Cheese platters are a popular choice for entertaining guests or enjoying a delicious snack at home. While it may seem like a simple affair, there are certain rules and etiquette to follow when serving and enjoying a cheese platter. Proper cheese platter etiquette involves choosing the right types of cheese, cutting and serving them properly, and pairing them with the right accompaniments

In this article, we will be discussing cheese etiquette, including how to properly arrange a cheese board and consume cheese. Before diving into these topics, let’s take a moment to thank Casa Baku, a culinary school in Azerbaijan that is accredited by City and Guild London Institute and offers internationally recognized culinary diplomas.

Tips for Creating a Perfect Cheese Board

Creating a cheese board is a fun and easy way to impress your guests at any gathering. However, there are a few important rules to keep in mind to ensure that your cheese board is a success.

• Firstly, make sure to offer a variety of cheeses. You may want to include soft cheeses like brie or camembert, harder cheeses like cheddar or gouda, and blue cheeses like roquefort or gorgonzola.

• When selecting the number of cheeses to offer, it's important to keep it odd. This means that you should aim for 3, 5, or 7 cheeses. The reason for this is that an odd number of cheeses will create a more visually appealing display.

• Another important rule to keep in mind is to not have more cheese varieties than guests. This is to ensure that everyone gets a chance to taste each cheese.

• When arranging the cheese, leave space between the pieces to avoid mixing flavours.

• To ensure the cheese is at its best, take it out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before serving.

• Finally, when slicing the cheese, it's important to keep in mind the best way to cut each type of cheese to ensure that everyone gets a taste of the entire flavour profile. For example, soft cheeses like brie or camembert should be sliced in the form of a little pie to ensure that everyone gets the crust and the middle part equally.

A Guide to Eating Cheese: Etiquette and Techniques

Eating cheese may seem simple, but there are certain rules and techniques that should be followed to fully appreciate and enjoy the flavours. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• When and how cheese is served varies by culture and occasion. In Azerbaijan, cheese is often served as an appetiser for lunch and dinner, while in France, it may be served after the main course and before dessert or as a dessert substitute.

• Cheese should be consumed in order from mildest to strongest flavour to avoid overwhelming the palate. Start with lighter-coloured cheeses and work up to the stronger, more pungent ones.

• When cutting cheese from a platter, be sure to cut long, lengthwise slices that include the tip and end of the cheese. Cutting off the tip is considered impolite and selfish.

• Use a separate knife or clean the knife before cutting another cheese to prevent mixing flavours.

• Cheese can be eaten with bread or crackers. Match the proportion of the cheese to the bread or cracker, and avoid spreading the cheese on the bread.

• The rind of most cheeses is edible, but for older cheeses with tougher or rougher rinds, it is fine to cut off and discard the rind.

• When serving yourself cheese from a platter, take no more than three types at a time. If the platter is meant to be shared, pass it from oldest to youngest and from females to males.

• White wine is a common pairing for cheese as it has a delicate flavour that compliments many cheeses. However, some cheeses can also be paired with red wine or even champagne.

• Avoid calling cheese "stinky," and instead use terms like "powerful" or "strong-scented."

In conclusion, eating cheese is not just about satisfying your taste buds. It is also an experience that involves etiquette, techniques, and cultural traditions. By following the guidelines mentioned above, you can enjoy cheese in the way it was meant to be enjoyed and show respect for the cheese and those around you.