Artisanal Cheeses Add Flavor and Sophistication
You may have noticed an increasing number of so-called “artisanal cheeses” offered at your local grocery store. Others might be designated “farmstead cheese.” What do these distinctions mean?
The American Cheese Society defines an artisanal cheese as one that relies mostly on hand-made methods for production, with minimal use of machines. The term can be used to describe any variety of cheese so long as it meets these conditions. Farmstead cheeses usually meet the same requirements.
One advantage to buying artisanal cheeses is that they are usually of a higher quality, the level of quality usually associated with imported cheese—but locally handmade cheese can be less expensive than imports. The growing popularity of hand produced local cheeses also ensures a greater variety of cheese available in each region, as the lucrative sales support domestic cheese makers.
Many supermarkets will allow you to have a small sample of these specialty cheeses. Take advantage of this policy and taste the varieties you are familiar with, and those you aren’t. You may find those the artisanal varieties of even cheeses you’re familiar with taste better than you are accustomed to. You can also find out where cheeses are being handmade in your area. Many independent cheese makers offer tastings and tours at their facilities, where you can learn more about their products and the methods behind them.
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