As a food lover, I have to admit that I am a fan of cheese. I love the taste, texture, and variety of cheeses available on the market. In this article, I will share with you my top elite cheeses, what to look for when buying, and how to use them to enjoy the taste to the maximum.
1. Parmigiano-Reggiano
Parmigiano-Reggiano, also known as the “King of Cheeses,” is a hard, granular cheese originating from Italy’s Parma region. It is made from raw cow’s milk, and the production process involves aging the cheese for at least 12 months. The longer the cheese is aged, the more complex and nutty its flavor becomes.
Benefits:
Parmigiano-Reggiano is rich in protein, calcium, and phosphorus. It is also low in lactose, making it an excellent choice for people who are lactose intolerant. Additionally, the cheese contains amino acids that can help improve muscle function and enhance recovery after exercise.
What to look for when buying:
Look for a cheese that is labeled “Parmigiano-Reggiano” and has the name of the producer, the production date, and the Consorzio (the consortium that governs the production of Parmigiano-Reggiano) stamped on the rind. Also, make sure that the cheese is hard and grainy with a deep, golden color.
Cost:
Parmigiano-Reggiano can be quite expensive, with prices ranging from $20 to $40 per pound.
How to use:
Parmigiano-Reggiano is a versatile cheese that can be used in many different dishes, including pasta, risotto, and salads. It can also be grated over soups and stews or served on a cheese board with dried fruits, nuts, and crackers.
2. Roquefort
Roquefort is a blue cheese that comes from the Roquefort-sur-Soulzon region of France. It is made from sheep’s milk and is aged in limestone caves, which gives it its distinctive flavor and texture.
Benefits:
Roquefort is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin A. It also contains probiotics, which can help improve digestion and boost the immune system.
What to look for when buying:
Look for a cheese that is labeled “Roquefort” and has a creamy white interior with blue veins throughout. The cheese should be moist but not too soft, with a slightly crumbly texture.
Cost:
Roquefort can be expensive, with prices ranging from $20 to $40 per pound.
How to use:
Roquefort is perfect for salads and can be crumbled over vegetables or served with fresh fruit. It is also delicious when melted over a steak or served on a cheese plate with nuts and fruit.
3. Gouda
Gouda is a semi-hard cheese that originates from the Netherlands. It is made from cow’s milk and has a smooth, creamy texture with a slightly nutty flavor.
Benefits:
Gouda is a good source of calcium and phosphorus. It also contains vitamin B12, which is important for nerve and blood cell health.
What to look for when buying:
Look for cheese labeled «Gouda» with a yellowish color with a slightly waxy rind. The cheese should have a smooth texture and a mild, nutty flavor.
Cost:
Gouda is relatively affordable, with prices ranging from $10 to $20 per pound.
How to use:
Gouda is a versatile cheese that can be used in sandwiches, melted over vegetables, or served on a cheese board. It also pairs well with fruits such as apples and pears.
4. Brie
Brie is a soft, creamy cheese that comes from France. It is made from cow’s milk and has a mild, buttery flavor with a bloomy rind.
Benefits:
Brie is a good source of calcium and vitamin B12. It is also low in calories and fat compared to other cheeses.
What to look for when buying:
Look for cheese labeled «Brie» with a soft, creamy texture with a white bloomy rind. The cheese should have a mild, buttery flavor and a slightly earthy aroma.
Cost:
Brie is relatively affordable, with prices ranging from $10 to $20 per pound.
How to use:
Brie is best served at room temperature and can be spread on crackers or bread. It can also be baked with honey and nuts or served with fruit such as grapes and figs.
5. Manchego
Manchego is a hard cheese that comes from Spain. It is made from sheep’s milk and has a nutty, buttery flavor with a firm, crumbly texture.
Benefits:
Manchego is a good source of protein and calcium. It also contains healthy fats and is lower in lactose than other cheeses.
What to look for when buying:
Look for cheese labeled «Manchego» with a firm, crumbly texture with a natural rind. The cheese should have a nutty, buttery flavor and a slightly sweet aroma.
Cost:
Manchego is moderately priced, with prices ranging from $15 to $25 per pound.
How to use:
Manchego is perfect for snacking and can be served with fruit and nuts. It also pairs well with cured meats and is a great addition to cheese plates and charcuterie boards.
Where to Buy Elite Cheeses?
When it comes to buying elite cheeses, you have several options to choose from. You can find them at specialty cheese shops, local farmers’ markets, and even some grocery stores. If you are looking for a wider selection, you can also find them online at various retailers.
Specialty Cheese Shops
Specialty cheese shops are a great place to find high-quality, artisanal cheeses. These shops specialize in unique, handcrafted cheeses that you may not find in a regular grocery store. They typically have knowledgeable staff who can help you select the perfect cheese for your needs and taste preferences. Some popular specialty cheese shops include:
- Murray’s Cheese: This New York-based cheese shop has been around since 1940 and is one of the most well-known cheese shops in the country. They offer a wide variety of cheeses from around the world and even have a cheese of the month club.
- The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills: This cheese shop in Beverly Hills, California, has been around since 1967 and has a reputation for offering some of the best cheeses in the world. They offer over 400 varieties of cheese from around the world, as well as a selection of charcuterie and other gourmet foods.
- Cowgirl Creamery: This California-based creamery is known for its award-winning cheeses made with organic, locally sourced milk. They have two retail locations and also offer their cheeses online.
Farmers’ Markets
Farmers’ markets are great places to find locally produced cheeses. Many small, artisanal cheesemakers sell their cheeses at farmers’ markets, so you can often find unique and interesting varieties that you may not find elsewhere. Farmers’ markets also offer the opportunity to meet the cheesemakers and learn more about how the cheese is made. To find a farmers’ market near you, check out LocalHarvest.org.
Grocery Stores
While most grocery stores offer a selection of cheeses, not all of them carry elite cheeses. However, many larger grocery stores now have specialty cheese sections that offer a wider variety of cheeses. Some popular grocery stores for finding elite cheeses include:
- Whole Foods Market: This grocery store chain is known for its commitment to natural and organic foods, and they offer a wide variety of artisanal cheeses.
- Trader Joe’s: This grocery store chain is known for its unique and affordable food offerings, and they have a decent selection of cheeses.
Online Retailers
If you can’t find the elite cheese you’re looking for in a local store, plenty of online retailers specialize in artisanal cheeses. Some popular online cheese retailers include:
- iGourmet: This online retailer offers a wide variety of gourmet foods, including artisanal cheeses from around the world.
- Di Bruno Bros: This Philadelphia-based retailer offers a large selection of artisanal cheeses, as well as other gourmet foods.
- Zingerman’s: This Michigan-based retailer offers a wide variety of artisanal cheeses, as well as other gourmet foods.
Enjoy the delicacy!
Elite cheeses are a delicious and versatile food that can be enjoyed in many different ways. They off several health benefits, including being a good source of protein, calcium, and healthy fats. When buying elite cheeses, it is important to pay attention to authenticity, check the date, and take into account the texture and combination. While some high-end cheeses can be quite expensive, they are well worth the investment due to their unique and delicious taste. Whether you’re enjoying a cheese platter with friends or using gourmet cheeses in your favorite recipes, they’re sure to brighten up any dish.
Elite cheeses are typically made using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients, which results in a superior flavor and texture. They are also often aged for longer periods of time than regular cheeses.