Cheese is having a moment. From unique flavour combinations to Instagram-worthy boards, there’s lots of innovation from producers and experimentation from consumers. Let me tell you more about some of my latest finds in the world of cheese and what’s going into my next tasting.

Pretty Cheese

The world of cheese is constantly evolving, and it’s not just about flavour anymore - it’s about presentation, too. The trend for “pretty cheese” is gaining momentum, with more cheesemongers and retailers showcasing cheeses adorned with edible flowers or selling them alongside to dress a cheeseboard, or rolled in herbs and spices to make them as visually appealing as they are delicious. The Pretty Cheese Company dedicates itself to coating, marinating and blending cheeses with herbs, nuts, fruits and spices to a stunning, and delicious, effect.

Fruit Roll

One standout I’ve recently discovered is the Jumi fruit roll – a stunning roll of creamy cheese wrapped in a vibrant layer of strawberry and black pepper. It’s not only beautiful on the cheeseboard, but it also adds a sweet, spicy and tangy element that elevates the cheeseboard experience and gets people talking!

The Pistachio Craze

Speaking of trends, the viral Dubai Chocolate Bar sensation has shone a light on pistachio, bringing this vibrant green nut to the forefront of consumers’ minds. I’ve even seen it popping up in cheese! An oozing pistachio-filled brie, available exclusively at Cheeses of Muswell Hill, caught my eye recently - it’s definitely on my must-try list. In the meantime, I’ll be adding a generous pile of salted, roasted pistachios to my next cheeseboard for that satisfying crunch and nutty richness.

Perfect Pairings

Pairing cheese is far from an exact science; taste is so subjective which means you can be experimental when finding food and drink to complement and contrast with cheeses. It’s something I’m bringing to life at the Good Food Show Summer where Cheese and Perfect Pairing sessions always sell out, and this year I’ve got an incredible line-up:

• The creamy excellence of The Cornish Cheese Co, this time taking a look at their cheddar.
• The nutty, melt-in-your-mouth delight of a 24 month Comté.
• Shepherds Purse’s multi-award-winning Yorkshire Blue.
• To compare blues, we’ll try Hartington Creamery’s Dovedale Blue too, from Britain’s smallest Stilton producer.
• And, for a surprise twist, Hartington’s chocolate and chilli cheese, which is sure to get the crowd talking!

These tastings aren’t just about the cheese, though. I love to surprise the audience with pairings that highlight different facets of each cheese or cleanse the palate. This year, I’ll be serving up sharp, tangy pickled cucumber from Gingerbeard’s Preserves to cut through the richness and add some zing. Louisa’s Honey’s award-winning Bosco - which recently scooped a Great Taste Golden Fork - will be on hand to bring a smooth, floral sweetness to the blues. And no cheeseboard is complete without a chutney – so I’ll have something sweet and fruity from Puckett’s Pickles to round out the experience.

For me, these tastings are a chance to spark conversations about the versatility of cheese and inspire people to experiment at home. It’s also a brilliant way to champion these incredible producers - every time I run these sessions, I see an immediate buzz around the stands. Attendees often rush off to snap up the cheeses and pairings they’ve just tried, boosting sales both at the show and in shops across the Midlands and beyond.

There’s nothing quite like the look on someone’s face when they find a perfect pairing - that moment of surprise and delight is what it’s all about. Whether it’s the creamy indulgence of a blue cheese with a spoonful of honey or the sharp tang of a cheddar tamed by a sweet pickle, these sessions are a reminder of just how creative and playful cheese can be.

Cheese Training

There’s always more to learn when it comes to cheese, and my go-to resource is The Academy of Cheese. I recently completed their Level Two Award, which involved tasting and studying one hundred different cheeses in their extensive library. It’s an invaluable way to discover new cheeses and deepen your understanding of the stories, techniques, and traditions that make this industry so exciting.

Find out more about Fabulous Food Finds at fabulousfoodfinds.co.uk.