Celebrate National Cheese Lovers Day with Whole Foods

With National Cheese Lovers Day approaching on January 20th, Whole Foods Market is excited to celebrate with a 20 percent off sale on all organic cheese products for all customers! In preparation for the cheesy day ahead, here are five must try cheeses at Whole Foods Market!

• Mt Tam, Cowgirl Creamery’s signature organic cheese is one of Cathy’s favorite! The artesian cheese company is a pillar for the organic category in the United States.
• A must try cheese is the Hervé Mons Camembert. This Whole Foods Market private label Camembert is an exclusive recipe developed by French affineur Hervé Mons. Enjoy the full flavored and smooth textured cheese from Normandy cows milk.
• Cabot Clothbound Cheddar from the Cellars at Jasper Hill-Vermont: Matured in cloth like traditional cheddar this cheese has a nutty flavor profile with hints or caramel.
• Payson Breton Le Fromage Fouetté: A fresh whipped cheese made with 100% cow milk, non-GMO, from a French cooperative in the West Part of France. Enjoy a unique and airy texture perfect for both meals and snacks!
• Borough Market Stilton: This Colston Basset Stilton cheese made from pasteurized cows milk with vegetable rennet has as rich minerally tang and a butter texture.

Whole Foods Market carries over 1,500 varieties of the highest quality cheese that meet strict standards, ensuring they are free of artificial flavors, added growth hormones and preservatives. WFM also currently employs the highest percentage of Certified Cheese Professionals (over 300!), out of any national retailer.

The good news is you don’t need to be a cheese expert to make a beautiful cheese board for your next event.

Cheese Plate 101: Follow these three simple tips for a no-fail cheese board.

• Tip #1: Kick up the Contrast. Look for contrasts in the visual, textural and flavor experience. Here’s how:
  • Visual contrasts — creamy white cheeses with vivid washed-rinds; for pairings, mix bright berries with darker charcuterie; and for breads and crackers, mix up larger baguette medallions with smaller crostini.
  • Textural contrasts — offer firm and crumbly cheese options alongside soft, oozy varieties; combine fresh breads with crunchy water crackers; paired with chewy dried fruits with nuts.
  • Flavor contrasts — tangy, fresh notes in a goat cheese balanced against mushroomy, earthy notes in a Camembert; salty, savory cheddars with smooth, mild Bries; umami charcuterie flavors with sweet dried fruits or tart fruit spreads. (*Specific cheese recommendations below.)

• Tip #2: Don’t Overwhelm. Three to five different cheeses is plenty. A smaller number of fantastic cheeses wins out over a plateful of so-so cheeses. Two different bread and cracker options is all you need. Add three pairing foods — choose from olives, nuts (walnuts, Marcona almonds, pistachios), marinated veggies, dried fruits, gherkins, fruit spreads, charcuterie — and you’re set!
• Tip #3: Give it Time. Unwrap and arrange your cheeses at least an hour before serving. This gives them time to breathe, helping them show off their wonderful aromatics and nuanced flavors. Slice a few pieces of each cheese so guests feel welcome to nibble right away. Prepare the pairing foods just before serving.

Here are some locations you can get your specialty cheeses and start your next party!

Bellevue
888 116th Ave NE
Bellevue, WA 98004

South Lake Union
2210 Westlake Ave
Seattle, WA 98121

Interbay
2001 15th Avenue W
Seattle, WA 98119

Redmond
17991 NE Redmond Way
Redmond, WA 98052

Roosevelt Square
1026 NE 64th Street
Seattle, WA 98115