Elevate Your Palate with Heinen’s Hand-Selected A2 Organic Cheeses

The following story was written by Heinen’s partner Elaine T. Cicora. Photography was provided by Carolyn Hodges of  Yoko Segawa of Yoko’s Kitchen.

Renewal, revival and regeneration: Springtime is a season to celebrate the land’s rebirth. Our choice of what to eat and drink can certainly play a fun part in the celebration. For some, that could mean putting away the red wine and breaking out the whites. For others, it might signal the time to trade in the turnips for baby spinach and asparagus.

Your cheeseboard is no different. While there’s never a bad time to eat cheese, spring seems like the perfect season to explore Heinen’s Hand-Selected, A2 cheeses, made from 100% organic A2 milk, sourced from grass-fed, heritage-breed Guernsey cows, raised on farms that utilize regenerative farming practices.

Why A2 Milk?

Just like traditional milk, A2 milk comes from cows and is packed with important nutrients like protein, calcium and Vitamin D. The difference lies in the type of beta-casein (a major source of protein) that each type of milk delivers. Traditional milk contains A1 beta-casein, which is known to cause tummy troubles in susceptible people. A2 milk contains beta-casein in its original form – A2 – which is easier for humans to digest. As it happens, it also makes a superlative cheese, with rich flavors and creamy textures that are sure to delight.

Even better, all of Heinen’s Hand-Selected A2 Organic Cheeses are Club Fx™-approved, meaning they have been reviewed by Heinen’s Chief Registered Dietitian and meet our strict standards for ingredient quality. In other words, they’re one of the healthiest cheeses you can enjoy!

Why Regenerative?

Because rather than depleting the land, regenerative farms focus on practices that renew the soil, protect water sources and sustain the ecosystem. By sourcing its organic A2 milk from regenerative farms in Ohio and Pennsylvania, Heinen’s helps promote healthier soil, the highest standards in animal welfare and living wages for farmers – all while offering customers an extraordinary product.

For guidance on springtime-worthy choices, we turned to Anne Somoroff, Heinen’s trusted specialty cheese expert.

Anne personally tastes and selects all the cheeses that wear the Heinen’s Hand-Selected label, actively seeking out cheeses that represent both quality and value. “Heinen’s is all about providing the best in customer service,” she says. “And bringing the very best products to our customers is an essential part of that process.” (You can learn more about Heinen’s Hand-Selected cheese program, here.)

Here are our recommendations for an elevated spring treat:

Heinen’s Hand-Selected A2 Organic Triple Creme Camembert

• An American original, made with milk from grass-fed, heritage breed cows
• A buttery yellow, inside an edible, snowy-white rind
• Ultra rich and creamy texture
• A beautiful addition to a spring cheeseboard; top with a spray of dainty violets for an eye-catching centerpiece
• A bit of sweetness really brings out the flavors; try it with berries, honey or Heinen’s fig spread
• Serve at room temperature, or warm it on the grill or in the microwave

Heinen’s Hand-Selected A2 Organic Smoked Cheddar

• Cold-smoked over real hardwood
• A smooth, balanced interplay of smoke and rich cheddar goodness
• Pale yellow in color, recalling farm-fresh cream
• Try it on a cheeseboard with Heinen’s Marcona Almonds
• Outstanding as a topping for grilled Heinen’s gourmet burgers along with grilled onions and mushrooms

Heinen’s Hand-Selected A2 Organic Smoked Blue

• Cold-smoked over real hardwood
• Deeply veined with a subtle ring of smoke along the edible outer rind
• A uniquely flavored standout – mild, yet piquant – and sure to be a hit on your cheeseboard; cornichons are the perfect accompaniment
• Memorable atop a grilled Heinen’s CARE Certified steak, where the complementary smoky notes lend a striking depth of flavor

Heinen’s Hand-Selected A2 Organic Chili Jack

• Mild, but with a rich, creamy finish
• Flecks of pepper throughout provide a zesty counterpoint
• A wonderful choice for melting: Try it in cheese enchiladas, stuffed poblano peppers or in stuffed Hatch Chiles when they’re in season
• Adds a unique twist to your favorite macaroni and cheese recipe

Heinen’s Hand-Selected A2 Organic Extra Sharp Raw Cheddar

• Made from unpasteurized milk
• Aged 2 years for extra sharpness
• Extraordinarily smooth and creamy
• Beautiful pale-yellow color
• Rich, tangy flavor with a subtle “grassy” finish
• A classic addition to a cheeseboard
• Great on grilled cheese sandwiches or paired with apples and Heinen’s fig spread

Find all these great springtime choices in the Specialty Cheese Department of your local Heinen’s.