2torial #0980:
Learn2 Appreciate Cheese (continued)

Choose, serve, and store cheese

Here are some suggestions for choosing and serving various cheeses. Just remember, nothing beats tasting them to discover what you like.

Choosing. Some cheeses (like Gruyére, Emmentaler, or Fontina) are best when melted or used in an omelet or souffle; others, like Munster or Limburger (washed rind varieties), are ideal when served on their own. Unless you're going for one of the blue cheeses, choose a cheese that's free of mold. Consult your cheese seller for information on the best cheese for your purpose.

Serving. Cheeses should be served at room temperature to fully appreciate their flavors. When serving a variety of cheeses together, choose ones that are distinct in texture, age, or milk source to highlight the unique flavor of each. Offer hearty bread or plain crackers, as well as fresh fruit such as apples, pears, or grapes, to cleanse the palate and complement the cheese. Cured meat, nuts, and olives also can bring out the flavor of a cheese, as can good wine.

The rind on some semi-soft cheeses (like Brie, Camembert, or Munster) can be eaten, though it is a matter of personal preference. The rinds on hard-pressed cheeses are sometimes treated with wax, paraffin, and dyes, and should therefore be cut back and not eaten. A dried or moldy crust should be cut away before serving.

Note: Cheese can also be served melted over an entree or as part of a soup or sauce. Softer cheeses, such as Gruyère or Camembert, do a much better job of melting than firmer cheeses with a lower moisture content (like Romano or Manchego).

Storing. In general, hard cheeses last longer than soft ones, but it’s always best to buy cheese in small quantities so you don’t have to store it for long. Cheeses don’t do well in the freezer, but if protected can be kept for some time in the refrigerator. They should be wrapped to preserve their internal moisture, but still allowed to breathe. Cut off only as much as you need for a serving and leave the rest in the refrigerator to avoid fluctuations in temperature.

Well-made, judiciously chosen, and properly served cheeses can be a revelation. Smell them. Taste them. Share them with friends. A whole world of discovery awaits you.

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