How to Enjoy Cheese at it's best
- Cheese is best enjoyed fresh, although it can be stored in a cool environment for anything from a couple of days to several months, depending on the type of cheese.
- When storing cheese, either wrap tightly in foil or clingfilm or keep in an airtight container in the bottom part of the fridge.
- To bring out its full flavour, cheese should always be served at room temperature. Remove from the fridge at least one hour before serving and keep loosely wrapped.
- Liven up your cheeseboard with a natural garnish such as grapes, apples, tomatoes and celery. Or try some of the more unusual accompaniments, such as olives, pickled walnuts or pickled gherkins. Dates, figs, sultanas currents and other dried fruits also work well as an accompaniement to cheese. But remember, all pickles should be served in separate dishes. Don't be afraid to let your imagination go wild!
- Alternatively serve with bread, crackers or water biscuits. No need for margarine or butter as the cheese is already a good source of fat.
- Have a number of knives to hand and always use separate knives to cut blue cheese and mould ripened cheeses such as Brie.
- Wrap any unused cheese and keep in the refrigerator. If the remaining cheese is an odd shape, and can't be re-used on the cheese board, grate to use in cheese sauces, sandwiches or other cheesy dishes.
(Information courtesy of The British Cheese Board)
