HOW TO CUT CHEESE PROFESSIONALLY

HOW TO CUT CHEESE PROFESSIONALLY

Cutting cheese is an art that we must master in order to enjoy its qualities, aroma and, above all, its flavour to the full. Depending on the type of cheese, there are different techniques that we can all master with a little practice. Do you want to know how to cut cheese easily? We tell you everything you need to know in this article. 

HOW TO CUT CHEESE ACCORDING TO ITS SHAPE

Before we start cutting, it is important to look at the type of cheese and how mature it is. But the most important factor is the shape. The most common shapes are as follows:


Round and small cheeses


Small round and flat cheeses with a creamy consistency are cut as if they were a cake. Wedges are made from the centre of the cheese to the edges. To prevent the cheese from sticking to the knife, it is advisable to moisten the knife with hot water and dry it to allow the blade to warm up.


Large round cheeses


This type of cheese, if it has a creamy texture, is cut into large wedge-shaped portions, which are then divided into triangles of the same size. As with the previous cheeses, it is advisable to keep the knife blade slightly warm to prevent sticking.


Roller cheeses


The most common is goat's cheese. These cheeses are very easy to cut, just make medallions one or two centimetres thick if you are going to eat them as they are, or a little thicker if you are going to grill them.


Fresh cheeses


For fresh cheeses, if they are round, cut wedges from the centre to the edges. If they are square, in slices thick enough so that they do not bend.


How to cut goat's cheese


Cured and semi-cured goat's cheeses, start by first cutting the cheese in two halves, crosswise. Once cut into halves, wedges are made and each wedge is cut into triangular slices that are neither too thin nor too thick. The cuts are made from the rind to the top of the wedge.


Blue cheeses


They are cut into wedges and each wedge is divided into smaller wedges. To make sure that the wedges are regular, we support them on their widest side.


Bar cheeses


Bar cheeses are very easy to cut. You only have to make square slices following the shape of the cheese.


Ball cheeses


This type of cheese can be cut into small cubes or first into quarters from which we will cut slices that will have a half-moon shape.


Very hard cheeses


Varieties such as Parmesan do not allow slices to be made, as they crumble. It is better to cut them into slices or irregular pieces or simply grate them.


Special cheeses


There are cheeses which, due to their characteristics, must be presented in a very specific way. For example, tetilla cheese should be cut with a flat, wide, onion-type knife.


Tete de moine cheese is cut with a special device called a girolle, which is used to scrape off flower-shaped shavings. Torta del Casar is opened at the top, as if it had a lid, and scraped off.

 

THE RIGHT KNIFE FOR EACH CHEESE

There are different types of special knives and cheese cutters that help us to cut the different types of cheese quickly and easily.

  • Cheese knives are similar to pastry knives and are suitable for soft cheeses and blue cheeses.
  • Double-handled knives are perfect for cutting large and hard cheeses.
  • Perforated blades prevent the cheese from sticking to the knife.
  • There are also cheese cutters, very typical in Northern Europe, which consist of a spatula with a central blade with which to remove cheese slices. Although with a little skill, any sharp knife you have at home will work well.

HOW YOU CAN PRESENT THE CHEESE

Cheese is perfect for tapas or to serve as an aperitif or as the star of a light dinner. Boards are a great way to present different types of cheese. You can order them from less to more mature and accompany them with different types of bread, regañás or picos.
Include on your board some garnishes that enhance the flavour of the cheese. Dried fruits are perfect for cured and semi-cured cheeses. A red fruit jam or a handful of berries such as redcurrants or blueberries are ideal for accompanying goat's cheeses.
Olives and extra virgin olive oil also make a good accompaniment to a complete and aesthetically pleasing cheese board.
You already know how to cut the cheese according to its shape, level of maturity and consistency. A good selection of quality cheeses is a good choice for everyone and forms part of a balanced diet.


 


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