Time For Quebec Cheese

Quebecers love cheese and our resourceful regional cheesemongers were among the first to introduce us to many outstanding local cheeses. There are a large number of cheese producers in Quebec, and to the delight of our taste buds and those of our guests, an ever-growing number of fine cheeses make their way to the market every year.

Metro presents some great Quebec cheeses: Sauvagine, Cendrillon, Saint-Raymond de Portneuf, Grand Manitou, Apprenti Sorcier, Voie Lactée, Curé Labelle, Petit Train du Nord, Petit Rubis du Village de Warwick, Fleur d’Ail, and of course Charroi Suisse and more…

Quebec cheese: Successful cheese tasting

Basic guidelines for a successful cheese tasting:

Cheeses should be left at room temperature for at least 30 minutes prior to serving. They can be left out for up to two hours, if time permits, to enhance their taste even further.
Select 4 or 5 quality cheeses. A well-balanced platter starts with a mild soft-curd cheese and a bloomy-rind cheese. Add a stronger washed-curd cheese, a semi-firm cheese and a veined (blue) cheese.
Calculate about 250gr of cheese per guest. Provide a different knife for each and indicate the name of the cheeses.
Make sure your cheeses are cut evenly in order that your guests enjoy a balanced portion that includes rind and curd. Cheeses come in different shapes and should be cut accordingly.

Prepare a nice assorted bread basket to accompany the cheeses, selecting breads that will not overpower the taste of the cheeses. Walnut bread, for example, pairs amazingly well with blue cheese. Add flat breads, Melba toast, rusks and crackers.
Fresh fruit is the perfect complement to rich, mild or salty cheeses. Try adding, as per French tradition, dried fruit (raisins, dates, figs, apricots, cranberries) and nuts (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, pecans).
A deli platter is always a welcome addition to a cheese tasting. Select a few meats from our wide variety of irresistible sliced charcuteries and liver pâtés.
Your personal taste and preference should guide you in your selection of wine. A young mild cheese pairs well with a wine with similar characteristics. A more full-bodied wine goes well with a sharp cheese. Consider cider and beer–they are also an excellent complement.
A deli platter is always a welcome addition to a cheese tasting. Select a few meats from our wide variety of Irresistible sliced charcuteries and liver pâtés.

Now, join your guests and enjoy!

Anytime is the best time to enjoy Quebec cheese!

Traditionally cheese is served between the main course and dessert, but don’t let that stop you. There are many opportune moments to enjoy cheese with family and friends—here are a few suggestions:

What could be better than coming home to a beautifully-arranged cheese platter after a long walk in the country on a beautiful fall day? Very comforting and oh so good!
Sitting in front of a nice warm fire or watching a movie at home. Place some brie or camembert on a sheet of aluminium foil, garnish to taste with cranberries, black olives, walnuts; wrap and bake in the oven for a few minutes. Remove from the oven and serve with a baguette or your favourite crackers.
Offer your family a new cheese every week.
Add a piece of fine cheese to you or your children’s lunch box.
Many dishes provide you with the opportunity of adding different cheeses to the menu. Take a look at our Cheese recipes.

Here are a few tips to fully enjoy Quebec cheeses.

Check the “best before” date on the package: The later the date, the fresher, lighter and more delicate the aroma of the cheese.
Remove the plastic covering. Wrap the cheese in waxed paper and then in foil. The cheese will keep much longer. Whole cheese can be left in its original package. To find out more about the storage life of cheese, consult the Storage Life Chart.
When purchasing cheese, select whole or large pieces of cheese which will remain fresh longer than small pieces or slices that tend to lose their flavour more rapidly.
You have leftover cheese? Freeze it. Wrap the cheese in foil and place in a freezer bag. Defrost in the refrigerator. Freezing will not affect the taste of cheese but it may alter its texture. Once defrosted, simply add to soups, casseroles or other dishes.

Enjoy!

To find out more about cheeses, the different cuts, the appropriate tools, how to serve them to enjoy them to their fullest, click on The Cheesemonger or visit our in store Fromagerie Saveur du Monde section.