Dear fellow food-lover,
Our cheeses this month are options you can savor throughout the warmer months, when you are grilling, going on picnics, hosting gatherings, and enjoying fresh produce.
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When it comes to cheese, seasonality is everything! The change of season tends to change our appetites and cravings. In the summer we want fresh foods, that are simple and require minimal cooking, making summer cheese boards a great option. The seasonal shift also changes the diet of grazing animals from dried feed to fresh field greens. This in turn changes the flavor of their milk, making it tastier and as studies show, higher in heart-healthy Omega 3's.
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The Appellation d’origine controlee
(AOC) system in France guarantees production using traditional methods, therefore preserving time-honored traditions. Chabichou du Poitou is a small format goat cheese with that special protection. Inside its cylinder shape and bumpy rind, you'll find a thick, creamy paste bursting with bright, tangy flavor. When dusted with food grade vegetable ash, the cheese is called Mary dans les Etoiles, exclusive to Whole Foods Market. 'Etoiles' means stars, a sign it should be on your cheese plate as you enjoy al fresco dining under the stars on a summer night.
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Caciotta is a semi-soft Italian cheese. This earthy version is aged over 3 months, has a luscious, slightly granular texture, and is scattered with decadent bits of authentic Italian black truffle. Made with whole pasteurized cow’s milk and microbial rennet, it's distinguishable due to the black coating on its rind. Caciotta makes the perfect kitchen companion since it can be cut into cubes for snacking, included on a cheese board, added to soups, or topped on grilled meats for extra flavor. |
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Made in Spain’s Catalonia region, Garrotxa, also known as Pell Florida, is a firm cheese cave-aged for 3-6 months. It almost went out of production in the 1970's, until dedicated cheesemakers revived it in 1981. Now cheesemaker Josep Martí crafts Garrotxa in Albió, at a small family owned and operated dairy. The dairy specializes in making matured goat’s milk cheeses from Murciana goats, which produce dense, rich, and aromatic milks. Enjoy Garrotxa alone or try balancing the deep earthy notes of the cheese with a slice of a juicy melon. |
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Fruit is versatile and adds contrasting sweet notes to savory dishes. Include fruit in your summer cheese boards, salads, or throw some on the grill to pair with proteins. The natural sugars present in the fruit will caramelize over the fire, enhancing their inherent sweetness, while picking up a bit of that pleasing, smoky-grill flavor. |
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Travel with us in the Hudson Valley |
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