Few foods evoke the spirit of the seasons like cheese can. From the soft and delicate spring cheeses to rich, aged wheels of winter, cheese captures flavor and texture of the time of year. Whether you are planning a picnic, cozy dinner, or gourmet tasting, the key to the most delicious choices throughout the year is in how different cheeses align with the seasons.
Seasonality matters because the flavour of milk - the base of all cheese - changes with what cows, goats and sheep eat through the year. The milk is lighter and more floral in spring, while in autumn and winter, on a heartier diet, it is richer. This natural rhythm means that certain cheeses are at their best during particular times of the year.
Whether you're excited about what types of cheese are in season or other dining opportunities, a tool such as Eat App It will make it easier to find restaurants in your neighborhood with specially selected cheeseboards and seasonal menus.
Spring: Fresh and Floral Cheeses
Spring renews everything, and cheese isn't an exception. When livestock returns to lush pastures after winter, their milk grows creamy, full-flavored, and aromatic; cheesemakers take that fresh milk and mold it into soft, young cheeses that capture the essence of springtime.
Best Cheeses for Spring:
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Goat Cheese: tangy and light cheese perfect with fresh herbs, honey, and spring vegetables such as asparagus or peas.
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Ricotta: Soft, sweet, and really versatile in salads, pasta, and desserts.
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Burrata: Creamy inside, burrata is the indulgence that makes spring salads and bruschetta rise above.
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Fromage Blanc: This is a mild, spreadable cheese-very nice with fruit or with just a little drizzle of olive oil.
Pairing Tip: Spring cheeses pair perfectly with crisp whites, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, that accentuate their fresh notes.
Summer: Light and Bright Flavors
For many, summer is when the call of refreshing cheeses that are easy to enjoy in the heat seems to reach its crescendo. These cheeses tend to be mild and milky in flavor, really shining when paired with fresh fruits, grilled vegetables, and picnic fare.
Best Cheeses for Summer:
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Mozzarella: Soft, moist, and perfect for Caprese salads or pizzas topped with ripe tomatoes and basil.
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Feta: Salty, crumbly, and ideal for Greek salads or with watermelon and mint.
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Halloumi: A grilling favorite that holds its shape and adds a satisfying chew to any summer meal.
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Queso Fresco: A mild Latin American cheese, excellent for topping on tacos or fresh corn dishes.
Pairing Tip: These summer cheeses can be paired with rosé or sparkling wines for a refreshing combination.
Autumn: Earthy and Nutty Varieties
As the temperature cools, cheese flavors deepen. Semi-hard and aged cheeses come into their own in autumn, which marry well with the hearty dishes of the harvest season.
Best Cheese for Autumn:
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Gouda: Aged Gouda has nutty and caramelized overtones that are accentuated by apples, pears, and roasted nuts.
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Comté: This French favorite is sweet with the taste of butter and is excellent for gratins and cheese boards.
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Cheddar: Sharp and tangy, cheddar works beautifully with cider and fall chutneys.
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Gruyère: Ideal for melting, whether in fondue or a comforting baked dish.
Pairing Tip: The earthy complexity of these autumn cheeses will be matched by medium-bodied reds or spiced ciders.
Winter: Rich, Bold, and Comforting Cheeses
Winter is the season for indulgence and comfort. It is time for robust, full-flavored cheeses that warm the soul when paired with hearty meals and red wines.
Best cheeses for winter:
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Brie de Meaux: Brie is soft and buttery; brie is great with crusty bread and a glass of Merlot.
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Blue Cheese: Roquefort and Stilton are pungent and creamy, with an intensely flavored taste; great company for walnuts, figs, and port wine.
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Parmigiano-Reggiano: hard, savory, and nutty; great to grate over rich pastas and risottos.
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Raclette: A classic melting cheese, best suited to cozy gatherings at the table.
Pairing Tip: Winter cheeses go with big, bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or even a sweet dessert wine as an indulgence.
Year-Round Favorites
While seasonality can heighten appreciation of cheese, some styles are so well-rounded they tend to please any time of the year. Camembert, Manchego, and Swiss cheeses are available all year with very consistent quality and flavor regardless of the season. These versatile options pair seamlessly with fruits, nuts, or fresh bread and are always a good choice for a cheese board or casual snacking any time of the year.
Conclusion
Cheese is not just food; it's an experience that changes with the seasons. Whether it's the bright freshness of spring goat cheese or the richness of a winter blue, each has its flavors to be enjoyed. The next time you plan a meal or dining experience, consider learning about seasonal cheeses showcasing the best of each time of year.
If you need to find out where those cheeses are, Eat App. can help you find local restaurants with artisanal selections and seasonal pairings, because every season deserves its perfect cheese.
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