There is nothing worse than unveiling a sexy new cheese for your friends, only to realise it is chalky and bland - In other words - NOT RIPE!

Talk about an anti climax. 

But the casual cheese enjoyer may not know that all cheeses have a peak window where they should be eaten.

For hard cheeses, this window is longer and less important, but for softer cheeses, this window is shorter and vital for maximum enjoyment of your cheesy parcel.

And happy days! You don't have to be a cheese expert to test if your cheese ripe.

Continue reading for a few easy ways to tell when to plate up your brie and get the most out of your cheese investment.

FEELING

Gently pressing down on the cheese with your thumb is the best way to test for ripeness.

Cheeses ripen from the outside-in, so press the surface of the cheese from the outside to the centre and if it is soft to touch all the way through it's good to go.

Remember to wash your hands before you handle cheese. And keyword is gently - no need to be a hero, big guy.

*Imagine it is an avocado that you haven't bought yet!

SMELLING

As a cheese ripens, all the protein and lactic acid in the paste is broken down, this very cool process is called proteolysis and softens the cheese, but along with this it also brings a stronger flavour to the cheese.

So giving the cheese a good sniff will also help you to decide how ripe it is.

(Even through the cheese paper)

BEST BEFORE DATE

Cheese best before date is an often misunderstood concept. As opposed to other foods, the best before date for cheese is a guide and is often when the cheese will be at its best.

In our experience, cheese that is close to, on, or just after the best before date have reached the peak of their flavour.

So, if you have a cheese that's a few days past its best before. 

Don't be afraid.

Cut it and give it a smell because it could be the most perfect specimen.