Exploring the World of Imported Cheeses
May 17, 2024

Welcome to the Ultimate Guide to Imported Cheeses
Are you looking to elevate your culinary experiences with exquisite flavors from around the world? This guide is crafted for enthusiasts eager to explore the rich tapestry of imported cheeses. Whether you're planning a sophisticated gathering, enhancing your cooking, or simply indulging in the pleasure of fine cheeses, we are here to help you navigate through the delightful world of imported cheeses.
Imported cheeses offer a unique glimpse into the cultural heritage of different regions, each bringing its own story and flavor profile. From the creamy textures to the sharp, tangy notes, every cheese has something special to offer. Let's delve into the various types of imported cheeses and what makes them stand out:
- Milk-based distinctions: Experience how the choice of milk (cow, sheep, or goat) impacts the flavor and texture of cheese.
- Geographical varieties: Explore cheeses from renowned cheese-producing countries and their traditional cheese-making techniques.
- Sensory experience: Select cheeses based on their texture and taste profiles, perfect for various culinary applications.
- Culturally significant cheeses: Discover cheeses that carry a high cultural value, adding depth to your dining experience.
Choosing the right cheese can be a delightful challenge. Below, we'll guide you through selecting cheeses based on their unique characteristics and suitability for different occasions and uses.
Jump Ahead To Sections
1. Cheeses Based on Milk Type
2. Cheeses from Around the World
3. Cheeses by Texture and Taste
4. Culturally Significant Cheeses
Cheeses Based on Milk Type
The type of milk used in cheese production greatly influences its flavor and texture. This selection focuses on cheeses made from cow's milk and sheep's milk, offering a range of flavors from mild to sharp and textures from soft to firm. These cheeses are perfect for those looking to explore traditional tastes and textures.
![]() Locatelli Pecorino Romano Cheese, 5 lbs |
![]() DaneKo Havarti Cheese with Dill (12 x 7 oz.) |
![]() Ricotta Salata Cheese - Sheep Milk - Approx. 7 Lb |
![]() Locatelli Pecorino Romano, 1 Pound |
100% pasteurized sheep's milk |
Pasteurized cow's milk |
Sheep's milk |
100% pasteurized sheep's milk |
Flavor Complexity: The use of traditional ingredients such as cultures and sea salt suggests a moderate flavor complexity. Texture: The product is described as a high-quality cheese, which typically implies a good texture. Brand Reputation: Locatelli, a family name known for over 200 years as Italy's finest cheese producer, indicates a highly reputable brand. Visual Appeal: The product's presentation in images and the description of the brand's heritage suggest a high visual appeal. Authenticity: The product's adherence to traditional cheese making methods and the Locatelli family's long history in cheese production support a high level of authenticity. |
Flavor Complexity: The combination of Havarti cheese with dill offers a unique and complex flavor profile that is likely to be appreciated by consumers. Texture: Described as having a mild, buttery texture which is characteristic of Havarti, making it appealing for various culinary uses. Brand Reputation: The brand is generic, which might not have a strong reputation compared to well-known or specialty brands. Visual Appeal: The product is visually appealing with a variety of high-quality images showcasing the cheese with dill, which enhances its aesthetic. |
Flavor Complexity: Moderate flavor complexity described as having a mild, sweet, and nutty flavor. Texture: Moderate texture described as supple, which is typical for Ricotta cheese. Brand Reputation: Moderate brand reputation, known as Zerto, with specific product ranking in the top 4 for Ricotta Cheese. Visual Appeal: Moderate visual appeal based on the single image of the product. |
Flavor Complexity: The sharp flavor profile and the product being considered the highest grade of Pecorino Romano suggest a complex and highly desirable flavor. Texture: As a hard cheese, Pecorino Romano is known for its firm texture, which is a desirable characteristic in this type of cheese. Brand Reputation: Frank and Sal Italian Market is associated with high-quality imported products, contributing to a strong brand reputation. Visual Appeal: The product is described as the world's finest grating cheese, indicating a high visual appeal typical of premium cheeses. |
Cheeses from Around the World
Embark on a gastronomic journey with cheeses from Italy, Denmark, Spain, Switzerland, France, and Canada. Each cheese is a representative of its country's cheese-making heritage, offering a unique opportunity to taste and compare different flavors and techniques from across the globe.
![]() Danish Blue Cheese, Sold by the Pound |
![]() Gruyere, Cave Aged 12 Months - 2 lbs |
![]() Spanish Manchego Cheese Tapas DOP Reserve (7.5 oz) + Quince Jelly |
![]() Madrigal Cheese (2x1 pounds) |
Denmark |
Switzerland |
Spain |
France |
Cultural Significance: Danish Blue cheese, also known as Danablu, has a significant cultural heritage as a gourmet cheese invented in Denmark in 1927. Texture: The cheese is noted to be soft and a little crumbly but surprisingly easy to slice, which enhances its texture. Visual Appeal: The product's creamy texture and blue veins give it a visually appealing look, which is likely to attract consumers. Authenticity: The cheese is imported from Denmark and made using traditional methods, maintaining its authenticity. |
Cultural Significance: Gruyere is a traditional Swiss cheese, and this cave-aged version maintains the cultural significance of the cheese. Flavor Complexity: As a cave-aged Gruyere, the flavor is expected to be complex and rich, typical of high-quality aged cheeses. Texture: Described as creamy, which is a desirable texture for gourmet cheeses. Visual Appeal: The product is visually appealing, presented in a professional and attractive manner. |
Cultural Significance: As a Spanish product, the Spanish Manchego Cheese Tapas DOP Reserve holds high cultural significance. Flavor Complexity: The combination of Manchego cheese with quince jelly indicates a moderate flavor complexity. Visual Appeal: The product's presentation in images and the description of serving cubed as an hors d'oeuvre suggest a high visual appeal. Authenticity: The product is described as being aged in Spain for 12 months, aligning with traditional practices for Manchego cheese, indicating high authenticity. |
Cultural Significance: Being a French-made cheese with specific cultural references, Madrigal Cheese holds high cultural significance. Flavor Complexity: Described as similar to Emmental or Jarlsberg, the cheese offers a moderate flavor complexity typical of Swiss cheeses. Texture: The semi-soft, flexible texture may be appealing to those who enjoy this type of cheese, but it is not exceptional. Visual Appeal: The product has a traditional cheese appearance with a straw-like interior and large holes (eyes), which may not be visually appealing to all consumers. |
Cheeses by Texture and Taste
This selection focuses on the sensory aspects of cheese, such as creamy, buttery, salty, and sharp flavors. It's designed for those who appreciate the tactile experience of cheese consumption, enhancing both taste and texture to elevate any culinary dish.
![]() Auricchio Stravecchio Provolone from Italy |
![]() DaneKo Danish Blue Cheese, 5.5 pounds |
![]() La Leyenda Sheep's Milk Cheese with Black Truffle (2 Wedges) |
![]() DaneKo Havarti Cheese with Caraway (12 x 7 oz) |
Rich |
Salty Sharp |
Buttery Nutty |
Buttery Tangy |
Texture: The cheese is noted to have a semi-firm texture, which is desirable in Provolone. Flavor Complexity: The cheese is described as rich and is aged for 18 months, suggesting a complex flavor profile. Brand Reputation: Auricchio is well-known and highly regarded, especially for its aged cheeses. |
Texture: The texture of the cheese, preferred for crumbling, is highly appreciated and contributes to a positive user experience. Flavor Complexity: The sharp, piquant, and salty flavor profile suggests a high complexity that is well-received. Visual Appeal: The product's presentation in a large wheel and its artisanal nature contribute to high visual appeal. Brand Reputation: The brand's strong presence in the blue cheese category and positive user reviews reflect a high brand reputation. Authenticity: Imported from Denmark, known for its traditional cheese-making practices, the product maintains high authenticity. |
Texture: The described texture as firm and slightly crumbly provides a moderate texture experience. Flavor Complexity: The combination of sheep's milk and black truffle offers a moderate level of flavor complexity. Visual Appeal: The product's packaging and presentation are moderate, based on the provided images and descriptions. Brand Reputation: La leyenda, as a small Spanish cheese producer, has a moderate brand reputation. Authenticity: The use of traditional methods in Spanish cheese production and the inclusion of authentic ingredients like black truffle contribute to high authenticity. |
Texture: Described as having a springy, semi-soft texture, which is a desirable quality in cheese. Flavor Complexity: The combination of havarti cheese with caraway seeds offers a complex flavor profile, appealing to those who enjoy unique tastes. Visual Appeal: The product images and description suggest a visually appealing cheese with caraway seeds, likely attractive to consumers. Brand Reputation: The brand is listed as generic, indicating a moderate reputation without specific brand recognition. |
Culturally Significant Cheeses
These cheeses are selected for their deep cultural roots and the stories they tell through their flavors and production methods. Ideal for connoisseurs looking to understand and appreciate the history and tradition behind their food.
![]() Asiago Stagionato DOP Imported Italian Cheese, 1 Pound |
![]() Long Clawson Cotswold Cheese, 2x1 pound |
![]() Ski Queen Gjetost Original Goat Cheese, 8.8 Ounce |
![]() igourmet Caciocavallo Cheese - Traditional (7.5 ounce) |
Cultural Significance: Given the cheese's specific origin and traditional use in northern Italian cuisine, it holds high cultural significance. Visual Appeal: The product's visual appeal is moderate based on the provided images and the traditional, artisanal nature of the cheese. Brand Reputation: The brand, Frank and Sal Italian Market, enjoys a moderate reputation, likely known within specific culinary circles for authentic Italian products. |
Cultural Significance: The product, being a traditional UK cheese, has moderate cultural significance. Flavor Complexity: The flavor profile of Double Gloucester with onions and chives suggests a moderate complexity, suitable for various culinary uses. Visual Appeal: The product is presented well with a clear image, but without detailed visual examination, a medium rating is given. Brand Reputation: Long Clawson is a known brand, and the product's positive user reviews contribute to a medium rating for brand reputation. |
Cultural Significance: As a uniquely Norwegian cheese, Gjetost holds high cultural significance, being a traditional and iconic product from Norway. Flavor Complexity: The flavor is described as having a unique blend of sweet caramel and a slightly sour taste, which offers a moderate level of complexity. Visual Appeal: The product's packaging and form as a block of cheese do not particularly stand out but are standard for its category. Brand Reputation: Ski Queen is recognized for its specialty cheeses, though it may not be as widely known globally as some major cheese brands. |
Cultural Significance: Caciocavallo is a traditional Italian cheese with deep roots in Southern Italian provinces, contributing significantly to cultural heritage. Flavor Complexity: The cheese is noted to have a complex flavor profile with tangy, meaty notes and hints of anise and almonds, making it a high in flavor complexity. Visual Appeal: The product, as described, has a traditional and artisanal appearance, likely appealing to those who appreciate authentic, handcrafted cheeses. Brand Reputation: igourmet is known for offering specialty and imported products, suggesting a moderate to strong brand reputation in the gourmet food market. |
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