What is Applewood Cheese? A British Culinary Delight
Discover the charm of Applewood Cheese, a British culinary delight that has won over cheese lovers worldwide. This semi-hard cheese is known for its distinctive smoky flavor and creamy texture, a result of being smoked over applewood chips and dusted with paprika. Its unique taste profile, coupled with its versatility in a range of dishes, makes it a cherished staple in British households.
Quick Facts About Applewood Cheese
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Type | Semi-hard, smoked |
| Milk | Cow’s milk |
| Texture | Creamy and smooth |
| Flavor | Mild, smoky, slightly tangy |
| Color | Pale yellow with a golden-brown rind |
| Rind | Naturally smoked |
| Aging time | Typically 3-4 months |
| Smoked | Yes, over applewood chips for a distinct flavor |
| Vegetarian | Yes, made with vegetarian rennet |
| Pairings | Apples, grapes, beer, wine |
| Popular uses | Melting over dishes, sandwiches, cheeseboards |
| Available | Year-round |
| Brand | Ilchester |
| History | Introduced in the 1960s |
| Awards | Gold at the International Cheese Awards |
What is Applewood Cheese?
Applewood Cheese, a delectable delight hailing from the United Kingdom, is a semi-hard cheese that has won the hearts of cheese connoisseurs worldwide. Its distinct character is rooted in its careful crafting process, which involves smoking it over applewood chips. This gives the cheese its signature smoky flavor that lingers on the palate, making every bite an unforgettable experience.
What sets Applewood Cheese apart is its unique texture. It strikes a perfect balance between firmness and creaminess, making it versatile for a variety of culinary uses. Its pale yellow color, complemented by a golden-brown rind, adds a visual appeal that matches its tantalizing taste.
The flavor profile of Applewood Cheese is nothing short of fascinating. It boasts a mild yet slightly tangy taste, with the smoky undertones rounding off its flavor beautifully. This makes it a delightful addition to cheeseboards, sandwiches, or simply melted over your favorite dishes.
Being vegetarian-friendly, Applewood Cheese is made with vegetarian rennet, catering to a wider audience. It pairs wonderfully with fruits like apples and grapes, and beverages like beer and wine, enhancing their flavors in a symphony of taste.
Lastly, Applewood Cheese is not just about taste, but also heritage. Introduced in the 1960s under the Ilchester brand, it has since been celebrated for its unique flavor and quality, even bagging gold at the International Cheese Awards. Its availability year-round ensures that you can savor this smoky gem anytime you please, making it a must-try for any cheese lover.
What Does Applewood Cheese Taste Like?
Applewood Cheddar is similar to traditional Cheddar but with a twist. It has a distinct smoky flavor that sets it apart. The cheese can be crumbled or melted, and in both forms, it retains its distinctive taste. Eaten raw, it’s delicious and has a woody smoked taste and texture that many find appealing.
The sides of the cheese are dusted with paprika, adding to its unique flavor. Whether enjoyed cold right out of the fridge or melted on your favorite dish, Applewood Cheese delivers a bold flavor that is both distinct and satisfying.
Applewood Cheese Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Applewood Cheese has a pale yellow color with a golden-brown rind. The outside is dusted with paprika, giving it an amber hue.
- Texture: It has a semi-hard but creamy texture. It’s firm but not crumbly, making it perfect for slicing or grating.
- Aroma: The cheese has a subtle smoky aroma, reminiscent of a bonfire or wood smoke, due to being smoked over applewood chips.
- Taste: Applewood Cheese has a mild yet distinctive flavor. It’s slightly tangy with a smoky undertone that lingers on the palate. The smokiness is not overpowering but delicately balanced.
- Aftertaste: The cheese leaves a lingering smoky aftertaste, which makes it unique and moreish.
- Pairings: Applewood Cheese pairs well with fruits like apples and grapes. It also goes excellently with a range of beverages including beer and wine, enhancing their flavors.
- Uses: It’s versatile in culinary uses. It can be used in sandwiches, melted over dishes, or included in cheeseboards. It adds a smoky flavor to any dish it’s incorporated into.
- Vegetarian Friendly: Made with vegetarian rennet, it’s suitable for vegetarians.
- Awards: The cheese has been recognized for its quality, winning Gold at the International Cheese Awards.
10 Best Applewood Cheese Substitutes
| Substitute | Description | Best Used In |
|---|---|---|
| Smoked Gouda | A Dutch cheese variety with a rich, smoky flavor that’s similar to Applewood. | Sandwiches, cheese boards, and melted over dishes. |
| Smoked Cheddar | Another smoked cheese option that has a robust flavor. | Grilled cheese sandwiches, casseroles, and mac & cheese. |
| Provolone | An Italian cheese with a smooth texture and mild flavor. | Pizza, pasta, and sandwiches. |
| Fontina | A semi-soft Italian cheese with a slightly nutty flavor. | Fondue, risotto, and stuffed breads. |
| Monterey Jack | An American cheese known for its mild flavor and meltability. | Nachos, quesadillas, and burgers. |
| Havarti | A Danish cheese that’s creamy and buttery with a slight tanginess. | Cheese boards, sandwiches, and melted in dishes. |
| Muenster | An American cheese with a mild flavor and smooth texture. | Grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and pasta. |
| Gruyère | A Swiss cheese with a nutty, slightly sweet flavor. | Fondue, quiches, and gratins. |
| Emmental | Another Swiss cheese known for its mild flavor and large holes. | Sandwiches, fondue, and cheese boards. |
| Jarlsberg | A Norwegian cheese with a sweet, nutty flavor and large holes. | Sandwiches, salads, and cheese boards. |
What Pairs Well With Applewood Cheese?
| Category | Pairs Well With |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Apples, pears, grapes, dried apricots, figs |
| Breads & Crackers | Sourdough bread, rye crackers, whole grain bread, multigrain crackers |
| Meats | Smoked ham, roast beef, turkey, salami |
| Wines | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay |
| Beers | Pale Ale, Stout, Lager |
| Condiments | Honey, chutney, mustard, apple jelly |
| Nuts | Almonds, walnuts, pecans |
| Other Cheeses | Blue cheese, Brie, Gouda |
| Vegetables | Pickles, olives, roasted red peppers |
| Grains | Quinoa, brown rice, whole grain pasta |
Also read: What Fruit Goes on a Charcuterie Board?
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