinds are safe to eat and can even enhance your cheese-tasting experience by providing a contrast in texture and adding to the cheese's overall flavour profile.
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Assess the cheese body
The body of a cheese refers to its texture. This is different from the cheese's texture, which graders use to refer to the openness of the cheese. The body of the cheese is an important factor in determining its quality.
When assessing the body of a cheese, there are several defects you should look out for. A cheese body may be described as crumbly or short, which is often due to excess salt or acid. A corky body is caused by overcooking, low fat, low moisture, or excess salt. A mealy body can be detected on the palate or by massaging the cheese between the thumb and forefinger, and is usually associated with excess acidity. A pasty body will stick to the palate and fingers, caused by excess moisture. A weak body breaks down too quickly when worked by hand, due to excess fat or moisture.
The texture of the cheese, or its openness, may be desirable depending on the type of cheese and the cause of the openings. Mechanical openings are holes of irregular shape caused by trapped whey. A cheese may also be described as having a texture that is too open, grainy, with pin holes, gummy, or lacking creaminess.
The cheese body is also closely related to its flavour. Acid flavour, for example, is often associated with an acid body. A bitter flavour may also indicate a body defect.
When assessing the body of a cheese, it is important to note that the cheese's appearance, flavour, and texture should remain near-identical each time to maintain consumer confidence and loyalty.
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Consider the packaging
When it comes to buying good-quality cheese, considering the packaging is essential. While pre-cut pieces may be convenient, they can take on a plasticky flavour after a few days. To avoid this, it is advisable to ask the cheesemonger to cut a fresh piece for you if that option is available. If you do opt for pre-cut, plastic-wrapped cheese, consider repackaging it in cheese paper or cheese bags at home to maintain freshness and flavour.
It is worth noting that some cheesemakers design their packaging to extend shelf life, retain flavour, and improve transportability. For example, Rogue Creamery's foiled wedges and Jasper Hill's flow-wrapped pieces are designed by the cheesemakers themselves to keep their cheeses as delicious as possible. While this type of packaging may appear less "fancy", it is carefully crafted to ensure quality.
When examining the packaging, it is also important to inspect the cheese for any signs of discoloration, which could indicate improper storage or handling. A skilled buyer should also be wary of cheeses that are affected by light or oxygen, as these elements can cause oxidation, leading to degradation, discolouration, and an unpleasant taste and smell. Therefore, cheese wrapped in cheesecloth and paper may be preferable as it helps to reduce the impact of oxidation.
Additionally, the rind of the cheese can provide valuable information about its quality. Younger cheeses should have a blue, bloomy, and edible rind, while older, harder cheeses should have a somewhat firm rind that still yields to pressure. A hard, impenetrable rind may suggest lower-quality manufacturing or prolonged storage. If you notice any signs of rot or unusual growth on the rind, it is best to avoid purchasing that cheese.
Finally, the brand's identity and packaging design can also be indicative of cheese quality. Higher-quality cheeses often belong to brands that invest in sharing their stories and showcasing their credentials. Look for certifications, awards, and other indicators on the packaging that demonstrate the brand's commitment to quality.
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Ask the cheesemonger for recommendations
If you're unsure about which cheese to buy, asking the cheesemonger for recommendations is a great idea. They are trained experts and can guide you towards cheeses that you're likely to enjoy. They can also answer any questions you might have about the cheese. For instance, if you're unsure about the quality of the cheese, you could ask the cheesemonger. They will be able to tell you if the cheese is in good condition or not.
Cheese is a living thing, and its flavour and texture continue to evolve after it is cut. Cheesemongers are responsible for keeping the products fresh and flavourful. They can tell you about the cheese's origin, the type of milk used, the production process, and the cheese's unique characteristics. They can also recommend cheeses that pair well with your meal or occasion.
If you're buying cheese from a counter, it's best to ask the cheesemonger to cut a fresh piece for you. Pre-cut pieces can take on a plasticky flavour after a few days. If you're buying cheese that's already packaged, you can ask the cheesemonger about the best way to store it. They might recommend cheese paper or cheese bags to maintain freshness and flavour.
Cheesemongers can also help you navigate the countless options at the grocery store. They can recommend their current favourites or introduce you to "gateway cheeses"—nine types of cheese with distinct characteristics. From there, you can explore a larger group of cheeses with increasing flavour intensity. This way, you can discover new cheeses that align with your taste preferences.
If you're on a budget, cheesemongers at cut-to-order shops can help you find smaller portions at a lower cost. They can cut any size for you, and you can often buy pieces as small as a quarter of a pound. This way, you can explore different cheeses without breaking the bank.
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Frequently asked questions
If you have a local cheese shop, that's a great place to start. You can talk to the cheesemongers about what's in stock and tasting great, and you may be able to sample before you buy. If not, many online cheese stores offer high-quality, exotic, and gourmet options.
Look for a store with a large selection of both international and domestic cheese. Check the shipping policies, especially if you're buying soft cheeses, as these are more perishable and need to be delivered quickly.
Check the rind. On younger cheeses, look for an edible rind with a blue, bloomy colour. Rinds on older, harder cheeses should be firm but penetrable. Avoid hard, impenetrable rinds, as this may be a sign of lower-quality manufacturing.
Check the cheese body, or texture. If it's softer and squishier than it should be, it may be too young or contain too much water, which can affect the taste. Also, check the packaging. Pre-cut pieces can take on a plasticky flavour after a few days, so it's best to ask the cheesemonger to cut a fresh piece for you.
If you're buying from a local shop or grocery store, ask the cheesemonger for their current favourite or recommendations based on your preferences. If you're buying online, use the filter tools on the websites of top cheese brands to narrow down your options.
