Season-al | November 2024 curdbox

Season-al | November 2024 curdbox

Posted by crew curdbox on


Curdbox is our monthly cheese + pairing subscription service. Want to join our merry band of cheese lovers? Head on over to our subscription page to sign up for your monthly box!
 

For even more information about the contents of this month's box, including the info-card, audio and video podcasts, and Spotify playlists- check out our box-content page HERE.

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WELCOME TO THE SEASON-AL CURDBOX!


In the world of culinary delights, few elements can transform a dish as much as seasonings. These vibrant herbs and spices not only enhance flavors but also introduce intriguing textures, creating a richer and more enjoyable eating experience. When it comes to cheese, the incorporation of herbs can amplify its natural characteristics, resulting in a harmonious blend of fragrances and tastes. Cheeses adorned with aromatic seasonings offer a delightful interplay of freshness and complexity, highlighting their creaminess while adding a burst of botanical essence—a perfect fusion of flavors.

So let’s take a look and see what we brought you in this month’s box...
 

Sage and Herb Cheddar by Plymouth Cheese

Plymouth Sage and Herb Cheddar from Vermont is a richly aromatic, handcrafted cheese that brings a burst of savory, herbal complexity to a traditional cheddar base. Made by Plymouth Cheese using their celebrated granular curd recipe, this unique cheddar is infused with a blend of sage, thyme, rosemary, lavender, and oregano. Each of these herbs contributes layers of aroma and flavor, with sage offering earthy warmth, rosemary and thyme bringing woodsy notes, oregano adding a hint of peppery zest, and lavender lending a subtle floral sweetness. Made with raw whole milk from a closely monitored local herd, this cheese has a creamy texture and a savory depth that harmonizes beautifully with its herbal infusion. The cheese is traditionally hand-waxed, a preservation technique practiced at Plymouth Cheese for over 125 years, giving it a historical touch as well as a distinctive flavor profile perfect for those seeking an elevated twist on classic cheddar.

 

The Sage & Herb Cheddar by Plymouth Cheese with the Valencia Almonds with Rosemary by Mitica

Cabra Romero by Mitica

Cabra Romero, an artisanal cheese from Spain’s Murcia region, offers a unique expression of flavor, deeply influenced by the seasonings that surround it. Created by Mitica, this cheese is made from the milk of goats that graze the wild, aromatic mountainsides of southeastern Spain. Its name, derived from Cabra (meaning goat) and Romero (meaning rosemary), reflects the central role of rosemary in crafting its distinctive character. During aging, Cabra Romero is carefully rubbed with lard and lavishly coated with rosemary, allowing the herb’s robust, woodsy fragrance to infuse through the cheese's smooth, white interior. This infusion creates a striking balance between the cheese’s natural sweetness and tangy, citrusy notes, with the rosemary bringing forward an earthy, grassy depth that lingers with each bite. The herb’s presence transforms the cheese, enriching its creamy, firm texture with layers of flavor that evoke the Mediterranean landscape itself. With every taste, Cabra Romero captures a complex interplay of fresh, herbal tones that elevate this goat’s milk cheese into an  experience that is both rustic and refined.

 

The Cabra Romero and the Cacio e Pepe Taralli crackers, both from Mitica


Tomme de Savoie by Joseph Paccard

Tomme de Savoie, aged to perfection by renowned affineur Joseph Paccard, is a traditional farmhouse cheese from the picturesque Savoie region in the French Alps. Crafted with raw, semi-skimmed cow’s milk, it retains a modest fat content yet delivers a richness of flavor that belies its simplicity. Encased in a velvety, grayish-brown rind—the cheese reveals a creamy, straw-colored interior with a scattering of tiny holes. Its aroma hints at earthy mushrooms, while its taste is a gentle dance of mild, creamy notes intertwined with subtle flavors of fresh hay, roasted nuts, and a delicate, yogurt-like tang. The slight cucumber essence and nutty undertones lend it an intriguing complexity, evoking the Alpine pastures where the cows graze. Paccard’s careful aging process amplifies these earthy, fruity nuances, resulting in a cheese that is both mild and robust—a true representation of the land and tradition behind it.

 

Tomme de Savoie from Joseph Paccard with the Apricot Preserves from Bonne Maman


And here are the pairing items that go along with these amazing cheeses…

Valencia Almonds with Rosemary by Mitica

Mitica’s Valencia Almonds with Rosemary are a savory and aromatic snack that brings the essence of Spain's Valencian countryside to life. These premium almonds, a blend of varieties grown throughout the Valencian Community, are celebrated for their rich, buttery texture and satisfying crunch. Blanched, lightly fried, and perfectly salted, the almonds are infused with rosemary, adding an earthy, fragrant depth that complements their natural sweetness. The rosemary’s herbal notes elevate the almonds’ flavor, creating a subtle, aromatic finish with every bite. This traditional Spanish preparation results in a snack that is both crisp and oil-rich, with a delightful, savory complexity that lingers on the palate.

Cacio e Pepe Taralli by Mitica

Mitica’s Cacio e Pepe Taralli from Puglia, Italy, is a masterful blend of rich, savory ingredients that elevate this traditional Italian cracker. Crafted with authentic Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, premium extra virgin olive oil, and white wine, each taralli has a deliciously bold flavor that stands apart from ordinary crackers. The Pecorino lends a sharp, salty depth that pairs beautifully with the warmth of the pepper, creating a savory harmony that unfolds with each bite. The addition of Italian olive oil and white wine adds nuanced layers, imparting a gentle richness and a touch of acidity that round out the flavor. Their texture is delightfully crunchy yet slightly crumbly, making for an irresistible snack with a complexity that surprises and delights. These taralli are a true celebration of Italian flavors, transforming simple ingredients into a cracker that’s as satisfying as it is addictive.

 

Apricot Preserves by Bonne Maman

Bonne Maman Apricot Preserves capture the essence of traditional French craftsmanship, with each jar exuding the golden glow of sun-ripened apricots. Founded in 1971 in the heart of the French countryside, Bonne Maman honors its roots in every detail, from the signature gingham lids—an homage to the farmhouse curtains of its founders—to the hand-written style on each label. These preserves are crafted with whole pieces of carefully selected apricots, delivering a texture and flavor that feel homemade and authentic. Known for its commitment to natural ingredients, Bonne Maman uses time-honored French recipes to create preserves that transform each spoonful into a rich, fruity experience. The preserves’ vibrant color and lush apricot flavor capture the simple purity and artistry of French preserve-making, turning this spread into a small celebration of nature’s sweetness.
 

And with that... we wrap up this month’s box.
 

 

We hope you enjoy this journey into the exquisite world of cheeses and seasonings—because it’s a delightfully delicious place!

We’ll see you next month.

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Did you take some photos while enjoying this box that you were thinking of adding to Instagram? Please tag us @curdbox along with our cheese and pairing-partners: @plymouthcheesevt, @forevercheeseco, @paccard_artisan, and @bonnemaman_usWe love to see our cheese lovers enjoying their boxes! 



#STOPEATINGBORING

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