Cheese Around the World: Bite-Sized Global Facts
Today, we're thrilled to take you on a whirlwind adventure, a mental tasting tour that explores the amazing variety of cheeses has to offer. Get ready for some fun, bite-sized facts that might just spark your curiosity and, we hope, inspire your next delicious discovery with Wedgely!
France: More Than Just Brie and Camembert
While the creamy delights of Brie and Camembert are certainly iconic, France boasts an astonishing array of cheeses – some say over 1,000! Did you know that many French regional cheeses are deeply intertwined with local history and traditions, often named after the villages or valleys where they originated? Take Roquefort, for instance, a piquant blue cheese aged in the natural Combalou caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon. Its unique terroir contributes significantly to its distinctive flavor.
Italy: A Symphony of Textures and Tastes
Italy, a land of passion and culinary artistry, offers a cheese landscape as varied as its regional dialects. Beyond the familiar Parmigiano-Reggiano and Mozzarella, consider Pecorino Romano, a salty and sharp sheep's milk cheese dating back to Roman times. Or the creamy, spoonable Stracchino, a young cow's milk cheese from Lombardy with a delicate tang. Each Italian cheese tells a story of its land and the skilled hands that crafted it.
Switzerland: The Land of Holes and Beyond
When you think of Swiss cheese, images of large holes often come to mind, thanks to iconic varieties like Emmental. As we've discussed before, those "eyes" are a result of specific bacteria releasing carbon dioxide during aging. However, Swiss cheesemaking is far more nuanced. Explore the nutty and firm Gruyère, or the intensely flavored Appenzeller, often washed with a secret herbal brine during maturation.
Netherlands: Masters of the Round
The Netherlands is synonymous with smooth, round cheeses like Gouda and Edam. These cheeses, often aged for varying lengths, develop complex caramel and nutty notes as they mature. Fun fact: Historically, Edam was often shaped into balls for easier transport on ships!
United Kingdom: A Cheddar Legacy and Beyond
While Cheddar is a global superstar, originating from the English village of Cheddar, the UK offers a fascinating spectrum of cheeses. Discover the crumbly and tangy Wensleydale, often studded with cranberries, or the rich and blue Stilton, sometimes called the "King of English Cheeses." Each has a unique character rooted in local pastures and traditions.
Greece: Salty and Tangy Treasures
Greek cheese often revolves around sheep and goat's milk, resulting in distinctly tangy and often salty profiles. Feta, perhaps the most well-known, is a brined curd white cheese with a protected designation of origin. But don't overlook Kasseri, a semi-hard, pale yellow cheese with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, perfect for grilling or saganaki.
Spain: From Fresh to Firm Manchego
Spanish cheeses offer a delightful journey from fresh and creamy to firm and intensely flavored. Manchego, made from the milk of Manchega sheep in the La Mancha region, is a prime example, with its distinctive zigzag rind pattern and nutty, slightly tangy taste that intensifies with age.
Scandinavia: Innovation and Unique Flavors
Scandinavian countries boast a unique approach to cheesemaking. Norway's Brunost (brown cheese) is a caramelized whey cheese with a distinctive sweet and fudge-like flavor. Denmark is renowned for its creamy Havarti, often infused with herbs or spices.
Beyond the Familiar:
This is just a small glimpse into the vast and delicious world of cheese. From the spicy Queso Oaxaca of Mexico to the stringy Sulguni of Georgia, every corner of the globe offers unique cheesy creations shaped by local ingredients, climate, and cultural heritage.
At Wedgely, we believe in celebrating this global tapestry of flavors. We strive to bring you a curated selection of cheeses that represent the best of these traditions, allowing you to embark on your own international cheese journey from the comfort of your home.
So, the next time you reach for a wedge of cheese, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and global diversity it represents. Explore, taste, and let your palate travel the world, one delicious bite at a time!
What's a surprising cheese fact from your part of the world? Share it in the comments below!