TRENTON, NJ – Today, New Jersey joins the nation in celebrating a peculiar yet fascinating foodie holiday: National Moldy Cheese Day, observed every October 9th.
While moldy cheese might not sound appetizing to the average individual, cheesemongers – experts in cheeses, butter, and dairy products – view it differently. Mold, in the world of cheese, is not always a sign of spoilage. Indeed, specific types of mold are responsible for giving certain cheeses their distinctive flavors and textures.
However, not all molds are welcome on cheese. Cheeses with red or brown-tinged molds should be discarded immediately, as they indicate bacterial contamination. On the other hand, cheeses sporting grey, blue, or green molds are not only safe to consume but are also often sought after by cheese aficionados.
Just as a sommelier has expertise in wine pairings, a cheesemonger offers invaluable insights into artisan cheeses, assisting in recipes, banquets, and sourcing for eateries. Today, cheeses like Maytag blue, Roquefort, bleu, camembert, gorgonzola, and Stilton stand in the limelight, exemplifying the wonders of mold in the cheesemaking process.
Interesting tidbits abound when discussing moldy cheese. For instance, the soft fuzz on a wheel of fresh brie is charmingly referred to as “cat’s fur.” Managing these “bloomy rind” cheeses does require meticulous care, but the delightful outcome, as many would attest, is well worth the effort. After all, isn’t the best culinary experience often a delightful blend of science and art?
So, on this National Moldy Cheese Day, New Jersey invites its residents to look past initial reservations and explore the intricate world of moldy cheeses. It’s a day to appreciate the science, craft, and flavor profiles that these unique cheeses bring to the table.
Here are some great cheese shops across New Jersey. Make sure you check out the Stilton!
New Jersey offers a variety of specialty cheese shops for those with a penchant for artisanal dairy delights. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these stores are worth a stop:
- Cheese On Main
- Location: Ocean Grove, NJ
- Rating: 4.9 from 31 reviews
- Services: In-store shopping
- Contact: (732) 775-1530
- Olsson’s Fine Foods
- Location: Princeton, NJ
- Rating: 4.8 from 92 reviews
- Services: In-store shopping, Curbside pickup, Delivery
- Contact: (609) 924-2210
- The Summit Cheese Shoppe
- Location: Summit, NJ
- Rating: 4.8 from 52 reviews
- Services: In-store shopping, In-store pickup
- Contact: (908) 608-8898
- The Cheese Shoppe
- Location: Surf City, NJ
- Rating: 4.8 from 128 reviews
- Services: In-store shopping
- Contact: (609) 494-4630
- Van Hook Cheese & Grocery
- Locations: Montclair, NJ and Jersey City, NJ
- Ratings: 4.9 from 43 reviews (Montclair) and 4.8 from 163 reviews (Jersey City)
- Services: In-store shopping
- Contacts: (973) 830-2676 (Montclair) and (201) 433-2600 (Jersey City)
- Lebanon Cheese Company, Inc.
- Location: Lebanon, NJ
- Rating: 4.8 from 50 reviews
- Services: In-store shopping, In-store pickup
- Contact: (908) 236-2611