N E W S H A M P E R O u r P a s s i o n , Yo u r G i f t
Which taste are you? Cheeses are a speciality for Hay Hampers and we pride ourselves offering the widest range of tastes than any other hamper company in the UK. A recent study says that tastes have changed and people are apparently after stronger flavours now and are prepared to be a bit more adventurous. For this reason, sales of mild cheddar have dropped, whereas those of extra mature cheddar have soared and there have also been handsome rises in sales of blue and continental cheeses. So has mild cheddar had its day? Shoppers were found to be more daring when buying cheese than just about any other product and a strong or mature flavour could beat even price as the most important factor. People want less quantity, but more quality and taste. There is also an interest in traditional, artisanal cheese.
On the herb side, you’ll find cheeses studded in garlic, cumin, dill, fennel, rosemary, tarragon or thyme. More delicate palates might appreciate a mild, fresh cheese with summer black truffles.
A natural pairing for cheese, dried fruit offers sweet scrumptiousness and delight. When Wensleydale is spangled with cranberries, there’s all the more reason to eat cheese for breakfast, snack or dessert.
Cheeses can be smoked with all kinds of flavours: beech, cherry, and maple woods, pecan and walnut shells, even corn cobs. In Holland, Gouda is still smoked in ancient brick ovens over glowing hickory chip embers. In Spain, the noteworthy sheep’s milk Idiazabal is smoked over applewood. The process of smoking adds a wonderful depth of flavour to our favourite cheeses, especially those that are typically mild such as Cheddar. This sweet, smoky, creamy cheese is worth seeking out to pair with your next pint of beer.
What goes better with cheese than a lovely glass of wine? With wine-washed or soaked cheeses, the distinctive flavours and aromas of Cabernet, Prosecco, and Chablis can melt in your mouth. In Spain, Murcia al Vino (also known as Drunken Goat) is bathed in local red wine. In Italy, Ubriaco is aged in a blend of Cabernet and Merlot must. In Wales, Ruby Mist blends silky, smooth mature Cheddar with the warmth of Port and Brandy for the ideal evening accompaniment.
The changes in attitude and buying patterns are at all levels, from craft producers to independent shops such as Hay Hampers. Lesser-known varieties of British cheeses but also continental cheeses are starting to win fans. When you combine your favourite variety with some flavours, then you get something entirely exciting and unexpected. Here’s a little taste of our flavoured cheeses available for you to try. For those who like it hot, there are exuberant cheeses spiced up with jalapeno and Serrano chillis. hampers.co.uk | phone 01476 550 420 | sales@hampers.co.uk