Cheese And Nectarine Pairing: The Perfect Match

A stone fruit, nectarines are a type of peach with a smooth skin. They are delicious on their own, in fruit salads, or as an addition to a smoothie. But what type of cheese goes well with nectarines? A creamy cheese is a good option, such as mascarpone, or a washed rind cheese like Epoisses or Taleggio. A stronger cheese will go well with the sweetness of the nectarine, so the stinkier the better!

Washed rind cheese

Washed-rind cheeses are an excellent pairing with nectarines. These cheeses are formed and shaped in a similar way to soft-ripened cheeses like Camembert or Brie, but during the maturation process, they are washed with a brine solution or alcohol like beer, wine, or brandy. This process makes the rind more welcoming to bacteria that thrive in salty conditions, such as brevibacterium linens, which is responsible for the pungent smell and distinctive orange-red hue of washed-rind cheeses.

When pairing washed-rind cheese with nectarines, look for a ripe cheese that is oozing with interior creaminess. You can choose a strong-flavoured cheese like epoisses or a milder option like taleggio, which has a creamy taste with a slightly funky aroma.

Washed-rind cheeses come in a variety of flavours and textures, ranging from soft to hard. Examples of washed-rind cheeses include Gruyère, Taleggio, Reblochon, and Epoisse de Bourgogne, each with its own unique flavour and texture.

The practice of washing cheese rinds is believed to have originated in France, where sixteenth-century monks made cheeses in their monasteries for sustenance. The monks washed the rinds with beer or brandy to prevent the development of bad rinds, resulting in softer, creamier cheeses. Epoisse de Bourgogne is one of the earliest and most renowned examples of soft, washed-rind cheese.

In summary, washed-rind cheese is an excellent complement to nectarines, offering a range of flavours and textures to suit different tastes. The combination of ripe, creamy cheese with the sweetness of nectarines creates a delightful sensory experience.

Creamy cheeses

One option is Taleggio, a washed rind cheese with a mild, creamy taste and a slightly funky aroma. Another washed rind cheese that pairs well with nectarines is Epoisses, which has a stronger flavour.

A Summer Stone Fruit Cheese Board with creamy cheeses and nectarines is a perfect summer treat. Try Oregon smoked blue cheese, pistachios, hazelnuts, and almonds, with prosciutto, pepper salami, and smoked coppa. Add some balsamic vinegar or glaze, olive oil seasoned with salt, and a specialised honey or regular honey. Slice the nectarines and arrange them on a tray with the cheese, crackers, nuts, and meats.

For a simpler pairing, try a fresh nectarine with creamy mascarpone cheese. This combination is a great way to enjoy the flavours of summer, and the gentle tang of the apricots with the comforting aroma of lavender makes for a colourful and vibrant dish.

Blue cheese

When creating a cheese board, a stronger cheese goes well with a sweet piece of fruit. The stronger the cheese, the sweeter the fruit should be. Blue cheese is a great option for a cheese board featuring nectarines, especially when paired with crackers and a sweet dipping sauce, such as honey.

For a summery stone fruit cheese board, try including sliced nectarines, blue cheese, crackers, honey, and nuts. You could also add some prosciutto, pepper salami, and smoked coppa for a heartier spread.

Stone fruit pairings

Stone fruits like nectarines, peaches, plums, apricots, and cherries are a perfect match for cheese. When creating a cheese board, stone fruits are a great way to add sweetness to complement the savoury notes of the cheese.

For a stone fruit and cheese pairing, a creamy cheese is a good match for nectarines. A washed rind cheese is a popular choice, with options ranging from the strong flavour of an Epoisses to the milder Taleggio, which has a creamy taste and a slightly funky aroma. A blue cheese is also a good pairing with stone fruits, especially plums. However, blue cheese will not pair well with apricots due to the fruit's high acidity. In general, the stinkier the cheese, the sweeter the fruit should be.

For a summery stone fruit cheese board, try sliced stone fruits like peaches, nectarines, and apricots with burrata, blue cheese, brie, or goat cheese. Add some crackers, honey or another sweet dipping sauce, and some nuts and meats.

If you're feeling creative, you could try making a nectarine and serrano jam to serve with cheddar, fresh goat cheese, or a firm aged goat or sheep cheese like Ossau Iraty.

Nectarine and Serrano Jam

This unique jam is a great addition to a cheese board, pairing well with cheddar, fresh goat cheese, or a firm aged goat or sheep cheese. The recipe is adapted from Cheese Boards to Share by Thalassa Skinner.

Ingredients

• 4 large ripe nectarines, pitted and quartered
• ½ serrano pepper, thinly sliced, seeds included
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice

Method

Place the nectarine quarters in a heavy saucepan and add ¼ cup water. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cover, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the nectarines are completely soft and broken down, about 20 minutes.

Add the sliced serrano, sugar, and lemon juice to taste. Bring to a simmer, stirring, then adjust the heat to maintain a steady simmer and cook, stirring often, until the jam is as thick as you like, 30 to 45 minutes. To test if the jam is ready, spoon a small amount onto a chilled saucer and return it to the refrigerator until cold. If the jam is runny when cold, continue cooking.

Tips

• If you prefer a bolder chilli flavour, increase the amount of serrano pepper used.
• If you don't like the texture of nectarine skin, puree the nectarines before adding the sugar.

Frequently asked questions