Sumptuous Local Cheeses for a Scrumptious Summer Outdoor Feast
Local Cheeses Shine in Summer Picnics
New York City is home to a vibrant cheese scene, with artisanal producers creating delicious options for every palate. Here are some local cheeses that are perfect for summer picnics, recommended by experts for their portability, flavor, and pairing ability.
Farmhouse Cheddar
Preferred for summer because of its juicier inside and piquant, fruity flavor, Farmhouse Cheddar is a versatile choice. It pairs excellently with tropical fruit chutneys like mango chutney, dried mango, or fresh pineapple. Cold, crisp cider complements it well. Farmhouse Cheddar is available in mild to vintage styles [1].
Manchego
Originating from Spain, Manchego is a sheep’s milk cheese that comes in various ages, from 15 days to over 12 months. It has a supple texture and a sweet, savory bite. Best paired with toasted Marcona almonds, quince paste (membrillo), or locally made fruity preserves such as marmalades of orange, apricot, plum, and fig [1].
Sharp White Cheddar and Marbled Cheddar Cubes
These cheeses are ideal for picnic grazing boards due to their ease of serving. Combined with mozzarella balls (bocconcini) for varied textures, they offer a delightful cheese board experience [2].
Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini)
Providing a fresh, creamy contrast to harder cheeses on summer boards, mozzarella balls are a popular choice [2].
Other Notable Mentions
- Mettowee goat cheese from Consider Bardwell Farm is only available in the summer months. It works well in salads and pairs well with juicy fruits like strawberries or crisp green vegetables [4].
- The Flatiron Cheese by Beecher's Handmade Cheese is produced in the company's store on Broadway and 20th Street in New York. It pairs well with a dry Riesling [5].
- Dancing Ewe Farm's Fresco pecorino, a seasonal cheese aged for two months before being sold, has a firm texture and is great for adding on top of green or bean salads. It pairs well with a fruity white wine like Vermentino or Ansonica [6].
- The More Beer cheese by Valley Shepherd Creamery is formed into a wheel with a line of vegetable ash in the center. While it doesn't have a specific wine pairing mentioned, it is designed to pair well with microbrews [7].
- The Shushan Snow camembert-style cheese from Three Corner Field Farm, made from pasteurized milk, has varying textures, with a harder exterior protecting a creamy center after aging [8].
Expert Tips
Experts suggest serving cheeses alongside fresh seasonal fruits (watermelon, melon, peaches, cherries, blackberries), crunchy nuts, crackers, and spreads like fig jam, adding balance and variety to your picnic spread [2][3]. The goal is to create contrasts like creamy cheeses with crunchy nuts or sweet fruits with salty meats to elevate the picnic experience [3].
In summary, Farmhouse Cheddar, Manchego, sharp white and marbled cheddars, and mozzarella balls are top local cheese picks for summer picnics, favored for their complementary flavors, textures, and easy pairings with fruit and nuts [1][2][3]. Enjoy these delicious local cheeses as you soak up the sun this summer!
[1] [source] [2] [source] [3] [source] [4] [source] [5] [source] [6] [source] [7] [source] [8] [source]
Cooking a summer picnic spread can be a delightful lifestyle choice, and incorporating local food-and-drink options can elevate the experience. Some home-and-garden recommendations include Farmhouse Cheddar, Manchego, sharp white and marbled cheddars, and mozzarella balls for their complementary flavors, textures, and ease in pairing with seasonal fruits and nuts.
