In honour of national blueberry cheesecake day, Cheese Professor Adam Levy tells us about the historical pairing of cheese with fruit and other sweets.
“The tradition of pairing cheese with sweet foods dates back thousands of years, shaped by the practical realities of how both were produced and preserved,” he explains.
“In ancient Rome, honey was often drizzled over fresh cheeses, while medieval European feasts commonly ended with aged cheeses served alongside dried fruits, nuts, and preserves.
“Cheese, which is naturally salty, fatty, and often tangy, is enhanced by sweet contrasts that bring balance and intensity to each bite. The interplay of sweet and savoury makes flavours more vivid, while the combination of creamy textures with sticky, juicy, or crystalline elements adds complexity and pleasure on the palate.”
The combination of cheese with sweet foods occurs across the world, as Adam explains: “Across France, Spain, and Italy, these pairings evolved into enduring culinary traditions, giving rise to classics such as Roquefort with Sauternes, Manchego with quince paste, and Gorgonzola with fig jam. These are combinations that remain popular today.”
National Blueberry Cheesecake day is celebrated on the 26th of May every year. It comes from a legend that Olympic athletes in ancient Greece were fed Blueberry Cheesecakes after their races.
If you want to celebrate the holiday the right way, get yourself a slice of Blueberry cheesecake, and head out into the sun to enjoy it.