Cheese Shop List: 5 Foreign Cheeses
For those who love cheese, it’s the time to embark on a universal cheese tasting experience. Begin by tasting 5 unique cheese variants.
Cashel Blue
Fresh Cashel Blue is not particularly hard and transforms into a hard mass only after 2 weeks of continuous refrigeration. Fresh Cashel Blue initially has a subdued taste which becomes more pronounced when stored for some time. Cashel Blue is manufactured from cows’ milk and only one Ireland household is trained to make it. It is wonderful to have it along with white Sancerre, served at room temperature.It is tasty enough to be served as it is to guests or it can be combined with yoghurt for innovative salad dressings. Being a strong flavored cheese, Cashel Blue ideally complements preparations like stuffed button mushrooms and is ideal for steak toppings as well.
Ekte Gjetost
Ekte Gjetost was initially manufactured in Norway.Made only from goats’ milk, fresh Ekte Gjetost hardens immediately. Ekte Gjetost is not a light colored cheese, it stands out for its dark shades of brown. Ekte Gjetost has a dominating cheesy flavor which goes well with dry Chardonnay or Riesling. Pears and apples acquire a whole new flavor when dipped in liquefied Ekte Gjetost. Because of its sweet taste, Ekte Gjetost also makes for ideal spreads for toasted crispy bread slices served for breakfast. The sweetness of Ekte Gjetost makes it ideal bread spread for children.
Halloumi Cheese
Milky in appearance, Halloumi has a distinct salty flavor. It originates in the Cyprus Islands and is prepared from a blend of goat and sheep milk. Storing Halloumi cheese for long is made possible with additives like mint which prevents bacterial spread and keeps the cheese fresh for a longer time period. Mint is known to have a distinct aroma which interferes with the natural flavor of the cheese, transforming it considerably. Aged Halloumi cheese has a strong cheesy taste. To enjoy its traditional flavor its better to grill slices of it on charcoal fire and serve with a sauce made from fresh olives, parsley and lime extract.Grated Halloumi cheese proves to be the ideal additive for pastas as well as chicken preparations. Use tsipouro or ouzo as accompaniments.
Bra Duro Cheese
A cheddar variant, Bra Duro needs to be kept for 2 years after being prepared, before selling. Prepared from cows’ milk, it has a firm texture. The flavor is subtle with a hint of spices and nuts.Manufactured in Italian farmhouses, The Bra Duro can be used in any dish which requires a distinct cheesy flavor.The cheese goes well with amber beers red wines brewed in Italy.
Amarelo Cheese
Amarelo is of Portuguese origin and is made from a blend of sheep and goat milk. It solidifies when freshly made but tends to become soft when stored at room temperature. It makes for a sumptuous treat when consumed with plums, grapes and cherries. However its earthy flavor is best exploited when used in recipes like lobster bisque and grilled shrimps. You can also consume it along with a bottle of chilled port wine or the Italian Amarone wine.
Each of these above variants has a unique tantalizing flavor of its own and is worth a try.
Buy these cheeses from your trusted cheese shop.