Semi Hard Cheese
Some of the most popular cheeses in the world fall into the semi hard category, offering mild, buttery profiles punctuated by nutty, savory notes of flavor. Here, you’ll never find anything too tangy - like fresh cheeses - or too salty - like hard cheeses. With something for everyone, this versatile class is loved for its sliceable, meltable characteristics, making it a favorite with all. Discover old favorites and new picks from our tasty selection below!
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Like all cheeses, semi hard varieties are made by separating curds from whey. While hard cheeses lose all the moisture that can be pressed from them, semi cheeses are allowed to retain slightly more. This additional moisture adds a creamy quality to the cheeses. Many of the wheels in this category are covered, whether that be in a wax rind, like Gouda or Cheddar, or cloth, like Red Leicester or Caerphilly. These coverings serve many purposes, but chief among them is to help with moisture control. Wax and cloth help prevent over-evaporation, keeping your cheeses sliceable yet yielding.
Types of Semi Hard Cheese
The world of semi hard cheeses is wide and varied: popular for their typically mild profile, their dense yet yielding texture, and their excellent meltability, these cheeses are the workhorses of the kitchen. Some of the most popular in the world, iconic cheeses like Cheddar, Asiago, Cantal, Comte, Edam, Gruyere, Idiazabal, Jarlsberg, Mahon, and Manchego are all examples of this diverse category.
Palate-pleasing, mild, and flavorful, they are perfect for a long list of applications - a gourmet cheese board or dessert cheese plate, layered into sandwiches or melted into a classic au gratin. The type of cheese you can easily take on a picnic in the Spring or melt into fondue in the Winter - perfect for every season and occasion! We source our wheels from artisan producers who take pride in their craft and produce delicious cheeses. Shop our carefully curated selection and enjoy some of the best cheeses on the market!
Purchasing from Gourmet Food Store
At Gourmet Food Store, we pride ourselves on sourcing the best available. Offering a carefully curated selection: our easy-to-navigate website is one of the premier online resources for luxury ingredients. Order your favorites from the comfort of your home, and thanks to our expedited shipping services, enjoy them as soon as tomorrow!
Semi Hard Cheese Questions And Answers
Q:Can Semi Hard Cheese be Frozen?
A:We do not recommend freezing this type of cheese. Because this variety has a higher water content, freezing has a more profound effect. The water crystallizes, and when the cheese thaws, it will be grainy and have lost its creamy texture.
Q:How should I store semi-hard cheese?
A:When storing cheese, wrap it in wax paper. Avoid plastic wrap, as this can trap moisture and cause molding. Store your wrapped cheese in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator. These steps will help maintain each wedge at its best.