Complete Cheese Guide
Navigate the cheese counter with confidence using our comprehensive guide covering cheese types, flavor profiles, pairings, storage recommendations, and cooking applications. From fresh cheeses like ricotta to aged varieties like Parmigiano-Reggiano, understand how cheese is made and how different aging processes affect flavor and texture.
Storage Tips
Wrap cheese in specialized cheese paper or parchment paper, then loosely in plastic wrap. Store in the warmer part of your refrigerator (vegetable drawer). Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor. Different cheese types have different optimal storage methods and shelf lives.
Common Pairings
Mild cheeses pair well with light wines and fruits. Aged cheeses complement nuts, honey, and bold red wines. Blue cheeses pair beautifully with sweet elements like pears and honey. Consider texture, age, and intensity when creating cheese plates or cooking with cheese.
