5 Foreign Cheese You Must Taste
The time has come for cheese tasters to soothe their palates with some international variants. Embark on this gastronomical journey with as many as 5 exotic cheeses
Cashel Blue
Freshly prepared Cashel Blue is spongy and solidifies only when chilled in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks. 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 is a Norwegian cheese.Ekte Gjetost is prepared from goats’ milk, the cheese solidifies as soon as it is made. Ekte Gjetost is essentially dark in color. Its strong flavors are ideally complemented and enhanced when served alongside Riesling or dry Chardonnay. Melted Ekte Gjetost makes a delicious dip for fresh fruits like pears and apples. Ekte Gjetost is a sweetened cheese which goes well with toasted slices of bread, eaten mainly 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. Mint is used as a preservative for Halloumi cheese which acts as a deterrent for bacterial growth and enhances its shelf life. Mint is known to have a distinct aroma which interferes with the natural flavor of the cheese, transforming it considerably. The flavor of Halloumi cheese tends to deepen when stored for long. The actual taste of Halloumi cheese is pronounced when it is charcoal grilled and garnished with a sauce which is a blend of olives, lemon juice and parsley.When grated, Halloumi cheese is ready to be added to pasta or chicken recipes. Use tsipouro or ouzo as accompaniments.
Bra Duro Cheese
Bra Duro is a cheddar cheese made in Italy and is sold after 2 years of aging. Bra Duro is manufactured from cows’ milk and hardens as soon as it’s made. It has a mild spicy and nutty taste.Made in Italian farmhouses, Bra Duro should be added to dishes which need to acquire a distinct flavor of cheese.It is also an ideal accompaniment with Italian red wines and amber beers.
Amarelo Cheese
Amarelo is manufactured from a mix of goat and sheep milk and originates in Portugal. 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. The earthy taste of Amarelo is enhanced when added to dishes like grilled shrimps and lobster bisque. Amarelo is a good accompaniment for Italian Amarone wine and port wine as well.
Tasting this entire variety of cheeses provides for a worthwhile and diversified experience.
Sample these cheeses from your trusted cheese shop.