Apr 15, 2021

Charcuterie Boards 101

Brought to you by our in-house Chef Kai Salimaki

Charcuterie is the art of preparing meats which are often cured or smoked such as bacon, ham or salami. A charcutier is a person who prepares charcuterie and while the term is loosely translated in English to “pork butcher”, any kind of meat can be used.

A charcuterie board is commonly seen on menus pretty much everywhere these days and it’s the perfect way to enjoy some nibbles with friends and family!
A charcuterie board most often consists of a variety of meats and cheeses and often fruit or nuts; essentially a meat and cheese board! When it comes to assembling a charcuterie board, the possibilities are endless. Use your imagination and your pantry to build an epic grazing board.

Here are CultivatR, we have taken the time to procure some of Alberta’s top cured meats and cheeses from various local suppliers as well as some accompaniments that make the board a little more special.

Cheese

For myself, a great charcuterie board should cover all the cheese bases. You need a hard cheese, a semi-soft cheese and a blue cheese. These cheeses can either be cow’s milk, sheep’s milk or goat’s milk.

Our recommendations:

Trata Goat Cheese - Dancing Goat Farms

La Riviere Vermillion Blue Cheese - The Old School Cheesery

Harvest Moon Smoked Brie - The Old School Cheesery

Organic Gouda (Medium) - Vital Green Farms

Meat

The base of the board and there are so many great products to choose from. I am a huge fan of dry cured salamis, aged and smoked meats and anything salty/fatty. Don’t stop at cured meats! Try some local amazing Pates!