Ask the Monger: How Can I Gift Cheese?
Cheese expert Gianaclis Caldwell explains how to properly send cheeses in the mail.
Ask the Monger: Why Are Washed-Rind Cheeses Orange?
Ever wondered where washed-rind cheeses get their color? We have your answer.
Ask the Monger: What is Listeria?
Here’s what you need to know about Listeria, a large group of bacteria that’s sometimes found in soil, animal bedding, and areas on farms.
Ask the Monger: What’s the Difference Between Blue Pockets and Streaks?
Here’s all you need to know about the difference between blue pockets and blue streaks in different types of cheese.
Ask the Monger: What’s the Difference Between Cheese Curds and Cheese?
Gordon Edgar of Rainbow Grocery in San Francisco lays out the difference between cheddar curds and the cheese itself.
Ask the Monger: How Do I Become A Cheesemonger?
How does one become a cheesemonger? I began my career as a cheesemaker in rural West Pawlet, Vermont. Due to the distance between the farm and our retail customers in NYC, a tremendous information gap existed. Is the cheese raw or pasteurized? Jersey milk or Ayrshire? From the Northeast Kingdom or the Slate Valley? I wanted to close that gap and tell […]
Ask the Monger: How Do I Learn to Taste Cheese Like An Expert?
How can I learn to taste cheese the way the experts do? Tasting doesn’t have to be formal or prescriptive—cheese is the great democratizer, that incredible distillation of dairy that anyone with taste buds (and lactose tolerance) can enjoy. The rules are simple: Taste often and taste deliberately. Start a journal or photo log of cheeses you taste and record your observations. While […]
Ask the Monger: What Cheese Do I Need to Try While in the UK?
I’m traveling to the UK. What cheese do I need to try? For anyone visiting the UK, especially for the first time, a West Country Cheddar is an absolute must-try! I recommend one from Keen’s or Montgomery’s, preferably aged around 14-18 months. Of course, another classic is a blue Stilton. I like the one from […]
Ask the Monger: How Long Can Cheese Sit Out of the Fridge?
How long can cheese sit out of refrigeration? Awesome question! It’s one I get a lot at the counter, especially in the summertime. Unfortunately, there isn’t one simple answer: It all depends on the cheese. Generally speaking, those with a higher moisture content like fresh cheeses, soft cheeses, or anything especially squishy don’t do as […]
Ask the Monger: What Happens When You Store Cheese in Plastic Wrap?
What happens when you store cheese in plastic wrap? Good question! This is a hotly debated topic, and everyone has an opinion. I welcome the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the complexities of the answer.The effect that plastic wrap has on cheese varies depending on the type of cheese. The rind is the most […]
