Cheeses unpasteurized - forbidden gems & others

The FDA prohibits the import and sale of raw milk cheeses under 60 days old, to the chagrin of Europeans who consider young unpasteurized cheese, such as the seasonal Vacherin Mont d'Or, and Clacbitou, Cabecou and other young goats cheeses worth crossing the Atlantic for. Are the French and Italians falling like flies from their consumption of young unpasteurized milk cheeses? Those who like a provocative discussion float the suggestion that Europeans have fewer gut problems because by eating unpasteurized cheeses and charcuterie, their digestive systems build up defences that can handle low levels of the bacteria that is blitzed out of imports to the U.S. 

There have even been whisperings in the corridors of the World Health Organization that the U.S. is pushing to ban all raw milk cheeses, which would mean the end of the imports of Parmesan, true Cheddar, and most French and Italian classics.

If the vote goes against them, it will mean the end of imports of Parmiggiano Reggiano, true Cheddar, and other French, British and Italian classics. Living cheeses will become a flavor of the past in the United States.

Read http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2751/is_75/ai_n6076391, my article for The National Interest and find out where the dangers really lie.

All that said, it's getting easier and easier to find good cheese in the area. Two local sources are must-go destination shops for fans of real cheese, Cheesetique at 2403 Mt. Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA, 703 706 5300, and the rather more expensive Cowgirl Creamery that sells its own artisan cheeses at 919 F St NW, 202 393 6880.

The cheese selection at Whole Foods has been getting better and broader and increasingly serious, particularly at the Georgetown and the Tenley branches. And the Sterling supermarket Wegman's cheeses are really fine. 

Liquor stores are also sources of cheese. The Curious Grape, 4056 South 28th Street, Arlington, 703 671 8700 has an extraordinary selection of cheeses. Calvert & Woodley on Connecticut Ave NW sells a less adventurous range.

For a local goats' cheese with its own particular taste, call the Just-So Dairy, West River, MD, 410 867 7611 to mail order. John Holz feeds his herd the malted cereals thrown out by breweries when they have done with them. His goats love it.

Vanderburg Goat Farms produce the only certified Kosher goat cheese in the US. Order on line at http://www.koshergoatcheese.com.

Related Ingredients...

Cheeses
Feta
Mozzarella
Parmigiano-Reggiano & Grana Padano
Ricotta