Cheese Characteristics | Natural Rind Cheese | Cheese Restaurant

Quick Reference Buying And Storage Guide For Cheese

Buying Guide

• Shop at a reliable source, if it does not smell good or look clean it is not a good place to shop. Always trust your instinct.

** Choose a specialty market or gourmet grocery store, supermarkets do not always carry top quality cheeses.

** Shop at a cheese only shop or a cheese restaurant.

** Shop at a gourmet food store that specializes in cheese such as a cheese and wine mart.

• Amount to purchase

** Buy only what will be consumed with in a few days, any more and the cheese characteristics may change before you consume it.

** Flavors and aroma change over time in the home refrigerator.

• Characteristics of cheese

** Cheese should retain the characteristics of that particular style.

** Interior should have no cracks, mold or discoloration, except with blue cheese or Roquefort styles.

** Natural rind cheeses have a rustic appearance. The rind is a side product of the production.

** Blue or Roquefort styles will have some mold and cracks this is normal.

** Taste and sample. Follow your taste to choose what you want to buy.

Storage Guide

• How to store

** When home re-wrap in waxed paper or parchment paper.

** The air and moisture are integral to keeping the cheese in the best possible condition.

** Always remove plastic wrap or plastic bag this is only good storage for transport not for in home storage.

by Shauna Hanus