Not All Cheese Is Created Equal
Ever wonder what makes a particular cheese better than another?
Why are some cheeses so expensive?
How do I know what is a good quality cheese vs. mass-produced junk?
Well you are not alone, our cheese-loving friend!
We have found that these are some of the most commonly asked questions from our customers! ....But seriously, WHY buy an $18/lb. cheddar versus a prepackaged orange block of goo at the grocery store? (okayyy, so that one might be >slightly< more obvious) Is there a difference between cheese I eat alone or cheese I cook with?
ALL GOOD QUESTIONS!
That is why we thought we’d tackle some of these Q’s, as well as shed some light on what it takes to better understand the pleasures (and benefits) of quality cheese!
Now don’t get us wrong, there are some decent options out there at our friendly neighborhood grocery stores, and we don’t want to completely dismiss them all.
However, we do tend to believe that (like in life) you get what you pay for...
And we’ve got some helpful tips worth sharing to make certain you get the best out of your cheese selection!
Q: Why is quality cheese so expensive?
A: Well, Cheese has to pay it’s rent check. 😉
All cheese (except for the vegan variety) starts with animal milk. Now logically, there’s a cost to turning milk into cheese. This transformation process can happen in a large-scale, cost effective manner, or on smaller farmsteads that use quality milk produced by their own (or local) animals. This direct connection to the land, the animal, that animal’s milk, farmer, and cheese maker has such value. It is simply better for you!
When cheese is aged, it is literally sitting on a shelf taking up space, time, and essentially paying rent. The longer the cheese ages, the more valuable it becomes. The cheese is often turned, flipped, brushed, washed. It is cared for greatly and has rich flavors, texture, smell, and shape because of it!
Q. What makes quality cheese better?
A: Quality Cheese has Quality Health Benefits!
Real cheese, made from real milk, by real people is simply better for you than mass- produced rubbery cheese. According to research, cheese is an excellent non-meat source of protein, packed with calcium, Vitamin D, folic acid, Vitamin A, zinc, minerals and more! So don’t let good quality, full-fat cheese scare you, after all…everything in moderation as the saying goes!
Q: Is there a difference between cheese I eat and cheese I cook with?
A: Well, it depends.....
If you are going to sit back and dig into some delicious cheese, we would definitely suggest not skimping on quality! Part of the joy of cheese is savoring its unique texture and flavor profile. Does it melt in your mouth or provide surprising, salty crunch? Does it finish with notes of caramel, grassiness, tang, or fresh herbs?
When eating quality cheese, we find our customer’s are more focused on the cheeses’ taste profile, texture, smell, and color. It’s a full-on sensory experience! But if you are cooking with cheese, it can be more forgiving. If you are not in the mood to splurge (and you are whipping up a dish like mac and cheese) than you have a little more wiggle room!
The GOOD NEWS IS...
no matter what you're looking for, The Babylon Cheese Cellar is your Go-To! We have a wide selection and a knowledgeable staff waiting to help!