With over 700 varieties of cheese in the UK alone, navigating the cheese aisle can be overwhelming. Perry Wakeman, a three-time Affineur of the Year, shares essential questions to ask your cheesemonger and reveals his current favorite cheeses to try.
- Ask your cheesemonger what’s best right now—answers evolve weekly.
- Tasting cheeses helps you discover flavors you wouldn’t choose otherwise.
- Store cheese in a lidded container to keep it fresh longer.
What happened
Perry Wakeman, an acclaimed affineur and judge at the World Cheese Awards, reveals insider tips to help customers improve their cheese buying habits. He encourages cheese lovers to engage with cheesemongers by asking about the best cheeses available at the moment, as choices can vary daily depending on seasonality and maturation.
Wakeman stresses the importance of tasting cheeses before purchase as a way to explore new flavors and find favorites you might otherwise overlook. He also highlights the innovation in British artisan cheese, showcasing experimental varieties like Dillon, a cheddar noted for its unique maturation process and savory depth.
Why it feels good
Connecting with a knowledgeable cheesemonger enhances the joy of selecting cheese. When you ask questions and taste samples, you tap into expert knowledge rooted in tradition and seasonal shifts, making the experience both educational and satisfying. This personal approach moves away from generic, mass-market blocks to celebrate the diversity of cheese.
Understanding how to best store cheese prolongs its flavor and texture, enabling you to savor each bite as intended. Additionally, exploring local, regionally paired products deepens your appreciation for the craftsmanship involved and creates a harmonious tasting experience, rewarding your curiosity with delicious results.
What to enjoy or watch next
Try Perry Wakeman’s recommended cheese Dillon, which is gaining recognition for its dense, savory character thanks to cutting-edge maturation methods. It represents the future of artisanal cheddar and is expected to be a standout choice in coming months.
Experiment with simple finishing touches at home, such as grating a robust cheese like Sparkenhoe red Leicester over dishes like scrambled eggs to add depth and flavor. Keep exploring the myriad cheese options available from independent shops and don’t hesitate to ask for tasting samples to find new favorites suited to your palate.