World Cheese Awards: Bern 2024

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Post on Nov 20, 2024

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World Cheese Awards: Bern 2024 - A Cheesy Adventure (and My Epic Fail!)

Hey cheese lovers! So, the World Cheese Awards are happening in Bern, Switzerland in 2024, and let me tell you, I'm already buzzing with excitement (and maybe a little bit nervous). I've been trying to get my act together to enter my own little cheese creations for years, and this year, I'm actually doing it. Wish me luck!

My Previous Cheese-tastrophe (aka, Why I'm So Nervous)

Last year, I foolishly entered my "Grandma Tilly's Secret Recipe Cheddar" (don't worry, it's not actually a secret anymore!) into a smaller regional cheese competition. I was so sure it would win. I'd spent weeks perfecting it, tweaking the aging process, even buying a new thermometer (don't judge, cheesemaking is serious business!). And what happened? It didn't even place. I was gutted. Absolutely crushed. I mean, it was Grandma Tilly's recipe!

The judges' feedback was brutal—too dry, inconsistent texture, blah blah blah. Ouch. It stung, but honestly? It was a valuable lesson.

Lessons Learned (and How You Can Avoid My Mistakes!)

Looking back, I realize I made some rookie mistakes. First, I totally neglected the importance of consistent documentation. I think I wrote down the recipe, somewhere. But the aging notes were a mess. Accurate record-keeping is crucial for reproducing award-winning cheese. For the Bern 2024 competition, I'm using a spreadsheet. Yep, a spreadsheet! It's super organized and lets me track every detail – temperature, humidity, aging time, etc. It also helps with SEO when you are preparing to blog about it.

Secondly, I was too focused on the "secret" aspect. I need to focus more on the objective qualities of the cheese itself. Taste, texture, aroma – that's what judges are looking for. This year, I'm blind-tasting my cheese regularly and getting honest feedback from friends (friends who aren't afraid to tell me the truth!). This involves using various cheese tasting notes, and the right terminology.

Preparing for Bern: A Step-by-Step Guide

So, if you're planning to enter the World Cheese Awards in Bern 2024, here’s what I recommend:

1. Perfect Your Recipe: This may sound obvious, but it's crucial. Experiment, refine, and don't settle for "good enough." Aim for excellence.

2. Master the Art of Cheesemaking: Attend workshops, read books, watch videos – learn everything you can about cheesemaking techniques. There's tons of great resources online, too!

3. Document Everything: This cannot be stressed enough. Detailed records are essential for replicating your success (and for troubleshooting if things go wrong!).

4. Get Feedback: Blind taste tests are your friend. Gather feedback from trusted sources to identify areas for improvement.

5. Prepare Your Entry: Follow the official World Cheese Awards guidelines carefully. Meeting the requirements is key. This includes packaging and labeling.

6. Embrace the Journey: Winning isn't everything. The entire process, from creating your cheese to showcasing it at the competition, is a rewarding experience.

Beyond the Competition: Building Your Cheese Brand

Even if you don't win, the World Cheese Awards offer fantastic networking opportunities. Think of it as a chance to connect with other cheesemakers, industry professionals, and potential customers.

So there you have it! My slightly embarrassing cheese tale and my tips for success at the World Cheese Awards in Bern 2024. Wish me luck! And let me know if you're entering too – maybe we can swap notes (and maybe some cheese samples)!