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Email the editor: jmellgren@gourmetretailer.com

"Words, words, words," said Hamlet, and indeed they are extremely important to our business. How else can we impart the body, character, texture and flavor of the foods we sell than by familiarizing ourselves with a lexicon of food terms that describe what we experience in any given product? Although sometimes these terms — especially in the wine world — can be more confusing than they need be, it's important to be able to communicate about your cheeses to a customer verbally, as well as in print through signage, menus, newsletters and brochures. We've given the International Dairy•Deli•Bakery Association (IDDBA) the month off, and I've composed my own word scramble puzzle of cheesy terminology. See if you can unscramble these fairly common descriptors and then, more importantly, see if you can use them in everyday transactions at the cheese counter.

1. klahcy
2. daplasreeb
3. murcbyl
4. arydybnra
5. tutebyr
6. tunty
7. oberschuae
8. styaye
9. tarhey
10. prash
11. komys
12. polexcm
13. tubhcttsreoc
14. repyepp
15. cistru

Answers
1. chalky
2. spreadable
3. crumbly
4. barnyardy
5. buttery
6. nutty
7. herbaceous
8. yeasty
9. earthy
10. sharp
11. smoky
12. complex
13. butterscotch
14. peppery
15. rustic