SAY CHEESE
October officially marks NZ Cheese Month and in a bid to get more cheese on Kiwi’s plates, the creators behind the occasion are planning several activities to tempt every palate. From competitions to an NZ Cheese Trail (in partnership with Foodpath NZ), which explores speciality NZ cheese stores, you’ll definitely be more clued up on what’s available out there. Dish is on board too, bringing you a selection of where to go and what to add to your grazing board to impress even the most discerning cheese-lover. Enjoy!
1 Barker’s of Geraldine Fruit for Cheese
This delicious range of fruit pastes pairs perfectly with cheese and will be most at home on your DIY platter or grazing board. Barker’s has brought its fruit knowledge A-game and pairing expertise to create four beautiful flavours – Blackberry & Brandy; Feijoa & Pear; Quince; and Pomegranate & Black Pepper. Available now in supermarkets nationwide, you’ll find them alongside the specialty cheeses. barkers.co.nz
2 Massimo’s Fresh Cheese
Massimo’s carefully sources cow and buffalo milk from local farms to produce its range of gold medal-winning fresh cheeses at its family-operated cheese factory on the outskirts of Auckland. Mozzarella, ricotta and burrata are made fresh every day and often found in some of Auckland’s top restaurants as well as supermarkets nationwide. Look out for the traditional Italianstyle ricotta, made from whey. massimos.co.nz
3 Puhoi Valley Washed Rind
Puhoi Valley Washed Rind has a distinctive orange washed rind and a soft, moist centre. The rind is handwashed and then rubbed with cultures over a period of time. This process gives the cheese its unique flavour profile and aroma, and its orange rind. This is a strong-tasting cheese when mature so let it come to room temperature before enjoying it with a strong, full-bodied wine or beer. puhoivalley.co.nz
4 Meyer Cheese
Meyer is a mainstay of the NZ cheese industry and a pioneer of Gouda-style cheese made in NZ. One of the most highly awarded producers in the country, Meyer is a three-time winner of the supreme title at the NZ Champions of Cheese awards, alongside multiple category wins, and most recently won a Gold at the International Cheese Awards in Nantwich England. Available at all good cheese retailers. meyer-cheese.co.nz
5 Sabato’s Cheesemonger
Taste and select the most delicious curated selection of
New Zealand farmhouse and premium European cheese in Sabato’s Mount Eden store. The in-house cheesemonger will help you create everything from the perfect platter for entertaining, to a celebration tower of artisan cheese for your special occasion. There’s also a wide range of accompaniments on offer. Open seven days. sabato.co.nz
6 The Dutch Shop
The Dutch Shop offers a truly authentic representation of The Netherlands. The shop is filled with licorice, deli meats, European homewares and other authentic Dutch products alongside one of the largest ranges of Dutch, French, Swiss and New Zealandmade cheeses on offer in the Wellington region. They cut everything fresh from the wheel and encourage all their lovely customers to try a slice or two. thedutchshop.co.nz
7 Whitestone Cheese...
Family owned and operated in Oamaru since 1987, Whitestone are the seriously good cheese people. At Whitestone, the cheesemakers handcraft distinctive New World cheeses from North Otago milk, which reflects the local climate, water and rich limestone soils. Their ability is recognised in their international award-winning range, which is available in leading supermarkets and delis nationwide. whitestonecheese.com