Understanding Cheese Knives and their Uses
Before exploring how to create a cheeseboard, it’s important to understand the types of cheese knives and their uses. The most common cheese knives are the cheese plane, cheese fork, cheese cleaver, and cheese spreader. The cheese plane is perfect for slicing thin, even pieces of cheese, while the cheese fork is used for holding cheese while cutting. The cheese cleaver is ideal for hard cheeses, and the cheese spreader is used for spreading soft cheeses.
Selecting the Right Cheese for the Board
The key to creating a perfect cheeseboard is selecting a variety of cheeses with different textures, tastes, and colors. A cheese board should ideally have three to five different types of cheese. It’s best to choose different types of cheese like soft, creamy brie, pungent blue cheese, sharp cheddar, and a gooey goat cheese. Also, be sure to remove the cheese from the refrigerator at least two hours before serving to ensure it’s at its best.
Creating a Beautiful Cheeseboard
When creating your cheeseboard, start by arranging the cheeses from mildest to strongest. Add different accompaniments like fresh or dried fruits, nuts, honey, and crackers to make the cheeseboard look visually appealing. Keep in mind that a cheeseboard should have a variety of textures and colors. Arrange the cheese and accompaniments on a wooden board, slab of marble or slate, or any other platter that suits your style.
Using Cheese Knives to Cut the Cheese
Once you have selected the cheese and arranged them on your cheeseboard, it’s time to use your cheese knives to cut them. Use a different knife for each cheese to avoid mixing flavors. The cheese plane knife is best for slicing even pieces of cheese like cheddar, while the cheese fork can be used to hold hard cheeses while cutting them. The cheese spreader is perfect for spreading soft cheese on crackers, and the cheese cleaver is ideal for chopping hard cheese like Parmigiano Reggiano.
Cleaning and Storing Cheese Knives
Cheese knives need to be cleaned thoroughly after each use. Always wash the knives in warm, soapy water and dry them immediately with a clean cloth to avoid rusting. Cheese knives should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from other utensils, and never submerged in water.
