Big Cheeses: Caerphilly

Cheese tasting is always a great experience, especially when you go to a place that puts a lot into preparing the cheeses to be tasted. This summer, one of the new cheeses I tried and enjoyed was a Welsh cheese known as Caerphilly. Though countries in the heart of Europe, such as France, are known better for their cheeses, the United Kingdom as a whole should be given credit for their cheeses. Cheddar is the most well known, especially over in America. However, Caerphilly is one of those cheeses that while not as well known, is surely a tasty delight. It's kind of like a hidden gem that you just have to keep looking for as you learn more and more about cheeses.

Caerphilly cheese was originally made for coal miners in Wales while on the job. It was made to fit their needs and provide them with the kind of nourishment they needed. While production was shifted in making Cheddar during World War II, it returned after the war due to production. Since Caerphilly matures quicker, product could come out faster. Since product came out faster, more money could be made quicker on Caerphilly. Not many farms make this cheese these days, but it continues to be produced, which is what matters most.

Caerphilly is a white, crumbly cheese that has a laid back, but effective taste to it. I haven't had the opportunity to pair it, but it could very well team up well with a cracker or something light that allows it to play the star in the pairing. It was good enough to go back for a few more servings and it would be something worth experimenting with when it comes to different pairings. Caerphilly cheese is made with cow's milk and aged for up to ten weeks. When it's ready to be eaten, it proves to be a tasty treat, melting in your mouth as a crumbly cheese should and generally does.

Caerphilly may not be at all places where imported cheeses are sold. If it's in your local supermarket ("if" being the keyword), you would find it with the other imported cheeses. You may have a better chance of finding it at a cheese shop or a specialty store that concentrates more on cheese or specialty food. However, it doesn't hurt to start by giving the supermarket an attempt. If you're eager to give this cheese a taste, you can start hunting any which way. If you want the product, and it will fulfill your needs, then it's worth the search: that's my motto for this topic of interest.