A great debate - pasteurised vs. unpasteurised cheeses

Britain boasts a glorious cheesemaking tradition, offering a vast array of flavours and textures - the team at Green & Lovely love being part of your cheese experience. 
But when it comes to choosing your cheese, a crucial question arises: pasteurised or unpasteurised? Both options have their pros and cons, and the "best" choice depends on your individual preferences and priorities. Let's delve into the creamy centre of this cheesy debate!

Pasteurised Power:

• Safety First: Pasteurisation involves heating milk to eliminate harmful bacteria like Listeria. This makes it a safer option for pregnant women, young children, and people with weakened immune systems.
• Consistent Quality: Pasteurisation ensures a consistent product with minimal risk of spoilage. This allows for wider distribution and longer shelf life.
• Milder Flavour: The heat treatment in pasteurisation can temper some of the cheese's more intense flavours, potentially making it more approachable for some palates.

Unpasteurised Allure:

• Flavour Explosion: Unpasteurised cheeses retain the natural bacteria present in raw milk, leading to a wider range of complex and nuanced flavours.
• Sense of Place: Unpasteurised cheeses are often made with milk from specific regions, reflecting the unique terroir (environmental factors) and offering a true taste of place.
• Artisanal Appeal: Many unpasteurised cheeses are produced by small, artisanal cheesemakers, supporting traditional methods and local economies.

Weighing the Risks:

While unpasteurised cheeses offer a potential flavour advantage, it's important to be aware of the health risks associated with the presence of harmful bacteria. Here are some additional resources to consider:

• NHS Advice for Pregnant Women: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/ 
• Food Standards Agency: https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/raw-drinking-milk

The Final Rind:

Ultimately, the choice between pasteurised and unpasteurised cheese comes down to your personal preferences and risk tolerance. If you prioritise safety and consistency, pasteurised is the way to go. But if you're an adventurous cheese lover seeking deeper flavours and a connection to artisanal production, unpasteurised might be your perfect match.
Please drop by the Green & Lovely shop in East Molesey to find out more - and to try a variety of both pasteurised and unpasteurised cheeses.  If placing an order online, do contact us with any questions.  All cheeses are clearly marked as to their type - or just search for your preference!