Are expensive cheeses pricey because they're imported, or are they actually high-end?!
But if I go back to the dairy section of cheddar, monterey jack, swiss, colby, etc. is only about $2.50 for 8oz.
What are we paying in importation, and what are we paying in quality?
And if it's an importation thing, why don't US cheese-makers try to replicate the recipe as close as possible, and sell it under another name?
Answers: Like Gruyere, for example. An 8 oz. slab of Gruyere is $8.29 at the grocery store. Other cheeses like Fontina, Parmagiano-Reggiano, etc. are all expensive too.
But if I go back to the dairy section of cheddar, monterey jack, swiss, colby, etc. is only about $2.50 for 8oz.
What are we paying in importation, and what are we paying in quality?
And if it's an importation thing, why don't US cheese-makers try to replicate the recipe as close as possible, and sell it under another name?
some of the cheeses will be imported
but this puts little on the price compared to the price you pay
a lot of cheeses take a long time to mature, they need to be kept cliatically controlled for extensive periods, turned and looked after, its a labourious and time consuming process, THATS what you are paying for
and OMG is it worth every penny, i LOVE cheese
you know i think we do pay a bit more for the imports in some cases yes it is worth it. however I find buying local helps the environment not to mention you know where your cheese comes from. I love the local cheeses in my area and yes they are cheaper.
Some of it may be due to importation--for example, a Spanish cheese may cost more than a locally-made one of a similar type. However, most of the time when you buy these cheeses, it's more expensive because they are made by artisans. The ones in the dairy case, packaged poorly and made in a factory, cost less to make and so are cheaper. Buying higher-quality cheeses made by people instead of machines is going to cost more, but I think it's worth it.
They are imported, and usually hand-made.
Cheddar and American are made in factories, generally, by machines, so they can be made cheaper.
I think the good imported cheeses are usually worth it, esp for a dish like Mac & Chz where the cheese is the star.