A Cheesemonger's Affection: Curating Historical Valentine's Day Cheeseboards

As a cheesemonger with a passion for history, I see Valentine's Day not only as a celebration of romance but as an opportunity to dive into the rich heritage of cheese and its place in the rituals of love. Historical references to St. Valentine as a patron of lovers are indeed vast, though not all are thoroughly documented. Nevertheless, Valentine's Day has been associated with courtly love since the High Middle Ages, and love letters and tokens have been part of the tradition for centuries.

Regarding the role of cheese, its historical significance cannot be overstated. As a symbol of prosperity, cheese graced many a celebratory table. In the Victorian era, cheese boards became an act of culinary showmanship among the elite, finding their way into social gatherings that sometimes included the ritual of courtship.

Today, a carefully selected Coeur Neufchatel with its heart shape and origin from Normandy, France, offers a nod to love's history. To create a Valentine's Day story through cheese, I suggest a cheeseboard that includes traditional offerings like Brie, paired with aphrodisiacs such as figs and honey. This nods to ancient traditions, though it's a modern-day pairing that beautifully marries historical insight with the timeless language of gastronomic delight.

Craft your spread with aged cheeses like Gouda, symbols of a love that's matured beautifully, and fresh, soft cheeses that hint at new beginnings. On this day, let each cheese evoke a chapter of a historical romance fit for the present.