Cheese And Fruit Pairing: A Tasty Adventure

Fruit and cheese is a classic combination, and with more than 2,000 varieties of cheese in existence, there are endless permutations to try. While it's hard to go wrong, some fruit and cheese pairings are more harmonious than others. For instance, sweet, juicy fruits complement rich, savoury cheeses, with the flavour contrast bringing out the best in both. When creating a cheese board, it's best to include a mixture of textures, shapes, strengths and types of cheese, as well as an assortment of fresh and dried fruits, crackers, bread, cured meats, and sweet treats like honey, chocolate and nuts. Here are some specific fruit and cheese combinations to get you started:

- Apple and cheddar

- Watermelon and feta

- Peach and burrata

- Pear and brie

- Raspberry and cream cheese

- Fig and smoked gouda

- Cranberry and mozzarella

- Strawberry and ricotta

- Mango and goat cheese

Apples: Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, Gala, Red Wax, and Gouda or Cheddar

Apples and cheese are a match made in heaven, offering the perfect marriage of sweet and savoury. The variety of apples and cheeses available allow for endless flavour combinations. Here are some suggestions for pairings with Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, Gala, Red Wax, and Gouda or Cheddar cheeses.

Honeycrisp Apples

Honeycrisp apples are a red and yellow variety known for their crisp texture and sweet honey notes. This newer variety has quickly become a fan favourite in the US. Honeycrisp apples pair well with:

• Blue Cheese
• Brie
• Provolone
• Gruyere
• Alpine Cheddar

Granny Smith Apples

Granny Smith apples are a bright green variety with an occasional pink blush. They are known for their tartness and juicy texture. Granny Smith apples pair well with:

• Blue Cheese
• Gorgonzola
• Pepper Jack Cheese
• Merlot

Fuji Apples

Fuji apples are a very versatile variety, ranging in colour from very red to yellow-green with red highlights. They are super sweet, super juicy, and great for snacking, baking, or adding to a dish as a fresh topping. Fuji apples pair well with:

• Gorgonzola
• Blue Cheese
• Fontina
• Havarti
• Vermont Sharp Cheddar
• Pinot Noir

Gala Apples

Gala apples are heart-shaped with yellow-orange and red striping. They have a crisp, fragrant, and mild flavour. Gala apples are great for snacking or as a topping on a salad. Gala apples pair well with:

• Goat Cheese
• Swiss or Emmental
• Extra Sharp Cheddar
• Pinot Grigio

Red Wax Apples

Red Wax apples are a variety of Gouda cheese, a cow's milk cheese from the area around the city of Gouda in Holland, Netherlands. Red Wax Gouda has a creamy, hard texture with a mild fruity flavour. It is made from milk with a slightly higher fat content, which gives it a natural affinity for fruits. Red Wax Gouda pairs well with:

• Apples
• Grapes
• Olives
• Pears

Gouda Cheese

Gouda cheese is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese with a sweet and nutty flavour. It has a signature orange or red rind and a higher fat content, which makes it creamier and slightly oily to the touch. Gouda cheese pairs well with:

• Apples
• Braeburn Apples
• SweeTango® Apples
• Manchego
• Smoked Gouda and Figs

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a cow's milk, pressed-curd cheese with low fat content and a slightly crumbly texture. Aged cheddar tends to be crumblier, while younger cheddar is creamier. Cheddar has a stronger flavour than Gouda. Cheddar cheese pairs well with:

• Red Delicious Apples
• Gala Apples
• Granny Smith Apples
• Fuji Apples
• Piñata® Apples
• Golden Delicious Apples

Blackberries: Cotija or Aged Cheddar

Blackberries are a juicy, sweet fruit that can be paired with a variety of cheeses. Here are some ideas for pairing blackberries with Cotija or Aged Cheddar:

Blackberries with Cotija Cheese

Cotija cheese is a salty, tangy, aged white cheese that originates from Mexico. It is typically made with unpasteurized cow's milk and has a firm texture that crumbles easily. When fresh, Cotija cheese is white and salty, similar to feta cheese. However, as the cheese ages, it becomes harder and crumbly, resembling Parmigiano-Reggiano in texture and flavour.

When pairing blackberries with Cotija cheese, consider the following:

• Cotija cheese can be grated over fresh blackberries for a simple, yet delicious combination. The saltiness of the cheese will complement the sweetness of the blackberries.
• For a more savoury option, try sprinkling Cotija cheese over blackberry skewers or a blackberry salad. The cheese will add a creamy element and enhance the flavour of the blackberries.
• If you're feeling adventurous, make a blackberry and Cotija cheese ice cream. This unique combination will create a cheesecake-like flavour that is sure to impress.

Blackberries with Aged Cheddar Cheese

Aged cheddar cheese, also known as raw or sharp cheddar, is a type of cheese that has been aged or matured for a longer period, resulting in a sharper and more intense flavour. Its strong flavour makes it a perfect match for sweet fruits like blackberries.

• Create a beautiful and elegant appetiser board with blackberries sandwiched between slices of aged cheddar. The sharpness of the cheddar will complement the sweetness of the blackberries, creating a delightful contrast.
• For a fun and easy option, make blackberry and aged cheddar skewers. Thread the blackberries and cheese onto skewers, alternating between the two. This makes a great appetiser or dessert and is sure to be a crowd favourite.
• If you're feeling creative, try making a blackberry and aged cheddar grilled cheese sandwich. The heat will soften the cheese, and the combination of melted cheddar and juicy blackberries will be a tasty treat.

Cranberries: Mozzarella or Manchego

Cranberries are a versatile fruit that can be paired with a variety of cheeses, but two of the most popular options are mozzarella and Manchego.

Cranberries and mozzarella is a classic combination. Mozzarella is a semi-soft cheese with a higher moisture content and a mild taste. When paired with cranberries, it creates a new gustatory sensation that is more than the sum of its parts. The mildness of the cheese helps to balance the tartness of the cranberries, creating a harmonious flavour profile.

On the other hand, Manchego is a Spanish sheep's milk cheese that is firm and crumbly, with a nutty and acidic flavour. It pairs well with cranberries, especially when served with other fruits, such as apples, grapes, or oranges. The saltiness of the cheese can be balanced by the sweetness and acidity of the fruit, creating a delightful taste experience.

When choosing between mozzarella and Manchego to pair with cranberries, consider the desired flavour profile and texture. Mozzarella will result in a milder, more harmonious pairing, while Manchego will add a nutty and acidic twist to the cranberries.

Additionally, it is worth noting that cranberries are also commonly paired with other cheeses such as gorgonzola or Wensleydale. Wensleydale, a historic cow's milk cheese from North Yorkshire, is particularly popular when combined with cranberries, creating a flavoured cheese with low to no detectable levels of lactose. However, it is important to note that flavoured Wensleydales, such as those with cranberries, tend to have a high sugar content and may not be suitable for certain dietary restrictions.

Raspberries: Cream Cheese or grilled Muenster/Baby Swiss Cheese

Raspberries are a versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in many ways, and pairing them with cheese takes their taste to the next level. Here are some mouth-watering ways to combine raspberries with cream cheese or grilled Muenster/Baby Swiss cheese:

Raspberries and Cream Cheese

The combination of raspberries and cream cheese creates a delightful contrast of sweet and tangy flavours. This pairing is commonly used in desserts, such as cheesecakes, pastry bites, and toast toppings. The cream cheese filling or topping can be made by beating cream cheese until fluffy and then adding sugar, egg, vanilla, and lemon juice. This mixture is then paired with a sweet raspberry sauce, made by cooking raspberries with sugar and cornstarch. The result is a delicious, indulgent treat that can be served as a dessert or even as a nutritious breakfast option.

Raspberries with Grilled Muenster/Baby Swiss Cheese

For those who want to explore a more savoury option, pairing raspberries with grilled Muenster or Baby Swiss cheese creates an interesting flavour profile. This combination works well in grilled cheese sandwiches. The sweetness of the raspberries complements the savoury, slightly nutty flavour of the grilled cheese. To enhance the flavour, the sandwich can be prepared by cooking the raspberries in a skillet and mashing them to create a warm raspberry mixture. This mixture is then combined with spinach, cheese, and bread to create a unique and satisfying grilled cheese experience.

Whether you choose to pair raspberries with cream cheese or grilled Muenster/Baby Swiss cheese, the result is sure to be a delicious treat. These combinations showcase the versatility of raspberries and how they can elevate a simple dish into something extraordinary. So, get creative and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and savoury flavours!

Figs: Blue Cheese or Smoked Gouda

Figs are a versatile fruit that can be paired with a variety of cheeses, including blue cheese and smoked gouda. Here are some ideas and tips for creating delicious combinations with these cheeses and figs:

Blue Cheese and Figs:

Blue cheese and figs are a classic combination that can be used as an appetizer or a main course. The sweet and savoury flavours of the figs and blue cheese complement each other beautifully. A popular way to serve this duo is as a crostini with a drizzle of honey, adding a touch of sweetness to the dish. For a heartier option, you can create a pizza with blue cheese, fig, and arugula, bringing together sweet, savoury, and bitter notes.

If you're looking for an elegant and intense flavour profile, try grilling prosciutto-wrapped figs stuffed with blue cheese. The salty prosciutto ham and aromatic rosemary enhance the sweetness of the figs and the tanginess of the blue cheese, resulting in a rich and indulgent bite.

Smoked Gouda and Figs:

Smoked gouda, a semi-soft cheese with a mild fruity flavour, pairs exceptionally well with figs. The smokiness of the cheese balances the mild sweetness of the figs, creating a delightful contrast. This combination is perfect for flatbreads or grilled cheese sandwiches, especially when paired with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of thyme. The addition of honey accentuates the sweetness of the figs, while thyme contributes to a complex flavour profile.

For a simple yet sophisticated option, consider a grilled cheese sandwich with fig jam and smoked gouda. This pairing elevates the classic grilled cheese, offering a unique blend of sweet and smoky flavours with a crunchy and creamy texture.

Whether you choose blue cheese or smoked gouda, figs make for an excellent partner, providing a sweet and fruity contrast to the savoury notes of the cheeses. The versatility of these ingredients allows for a range of dishes, from appetizers to main courses, each offering a distinct and memorable culinary experience.

Frequently asked questions