Stay Cheese!

Whether it’s an elegant event or a casual party, cheese is a perfect way to please people. With the right serving accessories and pairings, cheese can be elevated from a simple food to something sensational. Nutrition specialists say, “Climate plays a huge role in the consumption of cheese. Unlike countries like Switzerland, Italy and France, which have a relatively cooler temperature throughout the year, hotter and humid countries consume less cheese which has more calories and protein. Low fat cottage and regular cheese is the safest bet. Cheese made from cow’s milk and skimmed milk is easier to digest and is lighter. Including vegetables with a mainstream cheese dish is ideal for the hot and humid climate.”

Buying cheese
Keep in mind the following points the next time you are buying cheese at a gourmet shop.

• Keep an open mind when you approach the cheese counter. Check for what’s ripe, what’s in season — yes cheeses do have seasons and even vintages!
• Taste before you purchase. This will help you select the right one. 
• Be wary of cheeses that are cracked. If the cheese has a cut side, make sure it looks fresh, the edges should not look dried out. 
• Smell the cheese. If you catch a whiff of soured milk, or a barnyard smell in particular, it could be well past its peak. Also, look out for smell of ammonia, which is often an indication that the cheese has aged too long or hasn’t aged properly. 
• Avoid cheese pieces which are wrapped in plastic. Buy freshly cut cheese. 
• Check for the label and the expiration date if you are buying a packaged one. 

Storing cheese

• Do not store cheese in a plastic wrap. Wrapping cheese directly in plastic is equivalent to flavour suffocation. 
• The best way to store cheese is in a cheese paper inside a container. Or the easiest would be to wrap cheese first in parchment or waxed paper, to prevent drying out. Let it breathe! 
• Consume the cheese as soon as possible, since many tend to dry out if kept in the refrigerator for a very long time. 
• Do not store cheese with foods that have strong odours, as they absorb the smell. 

Pairing with drinks 
According to experts, “Though cheese is paired best with wine, it is completely a personal preference. Soft ripened cheese can be paired with a sparkling wine, martinis, stout beer or coffee as well.” 

Tips

• When preparing dishes using cheese, add the cheese at the end, especially in sauces, risottos and soups. 
• Grating cheese is easier when it’s cold. 
• An expert chef says, “ The style, texture and flavour of the cheese depends on the origin of the milk. To enhance the taste of the cheese, herbs, spices or smoke may be used as flavouring agents.”