By Francisco Ramirez Jr.

FRESNO, Calif. — Okay, I’m letting you guys in on a little family secret right now.

Whenever my family and I head to Fresno and stop by Whole Foods, we always check out what we call the little treasure spot. If you know, you know.

It’s the section where they place leftover gourmet cheese cuts and small cheese samples, sometimes for around a dollar or two. Honestly, it’s one of the best ways to try expensive cheeses without paying full price. You still get the full essence and flavor of the cheese without spending twenty dollars or more.

And yes, this is officially a Flavor Check.

For more information about the Fresno Whole Foods location, visit Whole Foods in Fresno.

Fresno Cheese Treasure Spot Features Gourmet Deals

One of the best parts about the Fresno cheese treasure spot is the ability to experience premium imported cheeses in smaller portions without committing to a full block or wedge.

For people curious about gourmet cheeses, the smaller cuts make it easier and cheaper to explore bold flavors that many shoppers normally would not risk buying at full price.

Kaasaggio Robusto Gouda

The first cheese was the Kaasaggio Robusto Gouda, priced around $17.99 a pound at Whole Foods. I actually picked up a small sample piece for only $1.08, which made the experience even better because I got to try a premium cheese without committing to a large purchase.

This one stood out immediately.

You could actually see the crystallization inside the cheese, which is usually a sign of aging and flavor development. Those tiny crystals gave it a subtle crunch that improved the overall texture.

The flavor was rich, smooth, slightly nutty, and balanced extremely well. Honestly, I think this cheese would pair perfectly with a dark chocolate containing cocoa nibs. The sweet and bitter chocolate mixed with the salty richness of the Gouda would probably be incredible.

Overall Rating:
4.5 out of 5 Flavor Checks

Fromagerie Graindorge Pont L’Eveque French Coupe

The second cheese came from France and was the Fromagerie Graindorge Pont L’Eveque French Coupe, priced around $21.99 a pound at Whole Foods. I grabbed a small sample for only $1.54 just to test it out.

This one was definitely creamy. Very creamy.

The texture was soft, rich, and smooth with a strong traditional French cheese profile. I could tell immediately this was one of those cheeses people either absolutely love or need time to get used to.

For me personally, it felt more like a special occasion cheese instead of something I would regularly crave. That does not mean it was bad at all. It simply was not fully my style flavor-wise.

Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Flavor Checks

Igor Gorgonzola Piccante

Now for the wild card.

The Igor Gorgonzola Piccante immediately hits you with a strong pungent smell. If you have never had blue cheese before, this will probably shock you at first. The dark blue and black-looking veins inside the cheese are actually mold cultures used during the aging process.

Specifically, the ingredient Penicillium Roqueforti is a beneficial mold that gives blue cheeses their signature flavor, smell, and appearance. The ingredient rennet helps curdle and form the cheese during production.

“Piccante” means the cheese is aged longer and has a sharper, stronger flavor compared to milder Gorgonzola varieties.

At first, I honestly did not think I was going to like it.

But wow.

This cheese surprised me.

It was creamy, smooth, rich, and extremely bold in flavor. The saltiness hits immediately, but in a way that keeps pulling you back for another bite. This is definitely one of those cheeses where a small amount goes a long way.

At first, I was unsure how I felt about it, but the more I tried it, the more it started growing on me. Honestly, put this on a good cracker and it would be fantastic. I could also see it pairing well with honey, fruit, or even steak.

This is not a beginner cheese. It is strong, powerful, and very distinct. However, if you enjoy adventurous flavors, this one might surprise you like it surprised me.

Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Flavor Checks

Hidden Gourmet Cheese Deals Continue Drawing Attention

If you ever stop by Whole Foods in Fresno, check out those gourmet cheese sample sections and try something new. It is honestly one of the cheapest ways to experience expensive cheeses and discover flavors you normally would not buy by the pound.

Just do not buy all the good ones before I get back.

What is the most unusual cheese you have ever tried?