Whole Foods Market has officially issued an invitation to all shoppers for celebrating its annual 12 Days of Cheese event, which is set to run this year from December 13 through December 24.
According to certain reports, the stated event will feature a distinctive cheeses showcase that translates to high-quality artisanal offerings. It also indicates the potential to create an elevated cheese board or festive spread.
Making this all the more better is how these cheeses will be handpicked by Whole Foods Market’s Specialty Cheese team, which includes Certified Cheese Professionals (CCPs) recognized by the American Cheese Society for their exceptional knowledge and skills.
More on the same would reveal how the 2024 lineup includes a diverse range of global offerings from France, Spain, Switzerland, and Italy. It will further include standout domestic options like multi-award-winning cheese Uplands Pleasant Ridge Reserve from Wisconsin, and Cowgirl Creamery’s organic Mt. Tam, and a rich triple cream from California.
Beyond that, there is an exclusive to Whole Foods Market segment which covers Jasper Hill’s Prosecco-washed Harbison and Sartori’s Herbs de Provence, each crafted to instill unique flavors to any holiday gathering. Markedly enough, every single piece of selected cheese will bear a 35% discount for Prime members, whereas other shoppers can come expecting a 28% off.
To go along with that, attendees can also expect a 12 Days of Cheese sampler platter, which includes four cheese varieties paired with sour cherry and fig spreads.
“The holiday season is all about sharing special experiences, and our 12 Days of Cheese lineup brings together the very best of what I love about cheese – its ability to surprise, delight, and spark connection,” said Cathy Strange, Whole Foods Market’s Ambassador of Food Culture and renowned cheese expert. “Each cheese has a story: from rare, exclusive varieties to familiar favorites, every selection is an invitation to explore and savor. We’re thrilled to offer these incredible cheeses at a terrific value that make any holiday table truly unforgettable.”
Talk about some of the cheeses that Whole Foods will feature during this year’s event, we begin from Cypress Grove Midnight Moon (Holland), which happens to be a classic, considering it is aged for at least six months to develop a dense, crystal-studded paste. Furthermore, the cheese’s flavor profile boasts pretty evident notes of toasted nuts, salted caramel, and toffee with a clean, slightly citrusy finish from the goat’s milk.
Next up, we have Cowgirl Creamery Mt. Tam (California). This one is basically a rich American original cheese crafted from organic cow’s milk. Mt. Tam’s flavor starts out with clean, crème fraiche and salted butter notes before turning to earthy, mushroom tones as it ripens.
Then, there is Uplands Pleasant Ridge Reserve (Wisconsin). Understood to be an award-winning cheese, it is produced only from May through November. As for its flavor range, it packs together savory and brothy with sweet and tropical. This it is able to do using rotationally-grazed, grass-fed cows, creating a complex, seasonally influenced taste.
Joining that would be Sartori Herbs de Provence BellaVitano, which belongs to the Exclusive to Whole Foods Market category, bringing parmesan-inspired taste from Sartori. Encrusted with Herbes de Provence, it features notes of lavender, parsley, and lemon zest. Apart from that, there is also a buttery, caramel-like character, and herb-coated rind.
Moving on to Jasper Hill Presto Prosecco Washed Harbison (Vermont), it draws its basis from Vacherin Mont d’Or. More specifically, the stated cheese is wrapped in spruce to contain its custardy center, as well as washed with Whole Foods Market’s exclusive Presto Prosecco. Alongside that, we have piney aromas and a creamy, rich paste with flavors of mushrooms and cultured butter.
Hold on, we are not done yet, considering we still haven’t touched on Vermont Creamery Cremont (Vermont), a blend of cow and goat milk that offers s a silky, wrinkled rind and a rich, fudge-like interior.
Another one making the cut would be Papillon Roquefort Révélation (France). Roquefort is essentially aged in the caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, creating a bold, velvety cheese with a peppery, spicy profile and hints of anise, chocolate, and a lingering, funky finish.
