Artisanal Cheese

Searching for a creamy Brie or sharp cheddar to pair with wine at your party?

Handcrafted artisanal cheeses, a savory alternative to mass-produced, are even better when certified organic, meeting standards that prohibit the use of growth hormones, antibiotics and conventional feed. The last can contain genetically modified (GMO) grain grown with pesticides, and scrapings from the floors of chicken coops! Also try "grass-fed" cheeses, which provide more heart-healthy, cancer-fighting fatty acids. (See Meat and Dairy Product Reports at thegreenguide.com).

Product Picks

Green Valley Dairy's Pennsylvania Noble ($20/lb.), a cave-aged, organic raw-milk cheddar-style cheese from grass-fed cows. New this fall: their Triple Crème ($26-$30/lb.) and Brie de Meaux-style Christiana Brie ($26-$30/lb.), which have a shelf life of up to a phenomenal 90 days (www.greenvalleydairy.com, 215-523-9951). Cowgirl Creamery's Mt. Tam Triple Cream cheeses in a box ($25/gift box) are rich, smooth and certified organic (www.cowgirlcreamery.com, 866-433-7834). Organic Vermont Tarentaise is one of the latest from the Artisanal Cheese Center ($13/8 oz.; www.artisanalcheese.com, 877-797-1200). Wisconsin's Cedar Grove Cheeses include a fine havarti ($5.25/lb.; www.cedargrovecheese.com, 800-200-6020).