The art of Charcuterie: Mumbai food stylists’ trade secrets on artisanal cheese boards

Cheese board spreads are far more than just a culinary trend. They're a crafty fusion of art and tradition combining an array of cheeses, cured meats, fruits and condiments spread on a Charcuterie board. In the Mediterranean region, the concept of mezze or antipasto platters - which prominently feature cheeses, dates back centuries.

In Italy, a traditional aperitivo spread includes an assortment of cheeses like Pecorino and Parmigiano-Reggiano, accompanied by bread, olives and charcuterie. Meanwhile, in France, the epitome of cheese boards, the "plateau de fromages," is a revered part of their culinary heritage, typically concluding a meal in opulent style.

In modern times, cheese boards have become a global sensation. They define holidays and special occasions for people worldwide, symbolising a shared sense of indulgence and togetherness. From Thanksgiving feasts in the United States to cheese fondues in Mumbai, these delectable platters have been serving bites across borders.

As cheese lovers embrace local and exotic varieties, we reached out to seasoned food stylists who share tips on crafting a wholesome cheese board platter.

Key elements for an assorted cheese platter:
While there's no strict recipe for a successful grazing board, picking out the best ingredients whilst ensuring that the flavours and textures remain harmonious is key, informs Lalit Jhawar, co-founder and CEO of Food Square - A gourmet store, in Bandra, Mumbai. Let your creative juices flow while creating a fun grazing platter with the following must-include items:

Cheese
Starting off with the heart of the grazing board, cheese comes in a number of varieties. It is recommended to use a minimum of five different types of cheeses. Recommendations range from Aged Cheese (Gouda, sharp cheddar), blue cheese (particularly gorgonzola), soft cheese (parmesan and mozzarella), aged cheese (gouda or sharp cheddar) and Crumbled cheese (goat or feta). The key is to combine different flavours and textures by bringing variety, all in one platter.

Olives
Olives not only provide a boost of flavour to the board, but depending on the type of olives used - the overall taste and texture of the platter gets altered, giving one a lot to play with. While the saltiness of olives emphasises the sweetness of a long-aged Gouda, and fresh, non-vinegared olives balance out the saltiness of salty cheeses, mild and fresh cheeses go well with marinated olives.

Hummus
Adding to the list of different textures, hummus also brings a touch of protein to the platter. Available in different flavours, one can artisanally decorate the board with spoonfuls of different types of this Middle Eastern delight.

Raspberries
Fresh, sweet and tarte, the addition of raspberries balances out the savouriness in the platter while adding a hint of freshness. While many prefer to include globe grapes or strawberries, this small, bite-sized fruit makes for a better cut since it brings out the flavours of cheeses better, while bringing juiciness to the platter.

Truffle oil
Commonly added as an addition to cheesy pasta and pizzas, it is no secret that truffle oil brings out the flavours of cheese. You can add a touch of luxury to your platter through the inclusion of delectable truffle oil, by either drizzling it across the platter or by containing it in a ramekin as a dip.

Breads and crackers
"Complement them with crackers, bread, fresh fruits and or fruit preserves. A cheese board always needs a carrier for cheese like some good quality bread and crackers. Add condiments like mustards, tapenade, honey that pair beautifully with a lot of cheeses. Add texture and flavour with roasted nuts like almonds, pistachios, walnuts & dried apricots and figs," informs Mausam Narang, founder of the Mumbai-based - Eleftheria Cheese.

Five handy tips to create an artisanal cheese board
Crafting a visually appealing cheese board is an art form that can transform any gathering into an elegant and delectable experience. Here are five expert tips to help you create a stunning cheese board layout:

Choose an eye-catching base
Begin by selecting an appealing board or platter that complements the overall theme of your presentation. Whether it's rustic wood, elegant slate or a classic marble slab, the right base can set the tone for your cheese board.

Create visual contrast with cheese
Arrange cheeses with different shapes, colours and textures. Combine soft and creamy cheeses like brie or camembert with hard and aged varieties like cheddar or gouda. This contrast not only tantalises the taste buds but also adds visual interest.

Add colour and dimension with accompaniments
Incorporate a diverse range of accompaniments such as fresh fruits like grapes, figs or apple slices, assorted nuts and a selection of condiments like honey, chutney or grainy mustard. These elements not only enhance the flavours but also add vibrant colours and dimension to the board.

Provide the right tools
To make indulging in the cheese an effortless experience, include mini cheese knives or spreaders. These tools are not only practical but also contribute to the overall aesthetics of the presentation.

Infuse colour with fresh elements
Elevate the visual appeal of your cheese board by incorporating fresh herbs, edible flowers and seasonal berries. These elements not only bring a pop of colour but also add a touch of natural beauty to your creation.

Three things to keep in mind while crafting a cheese board:

Pairing wines with a cheese board:
To select wines for a cheese board, consider the intensity of cheese and flavour profile, shares Narang. For mild cheeses like Brie, go with light white wines. Semi-soft and medium cheeses, like cheddar, pair well with red or white wines. Strong, pungent cheeses like blue cheese match bold red wines. For hard, aged cheeses, opt for full-bodied reds. Sweet wines complement salty cheeses, and sparkling wines cleanse the palate between bites.

Sequencing the cheese:
Narang opines that one should start with fresh cheese like a tangy, creamy Chevre, and then include a gooey earthy brie as a soft decadent cheese. Next, add a Clothbound cheddar or Gouda for a firmer, nuttier-tasting cheese. Finish with bold, powerful, flavourful cheeses like Gorgonzola/ Stilton/Roquefort.

Keeping the items fresh:
Cut and wrap the cheeses in cheese paper. Later, make sure to put them in an airtight container in the fridge so they don't dry out. Cut and add fruits right before showtime to avoid discoloration and sogginess. Cheese boards and platters are best prepared and served right before the guest arrives. It should be ideally consumed within a few hours.

Craft ideas for special occasions
1. Themed boards: Build the board around a theme, like French, Italian or Spanish cheese boards. Add interesting elements like local, indigenous honey, interesting chutneys, craft chocolates, Indian spiced crackers and house-made bread.

2. DIY boards: Let your guests build their mini boards with a variety of cheeses and toppings.

3. Make a cheese board with local, indigenous cheeses that are unique to your region.

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