Welsh Rarebit: Decadent Cheese Toast Delight
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the classic British dish that is Welsh Rarebit. If you’re a […]
Welsh Rarebit: Decadent Cheese Toast Delight Read More »
Savory Spice Cheese
Definition and Scope
Savory spice cheese refers to any cheese variety intentionally infused or coated with aromatic herbs, seeds, or spices during production. These additions create distinct flavor profiles beyond the cheese’s base milk character. The category includes soft fresh cheeses with mixed-in herbs and hard aged types with spice-rubbed rinds.
Common spice inclusions range from peppercorns and cumin seeds to paprika, garlic, and dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. This style spans global cheesemaking traditions, appearing in European, Middle Eastern, and American artisan productions. The spices may be incorporated into the curd, applied to the surface, or both.
Production Techniques
Spice integration occurs at different production stages depending on the desired outcome. For interior distribution, spices are typically mixed into the curds before pressing and aging. This method ensures even flavor penetration throughout the cheese paste over time.
Surface application involves rubbing dried spices onto formed cheeses during aging, creating a flavorful crust. Some producers combine both techniques for complex layered flavors. The choice of technique affects flavor intensity and texture development during maturation.
Sensory Profile
These cheeses present balanced combinations of dairy notes with pronounced aromatic spice characteristics. The base cheese provides creamy, salty, or tangy foundations while spices contribute herbal, pungent, or earthy tones. Texture varies from creamy and spreadable to firm and crystalline.
Flavor intensity ranges from subtle herb-infused fresh cheeses to robustly spiced aged varieties. The aging process allows spice flavors to meld with and transform the cheese’s natural flavor compounds. This creates harmonious profiles where no single element dominates.
Culinary Applications
Savory spice cheeses serve well as table cheeses for direct consumption with breads and fruits. Their pronounced flavors make them excellent for cheese boards where they provide contrast to milder varieties. They pair particularly well with full-bodied wines and craft beers.
In cooking, these cheeses enhance sauces, stuffings, and baked dishes with their complex flavors. Grated spiced hard cheeses work well as finishing garnishes for soups and pasta. Their robust character stands up well to strong ingredients in composed dishes.
Regional Examples
France produces several notable varieties including Fleur du Maquis with rosemary and juniper, and Poivre d’Âne with savory and thyme. Dutch cheesemakers create kruidenkaas with cloves and caraway seeds. These represent traditional European approaches to spiced cheeses.
Middle Eastern varieties include Shanklish, a fermented ball cheese rolled in thyme and chili. American artisans have developed contemporary versions using local spices and aging techniques. Global variations demonstrate how regional spice preferences influence cheese development.