Health and Wellbeing

Cheese - What’s not to love about delicious Irish cheese?

Cheese has been part of the Irish diet for centuries, and some historians even argue that Irish monks were instrumental in reviving the craft of cheese-making in Continental Europe during the Dark Ages. From the range of formats (block, pre-sliced, grated) to the variety of cheeses themselves (cheddar, cream, farmhouse), the Irish consumer has come to embrace both the heritage and innovation at the heart of this industry. Among the most versatile of foods, cheese is both an everyday favourite and a special occasion treat; perfect for cooking, snacking and serving as a meal experience in itself.

Nutrients

With milk as its key ingredient, it is no surprise that cheese contributes to the intake of many essential nutrients in the Irish diet. Perhaps, the best known are calcium, vitamin A and protein. However, cheddar cheese, for example, is also a source of phosphorous, zinc, iodine, vitamin B12, riboflavin and folate.

Intriguingly, research has even shown that eating cheese after a meal or sugary snack can have ‘toothsome’ qualities. Eating cheese at the end of a meal may directly benefit tooth enamel, and may help protect against caries(Ref1).

It is, of course, understandable that consumers wish to monitor their fat intake but ignoring the unique nutritional profile of cheese and the fact that it can be consumed as part of a healthy diet, means denying enjoyment of one of our most versatile, and satisfying, foods (one ounce of hard cheese, approximately a matchbox-size portion, can count as one of the three portions of dairy recommended every day as part of a balanced diet). There’s also the fact that the fat content varies between cheese types. Increasingly, of course, the dairy industry has also developed low-fat versions of popular cheeses, all of which are still nutrient-rich.

World Class

Whether as a slice of mild cheddar in a BLT sandwich, or a strong blue-veined cheese with a glass of port, Irish cheese is now recognised as a world-class product, with many awards to confirm this.

In spite of the recession, the love affair with Irish cheese hasn’t abated and consumers continue to recognise something distinctive and worth supporting at the heart of an industry worth some €180m to the Irish economy in retail sales alone. One of the most interesting trends is that the old-stalwart, the block of cheddar, long considered ‘old fashioned’ when compared to ready grated and pre-sliced options remains a popular choice among consumers. With a new found appreciation of what is really important, simplicity and tradition now reign supreme among Irish consumers. Similarly, farmhouse cheeses, although a niche product in terms of the overall market, have enjoyed arguably one of the greatest success stories of the entire Irish food industry over the last year. The message is clear and good news for the entire dairy industry - Irish consumers are looking for value but, now more than ever, locally produced, quality products count too.

Diversity

With many new influences changing the Irish diet over the last decade, it is testament to the diversity of Irish cheese that consumers continue to appreciate their huge versatility and are seeking out new occasions to enjoy and share them. While a visit to a cheesemonger will certainly offer an education, it is inside a typical family fridge that the real story of what is happening becomes clear. Here you will find hard cheeses, soft cheeses, cheddar, farmhouse, cheese slices, cheese wedges and grated cheeses, all side-by-side, each ready for different uses and occasions – and all guaranteed to make a meal something everyone enjoys.

Store. Serve. Enjoy.

  • Waxed paper is the ideal wrapping for maturing cheese. Avoid cling film if possible.
  • Storing your wax-paperwrapped cheese in a larger food bag will ensure the cheese doesn’t dry out or absorb other aromas as it breathes.
  • When taking cheese from the fridge, allow up to 90 minutes at room temperature before serving.
  • When setting out a cheese board, the wedges should be arranged from the mildest to strongest.

Did you know?

Cheese contributes approximately nine per cent of the calcium intake in the diet of Irish adults. So, as well as being a delicious and versatile food, this food provides nutrients required for normal bone and teeth health.

Nutri-Myth of the month

Myth: Eating cheese before bed-time causes nightmares

Truth: The popular idea that ‘cheese gives you nightmares’ was put to the test by a British Cheese Board study in 2005. The study used six of the most popular cheeses among Irish and British consumers and found the effect of cheese on sleep to be positive. The majority of participants reported that eating cheese before going to bed actually promoted good sleep. Interestingly, the kinds of dreams they had varied according to the type of cheese! (Ref2)

 

Sources of information (Ref):

  1. Moynihan P. British Nutrition Foundation Nutrition Bulletin 2000; 25: 281-286
  2. Sleep Study, 2005. British Cheese Board


If you have any suggestions or ideas, we would be delighted to hear from you via email at feelinggood@ndc.ie or write to us at The National Dairy Council, 28 Westland Square, Dublin 2.

Don't miss our next edition ‘The School Milk Scheme - Join the Club’ - available online from Monday 22 March, 2010

 

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