Selection of Irish Cheeses
A curated selection of Irish cheeses, served with crackers, chutney, and fruit.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Cheese making in Ireland has a long history, influenced by monastic traditions, farming practices, and later, advancements in dairy technology. Traditional methods have been combined with modern techniques to create a diverse range of cheeses.
Cheese boards are a popular part of Irish culinary culture, often served as an appetizer or dessert course in restaurants and homes. They showcase Ireland's dairy heritage and are a social food meant to be shared.
Celebration of Irish Produce
Irish cheese selections are a way to highlight the quality and variety of locally produced dairy products.
Social Gathering
Serving a cheese board encourages conversation and shared enjoyment, making it perfect for social gatherings.
Part of Irish Hospitality
Offering a selection of Irish cheeses is considered a sign of good hospitality and a way to showcase the country's culinary offerings to visitors.
The flavors are diverse and depend on the specific cheeses included in the selection, but generally range from mild and creamy to sharp and tangy, often with earthy or nutty undertones.
A typical selection might include: Cashel Blue (creamy, tangy blue cheese), Coolea (mature, hard Gouda-style cheese with butterscotch notes), Dubliner (mature cheddar with a slightly sweet and nutty flavour), Milleens (washed-rind, robust and earthy) and perhaps a goat's cheese like St. Tola (fresh, slightly acidic and creamy). The crackers offer a neutral base, while chutney provides sweetness and acidity to complement the cheeses. Fruit, like grapes or apples, adds a fresh, contrasting element.
Serving Temperature
Allow the cheeses to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair the cheeses with Irish brown bread, oatcakes, or water crackers. Accompany with Irish chutney (such as rhubarb or apple), fresh fruit (grapes, apples, pears), and perhaps some nuts or honey.
Drink Pairings
Consider pairing with Irish craft beers (stout or ale), Irish cider, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir.
Presentation
Arrange the cheeses artfully on a wooden board or platter, separating them slightly to prevent flavors from mingling too much. Provide small knives or spreaders for each cheese.
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