Cheese And Grape Pairing: A Perfect Match

Grapes and cheese are a popular combination, often served together as a snack, appetizer, or party food. The sweetness of the fruit and the saltiness of the cheese create a tasty sweet and savoury contrast, which is why they pair well together. However, some cheesemongers advise against eating cheese and grapes together as the tannins in the grape skins, seeds, and stems can affect the flavour of the cheese, making it taste bitter. Despite this, grapes and cheese are still a common combination and there are several types of cheese that are known to pair well with grapes.

Why do grapes and cheese work so well together?

Grapes and cheese are a popular combination, often seen on cheese plates and enjoyed by many. But why do these two foods work so well together?

Firstly, the sweetness of the grapes and the saltiness of the cheese create a pleasing contrast of flavours. This sweet and salty combination is a classic pairing that many people enjoy. The sweetness of the grapes can also help to balance out the savouriness or tanginess of certain cheeses. In addition, the mild acidity of grapes can help to cut through the richness or creaminess of some cheeses, providing a refreshing element to the pairing.

The texture of grapes can also play a role in their successful pairing with cheese. The smooth, juicy flesh of grapes can provide a nice contrast to the creaminess or crumbliness of certain cheeses. The small, poppable nature of grapes also makes them an easy food to eat alongside cheese, as they can be quickly and easily eaten without the need for cutting or preparation.

However, it is important to note that not all grape and cheese pairings are created equal. Some sources suggest that the tannins present in grape skins, seeds, and stems can interfere with the flavour of certain cheeses, particularly those with washed or bloomy rinds. In these cases, the grapes may make the cheese taste bitter or affect its flavour in an undesirable way. Harder cheeses are less likely to be affected by this issue.

Overall, the combination of sweet, salty, and tangy flavours, along with the contrasting textures of grapes and cheese, creates a tasty and satisfying snack or appetiser that is no doubt a favourite for many.

What types of grapes should you pair with which cheeses?

Grapes are a common fruit to accompany a cheese plate. However, some cheesemongers advise against this pairing. This is because tannins, which are naturally occurring compounds found in grape skins, seeds, and stems, can affect the flavour of the cheese, sometimes making it taste bitter. This is more likely to occur when grapes are paired with washed rind or bloomy rind cheese, and less likely when they are paired with hard cheeses.

When pairing grapes and cheese, it is recommended to opt for red grapes over green. Red grapes tend to pair well with red and blue cheeses, whereas green grapes go well with creamy cheeses.

• Red and black grapes with Point Reyes Blue (California), Saint Agur (France), or Manchego
• Red and black grapes with Hoop Cheddar (USA), Red Fox (UK), or Maple Leaf Red Wax Gouda
• Green grapes with Sweet Grass Dairy (Georgia), Saint Andre Triple Cream Brie, or Humboldt Fog Goat cheese (California)

If you are looking for a cheese to pair with red grapes specifically, consider the following:

• Edam is a close cousin to Gouda, with a slightly firmer texture and a slightly nuttier flavour. It goes well with sweet or tart fruit, especially red grapes.
• Munster is a mild, orange-rind cheese that mellows with age. It is often used in Mexican dishes and pairs well with red grapes and sweet apples.
• Asiago is a hard, pungent, strong-flavoured cheese that is often used in cooking. It is similar to a cross between sharp cheddar and parmesan. Asiago goes well with tart grapes, as well as tart, hard apples like Granny Smiths, and plums.

What are some good cheeses to serve with grapes?

Grapes are a common fruit to accompany cheese, but some cheesemongers advise against this pairing. This is because grapes contain tannins, which can make some cheeses taste bitter. However, this effect is usually observed when grapes are paired with washed rind or bloomy rind cheeses, and less so with hard cheeses.

If you want to enjoy grapes with cheese, it is recommended to pair them with hard cheeses such as:

• Asiago, a pungent and strong-flavoured hard cheese, similar to a cross between sharp cheddar and parmesan.
• Jarlsberg, a hard cheese with a nutty flavour, similar to Swiss cheese but with a stronger taste.
• Edam, a mild, buttery cousin of gouda with a slightly firmer texture and nuttier flavour.

For red and black grapes, it is also suggested to pair them with red and blue cheeses. Rich cheeses that contain tiny crystals complement the flavour of red and black grapes. For green grapes, creamy cheeses are a better match.

For those with a sweet tooth, sweet fruits such as grapes pair well with mild-flavoured cheeses, including:

• Havarti, a smooth and buttery cheese with a soft texture.
• Munster, a mild-flavoured cheese that becomes milder with age, often used in Mexican dishes.

What are some alternative fruits to pair with cheese?

While grapes are the most common fruit to accompany a cheese plate, there are many other fruits that can be paired with cheese.

Apples are a popular choice, particularly when paired with a sharp cheddar, such as a Wisconsin Cheddar. The crispnness of the apple is said to complement the sharpness of the cheese. Granny Smith apples are a particularly good match, as their semi-sourness adds an extra dimension. Apples also pair well with a Jarlsberg cheese, which resembles Swiss cheese but is nuttier and harder.

Pears are another sweet and crisp fruit that can be served with cheese. They are often paired with Gorgonzola, a pungent and creamy cheese, or with Gouda, which has a smooth, buttery, and nutty flavour.

Figs are considered a classic pairing with blue cheese. The rich, creamy, and pungent flavour of the blue cheese is said to complement the sweet, jammy, and earthy taste of the figs.

For a summery pairing, watermelon and feta are a match made in heaven. The light, juicy-sweet watermelon is a beautiful contrast to the salty feta. Halloumi is another salty cheese that pairs well with watermelon, creating an unexpected but refreshing combination.

Other fruits that can be paired with cheese include strawberries, which go well with ricotta or manchego; blueberries, which pair nicely with feta; cherries, which can be paired with Asiago; apricots, which complement goat cheese; and peaches, which go well with gouda or a creamy cheese like brie.

In addition to fresh fruit, dried fruit is also a good option for cheese pairings. Dried figs, dates, cherries, and apricots are all great choices.

What are some other foods that pair well with cheese?

When it comes to grapes, it is best to pair them with harder cheeses, as washed rind or bloomy rind cheeses can sometimes be made to taste bitter by grapes. Some good cheeses to pair with grapes include Edam, Jarlsberg, Gruyere, and Asiago.

Now, here are some other foods that can be paired with cheese:

Fruits

Fruits are a common pairing with cheese, and most fruits naturally pair well with cheese. It is best to avoid more citrusy fruits like oranges, limes, and lemons, as they tend to overpower the flavour of the cheese and enhance its stronger flavours. Fruits in the berry family, along with apples and pears, are always safe bets. Some specific pairings include:

• Habanero Cheddar Cheese with mango
• White Oak Cheddar Cheese with grapes
• Vermont Sharp Cheddar Cheese with plums
• Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese with pears
• Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese with peaches
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese with strawberries
• Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese with eggplant
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese with roasted red peppers
• Lite50 Sharp Cheddar Cheese with portobello
• Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese with sun-dried tomatoes
• Monterey Jack Cheese with kimchi

Vegetables

When pairing vegetables with cheese, it is best to mix fresh produce with fresh cheese. Juicy cherry tomatoes are the perfect complement to soft, mild cheeses. Pair raw veggies with bold cheeses—for example, a crisp slice of radish is delicious with rich cheese. Roasted, sauteed, and even pickled vegetables have drastically different flavour profiles that you can use to your advantage when it comes to cheese pairings. Some specific pairings include:

• Farmhouse Reserve Cheddar Cheese with pickled radishes
• Farmhouse Reserve Cheddar Cheese with portobello
• Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese with sun-dried tomatoes
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese with roasted red peppers
• Lite50 Sharp Cheddar Cheese with portobello
• Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese with eggplant
• Monterey Jack Cheese with kimchi

Nuts

The satisfying crunch of nuts paired with the contrasting creaminess of cheese is an unforgettable taste adventure. Many cheeses are described as having a "nutty" flavour, so why not enhance that further with this exciting pairing? Some specific pairings include:

• Farmhouse Reserve Cheddar Cheese with pistachios
• White Oak Cheddar Cheese with pecans
• Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese with almonds
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese with peanuts
• Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese with cashews
• Lite50 Sharp Cheddar Cheese with walnuts

Spreads

Spreads like jellies, jams, and honey are fantastic pairings for certain types of cheese. They also amp up your charcuterie board by increasing the potential flavour combinations. Some specific pairings include:

• Alpine Cheddar Cheese with balsamic vinegar
• Habanero Cheddar Cheese with maple syrup
• Pepper Jack Cheese with raspberry jelly
• Farmhouse Reserve Cheddar Cheese with blackberry jam
• Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese with Dijon mustard
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese with caramel

Meats

Meats are another popular pairing with cheese, and displaying various kinds of cheeses and meats on a charcuterie board is an instant crowd-pleaser. Some specific pairings include:

• Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese with chorizo
• Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese with ham
• Farmhouse Reserve Cheddar Cheese with salami
• White Oak Cheddar Cheese with prosciutto
• Pepper Jack Cheese with capicola
• Vermont Sharp Cheddar Cheese with salami
• White Oak Cheddar Cheese with prosciutto
• Pepper Jack Cheese with capicola

Chocolate

Chocolate and cheese are both incredibly popular foods, and they can taste even better when paired with one another. One approach to pairing cheese with chocolate is to select similar flavour profiles. For example, chocolate with nutty notes goes great with firm, aged cheese varieties. If your chocolate has a hit of savoury or is on the funky side, reach for a washed rind cheese that is the perfect way to enhance the unique flavours. Another suggestion is to pair contrasting flavours together that enhance the taste of each food. You can also select sweet and creamy cheeses to balance more acidic chocolate. Some specific pairings include:

Monterey Jack Cheese with milk chocolate

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