Frederic Melton
Armenian string cheese, or Sun-Ni cheese, is a traditional Armenian cheese brought to the US in the 1920s by Kosrof DerOhanessian. It is made with 100% whole cow's milk and seasoned with nigella seeds, salt, and sometimes mahleb. Armenian string cheese is often braided and has a mild, moist, and smooth texture with a nutty flavour. It can be served as a snack, paired with fruits like green grapes, or incorporated into meals like soup and sandwiches.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Armenian string cheese, similar to fresh mozzarella but saltier |
| Texture | Mild, moist, smooth, and stretchy |
| Flavour | Mild with a nutty accent, seasoned with nigella seeds, salt, and a pinch of mahleb |
| Colour | Snow-white |
| Dietary Requirements | Kosher |
| Serving Suggestions | Served with green grapes at parties |
| Manufacturer | Sun-Ni Cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Serve with green grapes
Armenian string cheese is a delicious and unique treat, perfect for sharing with friends and family. It is a mild, earthy, and mellow cheese with a distinctive stringy texture and a pleasantly squeaky chew. The cheese is typically made from goat's or sheep's milk, seasoned with nigella seeds, and braided into a thick circular shape.
When serving Armenian string cheese with green grapes, consider the following tips to elevate your cheese platter:
Presentation and Preparation:
Before serving, carefully unwrap the braid and cut through one end of the loop. Gently separate the cheese into thin strands, creating a flossy pile of string cheese. You can leave the strands in various widths to allow your guests to partake in the stringing themselves. This interactive aspect adds a fun and engaging element to your cheese course.
Flavour Combinations:
The mild and salty flavour of Armenian string cheese pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of green grapes. The grapes provide a refreshing contrast to the savoury notes of the cheese. Additionally, consider serving the cheese with other complementary flavours such as Kalamata olives, pistachios, or fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers. These additions will create a well-rounded and colourful platter.
Accompaniments:
To enhance your cheese and grape pairing, serve Armenian-style breads such as chorag or simit on the side. These breads have a texture and flavour profile that beautifully complements the string cheese. You could also offer a bowl of traditional Armenian coffee to round off the experience.
Occasion:
Armenian string cheese with green grapes is a versatile pairing suitable for various occasions. It can be a delightful afternoon snack, a fun appetiser for a dinner party, or even a unique addition to a celebration or special event. Its interactive nature and delicious flavour make it a crowd-pleaser and a memorable part of your gathering.
By following these suggestions, you can create a delightful and memorable cheese course, combining the unique Armenian string cheese with the refreshing sweetness of green grapes. Enjoy the interplay of flavours and textures as you indulge in this special treat with your guests.
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Pair with apples
Armenian string cheese is a delicious, mild, and moist cheese with a nutty accent flavour. It is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including being paired with apples for a delicious and refreshing snack.
When pairing Armenian string cheese with apples, it is important to consider the type of apple that will complement the cheese best. Some popular apple varieties that go well with cheese include Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Braeburn apples. These apples have a balance of sweetness and acidity that can complement the nutty and salty flavours of the Armenian string cheese.
To prepare this pairing, simply slice or chop the apples into wedges or thin slices. You can leave the skin on the apples for added texture and colour. Arrange the apple slices on a platter or plate, and then place the desired amount of Armenian string cheese alongside or on top of the apples.
For an extra touch of flavour and presentation, you can also add some garnishes or toppings to the apples and cheese. Consider using chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans, dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries, or even a drizzle of honey. These additions can enhance the flavours of both the apples and the cheese, creating a delightful and elegant pairing.
Armenian string cheese and apples can be served as a snack or appetiser and are sure to impress your guests or simply satisfy your own cheese cravings. Enjoy the sweet and salty combination that this pairing has to offer!
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Enjoy as a snack on its own
Armenian string cheese is a delicious snack on its own. It is a mild, moist, and smooth cheese with a nutty accent flavour. The cheese is made with 100% whole cow's milk and is seasoned with mahleb, nigella seeds, and a pinch of salt. The nigella seeds add a lovely black speckled appearance to the cheese.
Armenian string cheese is a great snack option for those who are always on the go. It is a perfect choice for a quick bite when you are running late for work or school. The cheese is also a healthy snack option, as it is made with all-natural ingredients and does not contain any artificial additives or preservatives.
The cheese is also a great option for those who are looking for a satisfying and tasty snack. The stringy texture of the cheese makes it a fun and interactive snack to eat. You can peel and stretch the cheese, making it a fun and enjoyable snack experience. The cheese is also not too heavy or filling, so it can be enjoyed as a light snack without ruining your appetite for your next meal.
Armenian string cheese is a versatile snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. It can be a great morning or afternoon snack to tide you over between meals. It is also a perfect late-night snack when you are craving something salty and tasty. The cheese is individually packaged, making it convenient to grab and go whenever you need a quick snack.
Overall, Armenian string cheese is a delicious and enjoyable snack on its own. It is a great option for those who are looking for a tasty, healthy, and convenient snack option. The mild and nutty flavour, moist texture, and fun stringy texture make it a satisfying and enjoyable snack experience. So, if you are looking for a new and exciting snack to add to your repertoire, be sure to give Armenian string cheese a try!
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Accompany with a glass of wine
Armenian string cheese is a traditional Armenian cheese known for its distinctive stringy and fibrous texture. It is typically made from goat's or sheep's milk, seasoned with nigella seeds, and occasionally black caraway seeds. The cheese is formed into a thick, circular braid, which can be unwound to create stringy shreds, perfect for snacking.
When serving Armenian string cheese, it is recommended to pair it with a glass of wine, particularly a red wine such as a Pinot Noir or a Merlot. The earthy and peppery notes in these wines complement the savoury, slightly acidic, and salty flavours of the cheese. For a more elegant and refined presentation, the cheese can be served on a platter with Armenian-style breads, such as chorag or simit, along with fresh fruits, olives, and other Mediterranean snacks.
To enhance the overall experience, consider the following suggestions:
- Presentation: Arrange the cheese on a wooden board or a slate platter, accompanied by small bowls of olives, pistachios, and sliced cucumbers and tomatoes. Provide a small knife or cheese cutter, allowing guests to cut the desired amount of cheese from the braid.
- Wine Pairing: Offer a medium-bodied red wine, such as a Pinot Noir, which has a fruity profile with hints of cherry, plum, and spice. Alternatively, a Merlot, with its notes of blackberry, plum, and herbal flavours, can also complement the cheese's savoury profile.
- Temperature: Ensure that the cheese is served at room temperature to enhance its stringy texture and flavour. Remove it from the refrigerator about an hour before serving to allow it to warm slightly.
- Occasion: Armenian string cheese can be a delightful addition to a wine and cheese night or a casual get-together with friends. It is a conversation starter, as guests can enjoy the interactive experience of pulling apart the cheese strands.
- Storage: If you have purchased the cheese in a braid form, it is best to store it in the refrigerator, wrapped in wax or parchment paper. You can also freeze the cheese, but remember to defrost it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
By following these suggestions, you can create a delightful sensory experience, combining the flavours and textures of Armenian string cheese with a glass of wine for a memorable culinary journey.
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Include in a cheese board
Armenian string cheese, also known as Chechil, is a traditional Armenian cheese characterised by its distinctive stringy and fibrous texture. It is made from drained and heated, seasoned milk curds. To form the strings, the curds are kneaded once warm, pulled into a rope, and then plaited into its signature braid shape. It is a fun snack for kids and adults alike, who can enjoy unbraiding it and eating it strand by strand.
Armenian string cheese is a great addition to a cheese board. Its unique texture and taste will be a conversation starter at any gathering. When preparing a cheese board, it is recommended to leave the cheese in various widths so that guests can partake in the stringing process. You can serve the cheese in two bowls, one with finer, thinner strands and one with thicker ones. This will allow your guests to experience the cheese in different ways and enjoy its versatility.
Armenian string cheese pairs well with a variety of foods, enhancing the overall cheese board experience. It is commonly enjoyed with bread, olives, and fresh vegetables. For a more authentic Armenian experience, serve it with chorag, simit, or other Armenian-style breads, along with fruit, olives, and traditional Armenian coffee. The salty and airy nature of the cheese also makes it a great pairing with Kalamata olives and pistachios, creating a delicious and low-maintenance appetiser.
Armenian string cheese can also be used in recipes or melted into dishes. Its ability to melt beautifully makes it perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches or as a stuffing in pastries. The cheese's versatility extends beyond the appetiser course, tasting great in sandwiches with tomatoes and cucumbers. With its peppery kick and fresh taste, it can be a delightful topping on heartier entrees, such as stuffed peppers.
When purchasing Armenian string cheese for your cheese board, you can find it in Armenian markets, Middle Eastern stores, and some popular grocers. It is typically sold in pieces weighing about three-quarters of a pound, and when strung, it creates a hefty pile. Remember to store the cheese properly before serving, and if it has been frozen, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight.
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Frequently asked questions
Armenian string cheese is a traditional, hand-made cheese brought from Armenia. It is made with whole cow's milk and is seasoned with mahleb, nigella seeds, and a pinch of salt. It is mild, moist, and smooth with a nutty accent flavor.
Armenian string cheese can be served as a snack, paired with fruits like green grapes, or even with a meal including soup and apple.
Armenian string cheese can be purchased from Whole Foods Market, Parthenon Foods, and Sun-Ni Cheese.
