#CheeseDay: Balance flavours, mix textures for interesting cheese pairings

“Age is of no importance unless you’re a cheese,” once quipped French actress and singer Billie Burke. Much like life’s journey, cheese evolves with time, and pairing it thoughtfully only enriches the experience, say experts. “Exploring cheese pairings at home can be an exciting culinary adventure. For instance, try balancing the sharp and salty flavours of blue cheese with the sweetness of honey, or combine the tangy kick of cheddar with sweet chutneys on a cracker. From the creamy delight of paneer with mint chutney to the robust fusion of aged cheddar with mango chutney, each combination is exciting. Embrace the richness of Gouda alongside the tang of tamarind chutney for a desi twist,” says chef Roshan Kumar of Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, Goa.

PAIR IT RIGHT:

When pairing cheese, consider the following tips to enhance your tasting experience:
Balance flavours: Pair mild cheeses with delicate flavours and strong cheeses with bold flavours to ensure one doesn’t overpower the other.

Texture contrast: Pair creamy cheeses with crunchy elements like nuts or crisp fruits.

Consider acidity: Acidic accompaniments, like citrus fruits or vinegar, can cut through the richness of fatty cheeses, providing a refreshing balance.

Temperature: Serve cheeses at room temperature to enhance their flavours and textures. Take them out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before serving.

TRIVIA:

mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:47.25pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list 36.0pt;background:whiteVieux-Boulogne, a French cheese, has been scientifically proven to be the world’s smelliest cheese.mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:47.25pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list 36.0pt;background:whiteThe fastest time to eat 500gm of mozzarella is 1 minute 2.34 seconds, achieved by Leah Shutkever in London in 2023mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:47.25pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list 36.0pt;background:whiteAccording to reports, global cheese consumption is projected to reach a record high of 21.6 million metric tons, or 47.7 billion pounds, in 2024

Chef Roshan Kumar of Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, Goa, says, “For a decadent treat, pair the nutty Gouda with rich dark chocolate. Creamy, pungent Gorgonzola pairs elegantly with ripe pears. For a unique twist, enjoy Danish Blue cheese with various natural salts like Himalayan, sea salt, or Hawaiian red salt.”

Chef Tushar Malkani of The Yellow House, Goa IHCL SeleQtions, adds, “Try Brie with honey and fresh fruits like pear or apple for added texture and flavour. Blue cheese and fig jam make a delicious combination on a cracker. Sharp cheddar contrasts nicely with sweet, crunchy apple slices. Goat cheese’s tangy flavour complements the herbaceous taste of pesto on crostini. Parmesan drizzled with balsamic glaze offers a simple, tasty snack.”