Cheese And Orange Pairing: A Unique Flavor Adventure

Oranges and cheese may seem like an unusual combination, but it is a classic pairing in Italian culture. The sweetness of jams and marmalades balances the lack of sugar in cheeses. Oranges, in particular, are known to pair well with fresh cheeses, such as ricotta, Camembert, mascarpone, and robiola. However, oranges can also be paired with other types of cheese, such as brie. When pairing oranges with cheese, it is important to highlight the flavours of each element and ensure that neither one overpowers the other.

Oranges and brie

Pairing oranges and cheese may seem like an unusual combination, but it is truly a match made in heaven. The creamy, salty flavour of brie pairs perfectly with the sweetness of oranges, creating a delightful contrast that will tantalise your taste buds. While this pairing may be unexpected, it is definitely worth exploring, as it offers a unique and satisfying sensory experience.

The Magic of Brie

Brie is a beloved cheese variety known for its rich, creamy texture and flavour. This crowd favourite is best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly warmed, allowing its full flavour to shine through. The rind of the brie plays a crucial role in holding the cheese together during baking, ensuring a gorgeous presentation. Whether served as an appetizer or a decadent treat, brie is a versatile cheese that elevates any dish.

Oranges: A Perfect Complement

When it comes to pairing oranges with brie, blood oranges are an excellent choice. Blood oranges have a unique, burgundy colour and a sweeter taste compared to regular oranges, making them a beautiful and delicious addition to any cheese plate. The slight tanginess of blood oranges is accentuated when paired with brie, creating a refreshing and satisfying flavour profile.

Creative Combinations

One creative way to enjoy oranges and brie is to create a simple yet elegant appetizer. Start by spreading a layer of orange marmalade or honey on top of the brie and baking it to perfection. The warmth of the baked brie will enhance the creaminess of the cheese, while the sweet and tangy flavours of the orange marmalade or honey will provide a delightful contrast. To add a crunchy texture, top the baked brie with toasted pecans or almonds, providing a salty crunch that complements the sweetness of the oranges.

Another option is to pair brie with orange slices and a sprinkle of kosher salt on hot toast. This combination creates an epic appetizer or snack that is sure to impress. The salt enhances the sweetness of the oranges and balances the creaminess of the brie, resulting in a flavour explosion that is both refreshing and indulgent.

Exploring New Possibilities

The pairing of oranges and brie opens up a world of creative possibilities. Why not experiment with different types of oranges, such as Moro blood oranges, or explore alternative cheeses similar to brie, like Loma Alta, a semi-firm, organic cheese made from cow's milk? The beauty of this pairing lies in its versatility, allowing you to customise it to your taste preferences and explore new flavour profiles.

In conclusion, the combination of oranges and brie is a delightful surprise that showcases the magic of contrasting flavours. By highlighting the salty, creamy nature of brie and complementing it with the sweetness and slight tang of oranges, this pairing creates a sensory experience that is both interesting and satisfying. So, the next time you're looking for a unique snack or appetizer, why not give oranges and brie a try? It might just become your new favourite combination!

Blueberries and feta

The salad is incredibly versatile. You can top it with a protein like grilled chicken or salmon, or add in more fruit like mango, strawberry, or apple. For some healthy fats, you can also add avocado. If you want to make the salad more substantial, you can add a cup of cooked quinoa for some plant protein.

You can also make a warm dish with blueberries and feta. Baked feta with blueberries is an easy dessert to make, and the blueberries and feta turn into a creamy, jam-like dip. This can be served with crackers, toasted bread, graham crackers, or shortbread.

Spicy foods and fresh cheeses

Oranges, especially blood oranges, can be paired with cheese. A popular combination is oranges and brie. The saltiness of the brie and the savouriness of blood oranges complement each other well.

If you're looking for a cheese to pair with spicy foods, fresh cheeses are a good option. Here are some examples:

Fresh Cheeses

Fresh cheeses are those that have not been aged or ripened and are generally mild in flavour. They often have a soft, creamy texture and a slightly tangy taste. Here are some specific types of fresh cheeses that can pair well with spicy foods:

• Chèvre or goat cheese: This cheese is sharp and creamy, and its tanginess can help balance out the spice in a dish. It can be crumbled over a salad or spread on toast or a bagel.
• Ricotta: This mild and creamy cheese can help balance the heat of spicy dishes. It is also sweet and tangy, making it a versatile option for both savoury and sweet combinations.
• Mozzarella: Mozzarella is a smooth and creamy cheese that can provide a nice contrast to spicy dishes. It has a mild flavour that won't overpower other ingredients.
• Feta: Feta has a distinct, tangy flavour that can stand up to spicy dishes. It is often crumbled over salads or used in dishes like muffins or omelettes.

When pairing cheese with spicy foods, consider the level of spice and the other flavours in the dish. You may want to choose a milder cheese if the dish is already very spicy, or a stronger, more pungent cheese if you want the cheese to be a prominent flavour.

Additionally, texture is an important consideration. Fresh cheeses often have a soft, creamy texture that can provide a nice contrast to spicy foods, which may be crunchy, crispy, or tender. You may also want to experiment with different types of milk, as goat, cow, and sheep milk cheeses can have distinct flavours and textures that may pair better with certain spicy dishes.

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment and find your own unique combinations. There are many types of fresh cheeses available, and by trying different ones with your favourite spicy foods, you can discover new and exciting flavour profiles.

Tannic red wines and cheese

While oranges are not mentioned in the context of tannic red wines, some general guidelines for pairing wine and cheese can be applied. Tannic red wines are terrific with rich, aged cheeses because the tannins bind to protein and fat, cleansing your palate after each bite. However, the same process that makes tannic wines excellent palate cleansers can make them feel astringent when paired with young cheeses. The tannins bind to the limited fat in young cheeses, leaving a chalky sensation and a metallic aftertaste.

When pairing wine and cheese, it is essential to consider the age and intensity of both the wine and the cheese. Older, more intense cheeses tend to be richer and more savory, while young, fresh cheeses have a high water content and a delicate texture. Tannic red wines, which are typically bold and complex, pair well with older, more intense cheeses.

In addition to age and intensity, other factors such as texture, saltiness, and pungency also influence the pairing. Salt, for example, loves sweet. Sweet wines beautifully balance the saltiest cheeses, enhancing the perception of sweetness in the wine.

When it comes to oranges, they can be surprisingly complementary to cheese. Citrus and cheese may seem like an unusual combination, but it can be quite delightful. Oranges, particularly blood oranges, can be paired with brie. The saltiness of the brie balances the sweetness of the oranges, creating a beautiful and satisfying pairing. Goat cheese also pairs well with oranges, especially blood oranges, as the salt in the cheese accentuates the fruit's natural sugars.

Now, let's bring it all together. When pairing tannic red wines with cheese, opt for rich, aged varieties. The tannins in the wine will bind to the fat and protein in the cheese, creating a pleasant palate-cleansing effect. Consider pairing a tannic red wine with an aged cheddar or gouda. If you're feeling adventurous, include some oranges on your cheese plate. The sweetness of the oranges will contrast nicely with the saltiness of the cheese, and the bold flavors of the wine will complement the richness of the cheese. Play around with different combinations and trust your palate to guide you toward harmonious pairings.

Vegetables and cheese

While oranges are considered a high-acid fruit and are not recommended to be paired with cheese, blood oranges are an exception. The sweet, burgundy juices from the Moros, a type of blood orange, can temper the saltiness of blue cheese, while the blue cheese's creaminess can accentuate the Moro's sourness. Goat cheese, such as caprichio, also pairs well with blood oranges as the salt in the cheese polishes the sugars in the oranges.

When pairing any food, it is important to highlight the flavours of each element and ensure that one does not overpower the other. It is also ideal to have contrasting yet complementary textures. For example, the sharpness of cheddar complements the sweetness of apples, and the firm but creamy texture of cheddar plays well with the crunch of apples.

• Figs, pears, and grapes go well with most cheeses.
• Strawberries and ricotta. The ricotta can be sweet or savoury, and strawberries are adaptable, walking the line between sweet and tart.
• Goat cheese and cherries. Goat cheese is sharp and creamy, while cherries are sweet and have a crunch.
• Blue cheese and grilled peaches. The peaches, especially when grilled, can bring out their natural sweetness to play the perfect foil to the blue cheese, which can be mild or pungent.
• Cranberries and mozzarella. Cranberries are tart and have a great crunch to them, while mozzarella is smooth and creamy.
• Blueberries and feta. Feta has a distinct flavour, but blueberries are mild enough to take on some of the tanginess.

Frequently asked questions