New Zealand Cheese: A Guide for Cheese Lovers

Discovering New Zealand Cheese A World of Flavors

Alright cheese fanatics, buckle up! We're diving headfirst into the delicious world of New Zealand cheese. Forget those bland supermarket blocks; we're talking artisanal goodness, creamy textures, and flavors that will make your taste buds sing. New Zealand's unique climate and lush pastures create the perfect environment for happy cows (and sheep and goats!), which translates to exceptional milk and, you guessed it, exceptional cheese. So, grab a cracker, pour yourself a glass of wine (or a craft beer – Kiwis love those too!), and let's explore the cheesy landscape of Aotearoa.

New Zealand Cheese Types From Cheddar to Blue

New Zealand offers a diverse range of cheeses, from classic cheddars to funky blues. Here's a taste of what you can expect:

• Cheddar: A Kiwi staple, you'll find everything from mild and creamy cheddars to sharp and aged varieties. Perfect for sandwiches, cheese boards, or grating over your favorite dish.
• Brie and Camembert: These soft, creamy cheeses are perfect for spreading on crackers or baking until warm and gooey. Look for locally made versions that are incredibly rich and flavorful.
• Blue Cheese: From mild and creamy blues to pungent and assertive ones, New Zealand blue cheeses are a treat for the adventurous palate. Try them with figs, walnuts, or a drizzle of honey.
• Feta: Made from sheep's or goat's milk, New Zealand feta is often crumbly and tangy. Perfect for salads, pasta dishes, or grilling.
• Halloumi: This semi-hard cheese is known for its high melting point, making it ideal for grilling or frying. It has a salty, slightly squeaky texture and a delicious savory flavor.
• Havarti: A semi-soft Danish cheese, often made in New Zealand, with a mild, buttery flavor and small eyes. Great for melting or eating on its own.
• Goat Cheese: From fresh chèvre to aged goat cheeses, New Zealand offers a wide variety of goat cheeses with varying levels of tanginess and richness.
• Sheep Cheese: Less common but equally delicious, sheep cheese offers a unique flavor profile that is often nutty and slightly sweet.

New Zealand Cheese Brands and Producers Spotlight

Now, let's talk brands. New Zealand is home to some incredible artisan cheese producers. Here are a few to keep an eye out for:

• Kapiti Cheese: A well-known brand with a wide range of cheeses, from cheddars and bries to blues and specialty cheeses. They're readily available in most supermarkets.
• Whitestone Cheese: Based in Oamaru, Whitestone is renowned for its handcrafted cheeses, particularly its Windsor Blue and Mt. Domet Double Cream Brie.
• Meyer Cheese: Specializing in Gouda-style cheeses, Meyer Cheese produces award-winning cheeses using traditional Dutch methods.
• Mahoe Cheese: Located in the Bay of Islands, Mahoe Cheese is known for its organic and biodynamic cheeses, including its Very Old Edam and Blue Rhapsody.
• Cartwheel Creamery: Another artisan producer with a focus on quality and unique flavors. Check out their website for details on where to buy.

Recommended New Zealand Cheese Products and Their Uses

Let's get specific! Here are a few recommendations for specific New Zealand cheese products and how to enjoy them:

• Whitestone Windsor Blue: This creamy blue cheese is perfect for serving with pears, walnuts, and a drizzle of honey. It's also fantastic in salads or crumbled over roasted vegetables. Price: Approximately $15-20 per 150g.
• Kapiti Kikorangi Triple Cream Blue: A decadent blue cheese with a rich, buttery texture. Enjoy it on crackers with a glass of port or use it to make a luxurious blue cheese sauce. Price: Approximately $12-18 per 125g.
• Meyer Vintage Gouda: An aged Gouda with a complex, nutty flavor and a slightly crystalline texture. Perfect for grating over pasta, enjoying with fruit and nuts, or simply savoring on its own. Price: Approximately $25-35 per kg.
• Mahoe Very Old Edam: A firm, flavorful Edam cheese that's perfect for slicing and eating with crackers or using in sandwiches. It has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. Price: Approximately $20-30 per kg.
• Zany Zeus Organic Feta: Crumbly and tangy feta, perfect for salads, pasta dishes, or sprinkling over grilled vegetables. Its made using organic milk. Price: Approximately $10-15 per 200g.

New Zealand Cheese Pairings Wine Beer and More

Cheese is even better when paired with the right drink! Here are some suggestions for pairing New Zealand cheese with wine, beer, and other beverages:

• Cheddar: Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a medium-bodied Pinot Noir, or a hoppy IPA.
• Brie and Camembert: Pair with a sparkling wine, a Chardonnay, or a Belgian-style ale.
• Blue Cheese: Pair with a sweet dessert wine like Sauternes or Port, a strong stout, or a barleywine.
• Feta: Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a dry rosé, or a Greek-style beer.
• Goat Cheese: Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a Pinot Grigio, or a saison.

Using New Zealand Cheese in Recipes Culinary Creations

Don't just eat cheese straight up! Get creative in the kitchen. Here are a few ideas for using New Zealand cheese in your recipes:

• Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Use a sharp cheddar or a Havarti for a classic grilled cheese. Add some caramelized onions or bacon for extra flavor.
• Mac and Cheese: Use a combination of cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan for a decadent mac and cheese.
• Quiche: Add crumbled feta or goat cheese to your quiche filling for a tangy and flavorful twist.
• Pizza: Use mozzarella, provolone, or Gouda on your homemade pizza.
• Salads: Crumble feta, goat cheese, or blue cheese over your salads for added flavor and texture.

New Zealand Cheese Prices and Where to Buy

You can find New Zealand cheese in most supermarkets, specialty cheese shops, and farmers' markets. Prices vary depending on the type of cheese, the brand, and the retailer. Expect to pay more for artisan cheeses and imported varieties. Shop around to find the best deals!

Comparing New Zealand Cheese Varieties Making the Right Choice

Choosing the right cheese can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Consider the following factors when making your selection:

• Flavor Profile: Do you prefer mild and creamy cheeses or sharp and tangy ones?
• Texture: Do you prefer soft and spreadable cheeses or firm and crumbly ones?
• Usage: Are you looking for a cheese to eat on its own, to pair with wine, or to use in a recipe?
• Price: Set a budget and stick to it.

Don't be afraid to ask for samples at your local cheese shop. This is the best way to try different cheeses and find your favorites!

Storing New Zealand Cheese Tips and Tricks

Proper storage is essential for keeping your cheese fresh and flavorful. Here are a few tips:

• Wrap cheese tightly in plastic wrap or cheese paper. This will help prevent it from drying out and absorbing odors from the refrigerator.
• Store cheese in the refrigerator at a consistent temperature. The ideal temperature is between 35°F and 45°F (2°C and 7°C).
• Store different types of cheese separately. This will prevent the flavors from mixing.
• Bring cheese to room temperature before serving. This will allow the flavors to fully develop.
• Consume cheese within a few days of opening.

So there you have it – a comprehensive guide to the wonderful world of New Zealand cheese! Go forth, explore, and enjoy the deliciousness that Aotearoa has to offer. Happy cheese hunting!