Cheese British Views
With British Pie Week nothing but a distant memory in our rear-view mirror, how could we have missed this and, more importantly, why were we not invited to be a judge at the Great British Cheese Festival at Cardiff Castle earlier this week! Okay, kidding about the judge part, but would have loved to have been there for the kickoff to the week
Hard Cheese - Firm - These are cheeses which have been pressed to remove as much of the whey and moisture from the curds as possible to ensure a long keeping product. Cheeses may be matured from anything between 12 weeks in the case of mild Cheddar, up to 2 years or more in the case of vintage Cheddar, Parmesan or Manchego. Other British examples of firm hard cheese will include Red Leicester, Double Gloucester, Derby, Malvern, Worcester, Hereford. Continental varieties include Emmental and Gouda.
British Cheese Informationigourmet.com sells many great cheeses from England, Scotland and Wales including sheep milk, goat's milk, and cow's milk varieties - both pasteurized and unpasteurized. Serving suggestions and wine pairings along with history and maufacturing details are available at igourmet as well. To view a complete listing of all related items, please click HERE FOR ENGLAND, HERE FOR SCOTLAND, HERE FOR WALES.
If this cheesy paean prompts you to explore fragrant newcomers, you will have a treat in store, but may I offer a word of warning? A piece of cheese is an affordable luxury even in the chilly depths of recession, but watch your step when faced with the nigh-on irresistible temptation offered by variety. When I recently dispatched my wife to buy samples of British cheeses for an article in another publication, I was surprised to receive a bill for e£141.54 for 21 chunks. Only those with a good wedge in their pocket should go mad at the cheese counter.
Cheese British Images
