Which cheeses would a cheese expert choose to have in a cheese-centric hamper? We find out how to compile the perfect cheese picnic.
If you want to make a picnic special but don't have time to start baking quiches and prepping salads, keep it simple and focus on the best bits, the cheese. All you need is a modest selection, some hunks of good bread and/or simple biscuits, a bottle of something cold and, voila, a faff-free feast.
We asked Hero Hirsh from artisan cheese supplier, Paxton and Whifield, for her word on the curd.
Montgomery Cheddar
A full-flavoured, firm cheddar. Every picnic needs one. Drink with: English pale ale or pear juice.
Camembert de Normandie
A soft cheese that ripens nicely in warm weather. Drink with: dry cider or apple juice.
Aged Gouda
Best aged for around 24 months with a sweet, nutty flavour, this has a creamy texture but is firm enough not to melt en route. Drink with: dry cider or apple juice.
Chaource
Triple cream cheese, very creamy but with a refreshing acidity. Drink with: bubbles - champagne or sparkling elderflower, ideally.
Cornish Blue
A firm blue cheese with a delicious sweetness that's harder than Stilton, so travels well. Drink with: apricot juice or a full-bodied white wine (such as a punchy chardonnay).
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