Charcuterie Board well presented

Why Are Charcuterie Boards So Popular Today?

Cheese and charcuterie boards have survived pandemics and it will survive times to come. 

In fact, according to a company that tracks food habits across the world, basing its rankings on data from 7.68M food ratings from over 50 countries, cheese is the third most popular food in the whole world. No wonder it’s wound up on charcuterie boards!

When you look at a modern charcuterie spread, you’ll probably see some assortment of foods  including various cheese, fruit, nuts, crackers, meats, and spreads as part of the dining or snacking experience. 

Based on the majority's opinion, it’s these flavor combinations and convenience of charcuterie boards that make them so popular. However, it would be egregious to not mention there is also a visual element to consider. We eat with our eyes, and so those gorgeous social media posts that share these spreads make everyone want to try their hand at charcuterie. 

So pour yourself a glass of wine, sit back with your family and friends, and savor the assortment of flavors and textures.

 

The Appeal of Cheese and Charcuterie

One primary reason why charcuterie is trending involves convenience. With just a little time available, you can create a cheese board for one person or 100.

Charcuterie can be a meal, a snack, or an appetizer that warms you up for the main course. You can have it at any time of day and even enjoy charcuterie as a dessert.

Charcuterie is especially popular with families because you can turn it into edible art. It’s a kid-friendly approach to meal preparation because it starts with a blank canvas. With all of the different materials, designs, and culinary choices to include with a spread, charcuterie is a fun way to help families try new foods.

A well-rounded charcuterie spread is also satisfying. Not only does a cheese board encourage socialization, but the foods include the entire flavor spectrum. If someone has unique dietary needs, an individualized board isn’t difficult to throw together.

More importantly, a charcuterie board offers visual thoughtfulness, making guests, friends, and family feel special. 

 

Cheese and Charcuterie Boards over Time

Traditional cheese and charcuterie boards were just that, cheese and charcuterie. As time passed, people started experimenting with what they could do with these food preparations and, of late, even what they are served on. Starting back in 16th century France, when eating cured meats became a competition, the classic charcuterie used to be presented on platters made of silver, glass, or shiny chrome. 

The boards began seeing numerous accouterments from the French culture, featuring stylized plates, trays, and planks that would eventually turn into what we enjoy today. The modern wooden and stone boards have many advantages over the shiny instruments of yore.

For one thing, they look beautiful when used, but some also can be used as a decorative piece in the home. In addition, they are more sanitary and easily cleaned. Some hardwoods even have antiseptic properties, and they can self-heal when cuts are made into the surface.

 

Why You Should Try Your Hand at Charcuterie

The beautiful thing about making a charcuterie board is that it doesn’t require any skills. There are no rules and anything you want to throw together can work. Nowadays, charcuterie boards no longer mean the traditional cured meat.

What makes it such a fun process is that you can make your board fit whatever suits your fancy. It can be minimalistic, complex, or anywhere in-between. It can include cheeses or fruit. Maybe some sourdough bread. Chocolate anyone?

Charcuterie is also as affordable or extravagant as you make it. When you gather charcuterie supplies, the cost is similar to what you’d pay for any other meal that you’d make at home. In return, you get to try new pairings, flavors, and foods.

Are you ready to try your hand at this timeless culinary art? If so, we have a basic charcuterie board tutorial to use so that you can put together your first spread. You can quickly put together a balanced meal to share with those you love – and on social media!

Download Our Guide and Learn How to Create Amazing Appetizers

 

 

 

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