European Perspectives on American Cheese
Do Europeans prefer their own cheese or are they fans of the famous American varieties? This topic has sparked discussions among food enthusiasts on both sides of the Atlantic.
Domestic Cheese Giants in Europe
In Europe, the cheese market is dominated by a plethora of varieties, with countries like France, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, and Germany leading the pack. Europe is home to hundreds of different cheese types, making the import of American cheese largely unnecessary. The European Union’s stringent regulations on cheese-making processes also contribute to the diversity and quality of its domestic offerings.
Self-Catering and European Cheese Preferences
Our personal experiences of self-catering while visiting the United States offer a different perspective. When staying in a self-catering hotel in Washington DC, we were provided with local beers, butters, and cheddars from where we had just flown. While the US undoubtedly produces high-quality cheese, our extensive road trips across the country in both east to west and north to south directions failed to uncover a wide selection of American cheese.
Our favorites include Brie and Stilton. My wife prefers Wensleydale with different fruits, and my daughter enjoys Paneer and Greek Feta. These are widely available in most supermarkets in the UK, along with a variety of unique and exotic cheeses, including those aged in caves. This is especially true in specialist supermarkets like Waitrose.
UK Supermarket Selection and American Cheese
Unlike the USA, the UK imports cheese from all over the world, with an emphasis on European and international varieties. Major supermarkets offer an extensive selection, but American cheese is notably absent. Only specialty stores or luxury supermarkets like Whole Foods or Dean De Luca might carry a more diverse range of American cheeses.
Regional Differences in the USA
The cheese landscape in the USA is decidedly more artisan and refined compared to that in Europe. Where you are in the USA can significantly influence your cheese experience.
In major cities like the Bay Area and New York, or in regions with a strong artisanal cheese presence, you can find a vast array of excellent cheeses. For instance, Vermont has a renowned artisan cheese scene, which we explored extensively. In gourmet supermarkets or specialty stores, you can find cheeses as good as, if not better than, those found in Europe.
In more average stores, particularly outside upscale neighborhoods, the variety and quality of American cheese drop significantly. Most American supermarkets sell bland, processed block cheese, whereas in Europe, local supermarkets often offer a selection of tasty cheeses. Even neighborhood stores in Europe typically provide a variety that matches what you might find in a top-notch American gourmet store.
Blue cheese is also less common in the USA, with a limited selection even in gourmet supermarkets. All American cheese is made from pasteurized milk, which typically results in a loss of flavor compared to cheeses made from unpasteurized milk.
Conclusion
While American cheese may be less well-known in Europe, its quality and uniqueness are evident in certain regions and stores. However, European cheese lovers continue to prefer the diversity and artisanal quality of their domestic offerings.