The holiday season is here, and Whole Foods Market is bringing back a beloved tradition for cheese enthusiasts: the 12 Days of Cheese! Starting December 13th and running through December 24th, cheese lovers can rejoice in deep discounts on some of the most exquisite cheeses available. This annual event is a highlight for those looking to elevate their holiday gatherings or simply indulge in gourmet flavors. This year’s selection is particularly impressive, featuring award-winning cheeses from prestigious competitions like the World Cheese Awards and the American Cheese Society. Each featured cheese will be offered at a delightful 30% discount throughout the 12-day period. For those seeking a curated experience, Whole Foods Market is also offering a special 12 Days of Cheese sampler bag. Priced at $29.99, this bag includes a selection of three expertly chosen cheeses, accompanied by blackberry rosemary spread, salami, and crackers – everything you need for an impromptu holiday cheese board.
The cheeses featured in the 12 Days of Cheese are not chosen at random. Whole Foods Market’s global experts collaborate closely with their in-store Certified Cheese Professionals to curate this exceptional collection. These professionals, numbering 437 strong, have earned their certifications from the American Cheese Society, demonstrating a high level of cheese expertise. In fact, Whole Foods Market proudly employs over half of the world’s Certified Cheese Professionals. This expertise ensures that the 12 Days of Cheese selection is not only delicious but also represents the pinnacle of cheese craftsmanship.
“Each year, our team eagerly anticipates crafting the perfect 12 Days of Cheese program,” says Cathy Strange, Vice President of Specialty, Product Innovation and Development at Whole Foods Market. “This year, we’ve sourced some truly unique and innovative cheeses, offering them at incredible prices for the holiday season. And for those looking for ease and expert pairings, the 12 Days of Cheese sampler bag is the perfect way to quickly create an impressive charcuterie board featuring cheeses selected by our Certified Cheese Professionals.”
This year’s 12 Days of Cheese lineup is a journey through diverse flavors and textures. Here’s a closer look at each featured cheese:
-
Jasper Hill Farm Whitney: This Alpine-style raw cow’s milk cheese offers a complex flavor profile. Expect to taste notes of toasted nuts, savory cured ham, and sweet cream, making it a versatile cheese for pairing and enjoying on its own.
-
Rogue Creamery Organic Oregon Blue: For blue cheese lovers, this option is a must-try. Rogue Creamery’s Organic Oregon Blue is known for its approachable fruity notes and a delicate hint of sweet forest honey, making it less pungent than some blue cheeses and appealing to a wider palate.
-
Sweet Grass Dairy Thomasville Tomme Raw: This raw cow’s milk cheese is aged for a minimum of 60 days, resulting in a delightful creamery texture. The flavor is subtle yet complex and earthy, perfect for those who appreciate nuanced cheese flavors.
-
Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog: A visually stunning and delicious soft-ripened goat’s milk cheese. Humboldt Fog is famous for its distinctive ribbon of vegetable ash and its bright, fresh flavors of buttermilk and cream, finishing with a refreshing citrusy note.
-
Cowgirl Creamery Organic MT TAM: Indulge in the richness of this triple cream, bloomy rind cheese. MT TAM boasts a dense, fudgy core that evolves in flavor as it ripens, offering a luxurious creamy experience.
-
Vermont Creamery St. Albans Cheese: This cow’s milk cheese is Vermont Creamery’s American interpretation of the classic French St. Marcellin cheese. It offers a delicate and nuanced flavor that is both comforting and sophisticated.
-
Neal’s Yard Dairy Keen’s Cheddar: Experience traditional Farmhouse Cheddar at its finest. Made from raw cow’s milk, Keen’s Cheddar is rich and creamy with a pleasant tang. It’s a robust and flavorful cheddar that stands out from the crowd.
-
Herve Mons Gabietou: Discover the delicate balance of this mixed milk cheese. Crafted in the French Pyrenees mountains using both sheep and cow’s milk, Gabietou offers a unique and subtle flavor profile that reflects its terroir.
-
EMMI Kaltbach Cave-Aged Le Gruyère AOP: Exclusive to Whole Foods Market, this Le Gruyère AOP is aged in sandstone caves, imparting a distinctive tangy and nutty flavor. The cave aging process enhances its complexity and depth.
-
Mitica Sottocenere al Tartufo: Elevate your cheese board with the luxurious addition of black truffles. This semi-soft cow’s milk cheese is infused with black truffles and aged in the traditional Venetian style, creating an earthy and decadent experience.
-
Kaasaggio Robusto Gouda: For Gouda lovers, this aged variety is a treat. Kaasaggio Robusto Gouda is packed with nutty flavors and parmesan-like notes. Its versatile texture makes it perfect for slicing, melting, or grating.
-
Istara P’tit Basque: Rounding out the selection is a creamy and smooth sheep milk cheese. Istara P’tit Basque offers a mild, nutty flavor with a subtle, sweet finish, showcasing the unique qualities of sheep’s milk cheese.
Whole Foods Market understands that choosing from such an array of cheeses can be exciting but also potentially overwhelming. That’s why their in-store Certified Cheese Professionals and knowledgeable cheese mongers are readily available to assist customers. Whether you need tips on building the perfect holiday charcuterie board, advice on cheese pairings with wines or beers, or simply want to learn more about a specific cheese, their experts are there to guide you. And for even greater value, Prime members can enjoy an additional 10% off the already discounted price of these exceptional cheeses. Make sure to check your local Whole Foods Market returns hours and store hours during this busy holiday season to plan your visit and take advantage of the 12 Days of Cheese. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore a world of flavor and bring home some extraordinary cheeses for your holiday celebrations.
About Whole Foods Market
For over 40 years, Whole Foods Market has remained a leader in natural and organic foods retail. As the first certified organic national grocer, Whole Foods Market operates more than 500 stores across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. To discover more about Whole Foods Market and their commitment to quality and culinary excellence, please visit https://wmn-live.frb.io/.
