Ask the Monger: Where Does Blue Mold Come From?
Here’s how that unique blue coloring from cheeses like Roquefort and Gorgonzola comes to life.
Shop Talk: Mad River Taste Place
Wedged into the tiny ski town of Waitsfield, Mad River Taste Place is centered around an all-Vermont selection of beers, ciders, spirits, and 80 to 90 cheeses
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’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 […]
Eric Schack is the Newest Cheesemonger Invitational Champion
Last weekend, Eric Shack of Eataly in New York was crowned champion at the Cheesemonger Invitational.
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 […]
5 Tips for Buying Cheese at the Counter
Cheese counters can be awfully intimidating: All those foreign names, different styles, and stinky aromas are enough to overwhelm anybody. Not to worry: a good cheesemonger is like a fairy godparent. They just want to make all your cheese wishes come true! While a good monger knows their cheese, they don’t know you—and that makes […]
