Helpful tips from one of our experts at the delicatessen counter on Market Street.
Do all blue cheeses taste similar to Stilton – if not which are the mildest?
Blue cheeses aren’t all a variation on Stilton. Far from it. There are many different types of blue cheese, all of which are well worth investigating. True, most blue cheeses are strong-smelling and more salty when compared to many other types of cheese. They all have their own distinct identities and complement different foods and wines. If you’re new to this type of cheese, try starting with one of the milder varieties like Cambozola. Once you’re a blue cheese convert, you could move onto something with more punch like Gorgonzola. And remember – all blue cheeses taste best at room temperature, so take them out of the fridge in good time before you intend to eat them.
Is there an alternative to Parmesan that goes well with pasta dishes?
Everyone tends to think of Parmesan as the only cheese you can sprinkle on your pasta but you could try Grana Padano which is tasty but a little milder. Or even medium-strength cheddar can top off a pasta dish nicely – and it’s always a firm favourite with the kids.
What are the most popular olives?
Our most popular olives are Spanish Manzanilla (meaning ‘little apple’) or Spanish Hojiblanca (meaning ‘white leaf’). By tradition, these are not just eaten as plain olives, but are stuffed with products such as red pimiento, anchovies, garlic or almonds.
