‘Tea and Cheese Pairing’ with Betty Koster

Friday, 27 February 2015 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The t-Lounge by Dilmah together with Betty Koster held its very first ‘Tea and Cheese Pairing’ recently at its own t-Lounge at Arcade Independence Square, Colombo 7.

On this occasion, the finest Ceylon Tea was paired by Holland’s best cheese connoisseur with the crème de la crème of European cheeses with Sri Lanka for privileged members of the ‘Leaf and Artisan Society’ and their guests. L’amuse Owner Betty Koster stated that the European culinary tradition of having a slice of cheese after a main course originated due its aid in speeding up the digestive process following a heavy and rich meal. Although custom was to have wine and cheese, the alcohol content made it particularly dangerous for diners as their judgement could be impaired.

“Tea, however, is the perfect accompaniment to raw milk cheese that is full of enzymatic substances. With the natural digestive properties of tea, when taken together with unprocessed cheese made out of unpasteurised animal milk, it further accelerates the human body’s rate of digesting food,” she added. The warm brew of Brilliant Breakfast black tea or Jasmine with Green Tea produced a flavoursome burst in the mouth when consumed together with cheeses such as Brillat Savarin, Bastiaansen Blauwe, Farmhouse cheddar natural cheese, or Wilde Weide, Caciatta di capra al or Lady’s Blue cheese, respectively offering a bunch of flavour. Many of the youngsters present on the occasion agreed that paring tea with cheese was an alternative that they are eager to experiment with, especially since the combination was far from intoxicating. Koster runs her own limited production fromagerie, where she and her husband retail the very best of cheeses they collect from small scale farmers. Some cheeses are matured from between four months to a year in the making. Members of the ‘Leaf & Artisan Society’ certainly received expert tips in composing a delicatessen cheese plate and ideas for their next culinary adventure. (IS)

Pix by Lasantha Kumara