Behind the cheese counter: meet the Cheesemongers at Niemann Harvest Market

When you walk up to the cheese department at Niemann Harvest Market, you’ll see a new world of wheels, wedges, and wonderful tasting experiences. Behind the counter, you’ll find your store’s Cheesemonger, our passionate guides who help customers explore everything we have to offer in specialty cheese.

Today, we’ll learn more about the job of a cheesemonger, and meet one of our local cheesemongers from our Niemann Harvest Market in Carmel, Indiana.

What exactly does a cheesemonger do?

At Niemann Harvest Market, we are proud to offer the best selection of domestic and imported cheese. Our cheesemongers are responsible for curating and maintaining this selection. They taste, evaluate, and rotate cheeses to ensure quality. They’re constantly learning about seasonal specialties, aging techniques, and regional styles.

The cheesemonger’s real superpower? Finding you the perfect cheese for your needs. They can help with simple requests like a new melty selection for your grilled cheese, all the way up to helping you with a show-stopping charcuterie board. Need help with personalized recommendations? Hosting a wine night, planning a picnic, or need a kid-friendly option? They’ve got you covered. They can guide you through milk types (cow, goat, sheep), textures (soft, semi-firm, aged), and even help you find the right crackers, jams, or honey to accompany your selections.

Cutting and wrapping cheese is just part of the cheesemonger’s job. They can also share stories about where a cheese comes from, how it’s made, what it pairs with, and what makes it special. At Niemann Harvest Market, our cheesemongers train extensively to stay up to date on trends and expand their knowledge of both local and international producers.

And when it comes to special orders or seasonal favorites, they’re your go-to resource. Ask about seasonal selections like Artikaas First Milk Gouda. The cheesemongers are at the heart of keeping our selection fresh, inspiring, and tailored to our local shoppers.

Meet Aidan, our Cheesemonger in Carmel, Indiana

Aidan began working with cheese in 2021 at an independent grocery store in San Diego, California, and quickly found a passion for the craft. Over the past five years, he’s trained under three Certified Cheese Professionals and achieved the highest level of cheese education one can get in the U.S. This education has helped Aidan to gain deep insight into the art and science of cheesemaking.

From hand-pulling fresh mozzarella under the guidance of Italian immigrants to cracking massive wheels of Parmigiano-Reggiano for live audiences and social media, Aidan has embraced every opportunity to grow his skills. He’s even attended curated charcuterie tastings hosted by the European Union, further broadening his palate and product knowledge. His journey reflects a true love for the diversity of cheeses and the stories behind them. Niemann Harvest Market is proud to have Aidan on our team!

Visit Your Cheese Department at Niemann Harvest Market

Our cheesemongers work closely with local and regional suppliers, helping Niemann Harvest Market highlight small producers and unique offerings you won’t find in every grocery store. Their recommendations are rooted in relationships, taste-testing, and a true passion for the craft.

Next time you visit our store in Carmel, or any of our other locations, take a moment to visit our cheese shop and talk to the team behind the cheese counter. Browse the Brie, crave a sharp cheddar, or discover a decadent Danish blue cheese. Whatever it may be, your cheesemonger is ready to help you find your next favorite at Niemann Harvest Market!