Frederic Melton
England has a rich history of cheese-making, with a wide variety of cheeses produced across the country. While some consider English cheeses such as Cheddar, Red Leicester, and Wensleydale to be boring or unremarkable compared to European cheeses, others argue that England produces some of the best cheeses in the world. English cheeses range from classic cheddars to more modern varieties, including goat and sheep's milk cheeses, which have gained popularity since the 1980s. The country has over 750 types of cheeses, almost twice as many varieties as France, challenging the notion that England does not make good cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cheese varieties | Over 750 |
| Examples of English cheeses | Cheshire, Red Leicester, Wensleydale, Stinking Bishop, Stichelton, Cornish Yarg, Red Dragon Welsh, Parlick Fell, Montgomery Cheddar, Berkswell, Beenleigh Blue, Blue Monday, Brighton Blue, Buxton Blue, Cornish Blue, Devon Blue, Dorset Blue Vinney, Dovedale, Ashdown Foresters, Caerphilly, Gloucester, Goosnargh Gold, Keltic Gold, Red Windsor |
| Opinions on English cheese | Varied; some find English cheese boring compared to other European countries, while others believe English cheese is good, especially when compared to American cheese |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
England's cheeses compared to other European countries
England has a rich history of cheese-making, with over 700 named British cheeses produced in the UK. While England may not be as renowned for its cheese as France, Italy, or Switzerland, its cheese-making game is considered to be ahead of every other country by some.
English cheeses, such as Cheddar, Red Leicester, and Wensleydale, might be considered boring by some when compared to the more diverse offerings of other European countries. However, England has a wide variety of cheeses, from classic cheddars to more unusual modern varieties. For instance, Stinking Bishop, a washed-rind cheese with a strong aroma and a mild, herby flavour, and Stichelton, a creamy English blue cheese similar to Blue Stilton but made without pasteurised milk or factory-produced rennet, are two unique English cheeses that have gained recognition.
English cheesemakers are also innovating with goat and sheep's milk cheeses, such as the award-winning Berkswell, a sheep's milk cheese wrapped in nettle or wild garlic leaves as it ages, giving it a striking appearance and added flavour. Another example is Beauvale, a creamy, soft blue cheese made by a Stilton producer, which has won awards for its instant success.
When compared to other European countries, English cheeses might not have the same reputation as French, Italian, or Swiss cheeses. However, England's cheese-making techniques and traditions, such as the production of Cheshire cheese by the family-run Appleby's, who bandage their wheels instead of waxing them, resulting in a savoury, mineral-led flavour, showcase a unique approach to cheesemaking that contributes to the diversity of European cheeses.
In conclusion, while England may not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking about cheese, it has a diverse and high-quality selection of cheeses that can rival those of other European countries. The variety and quality of English cheeses, from traditional cheddars to innovative goat and sheep's milk varieties, showcase the country's cheesemaking expertise and contribute to the rich landscape of European cheeses.
Cashew Cheese for Weight Loss: Healthy or Hype?
You may want to see also
The best English cheeses
England has a rich history of cheesemaking, with over 750 varieties of cheese produced in Britain today. While some may consider English cheese boring or uninteresting compared to other European countries, there are still many delicious English cheeses worth trying. Here are some of the best English cheeses:
Cheddar
An obvious choice, but for good reason. Authentic Cheddar, which has been made in the village of Cheddar, Somerset since the 12th century, is a world-renowned cheese with a smooth, tight texture and a full flavour. It is perfect for cooking, adding depth of flavour to cheese sauces, and making crispy toppings for bakes and casseroles. It is also excellent as a sandwich cheese, pairing well with fresh crusty bread, juicy tomatoes, and sliced ham.
Cheshire
One of the oldest recorded named cheeses in British history, Cheshire cheese was first mentioned in 1580. It is a dense, semi-hard cheese with a salty taste, sometimes described as similar to mild Parmesan. Cheshire cheese can be found in three varieties: red, white, and blue, with the white being the most common.
Red Leicester
Also known as Leicestershire Cheese, Red Leicester has been made in the English county of Leicester since at least the 18th century. It is a versatile cheese that can be used as a replacement for cheddar, with a slightly nutty taste and a creamy texture.
Stilton
Often referred to as the "King of English Cheeses", Stilton is a classic English blue-veined cheese produced exclusively in the midland counties of Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Leicestershire. It has a crumbly texture that makes it ideal for soups, salads, and dips, and it is traditionally served as a dessert cheese, accompanied by a glass of fine port wine.
Stichelton
Stichelton is an English blue cheese similar to Blue Stilton, but it does not use pasteurised milk or factory-produced rennet. It has a creamy, tangy flavour that some consider better than traditional Stilton.
Wensleydale
Produced in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, Blue Wensleydale is a crumbly, moist cheese. It also comes in many variants, including additions such as cranberries or ginger.
Berkswell
A multi-award-winning sheep's milk cheese, Berkswell is matured until firm with a sweet, caramel flavour and a lingering nuttiness. It is wrapped in nettle or wild garlic leaves as it ages, adding further flavour and a striking appearance.
Other Notable Mentions
- Shropshire Blue: a creamy blue cheese similar to Stilton, but newer, having only been around for about 50 years.
- Stinking Bishop: a mild and herby cheese washed in perry (pear cider), giving it a serious pong.
- Gloucester: a traditional unpasteurised, semi-hard cheese made in Gloucestershire since the 16th century.
- Beenleigh Blue: a thin-rinded, unpressed soft blue cheese made from organic unpasteurised ewe's milk in Devon County, England.
Cheese and Toddlers: What Parents Should Know
You may want to see also
English cheeses with protected designation status
The United Kingdom has several Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheeses. PDO is a geographical indication given to iconic foods associated with a particular process and place. Some English cheeses with PDO status include:
Beacon Fell Traditional Lancashire Cheese
This cheese is produced in the English county of Lancashire and has three distinct varieties: young 'Creamy Lancashire', mature 'Tasty Lancashire', and 'Crumbly Lancashire', which is a more recent creation suitable for mass production.
Blue Wensleydale
A crumbly, moist cheese produced in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, England. Wensleydale is also produced as a blue cheese, with many variants that include additions such as cranberries or ginger.
Buxton Blue
Currently produced by Hartington Creamery in Derbyshire, this is a soft blue cheese made from organic unpasteurised ewe's milk.
Dorset Blue Vinney
A traditional blue cheese made near Sturminster Newton in Dorset, England, from skimmed cows' milk. It is a hard, crumbly cheese.
Dovedale
A full-fat semi-soft blue-veined cheese made from cow's milk, produced in the Peak District.
Single Gloucester
Gloucester cheese has been made in Gloucestershire, England, since the 16th century. Single Gloucester is one of the two types of this traditional unpasteurised semi-hard cheese.
Staffordshire
A crumbly white cheese from the county of Staffordshire.
Swaledale
A full-fat hard cheese produced in the town of Richmond in Swaledale, North Yorkshire, England.
While not a comprehensive list, these examples showcase the variety and quality of English cheeses that have earned the prestigious PDO status.
Cheese and Gut Health: A Balanced Diet's Best Friend?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
English cheeses made from goat and sheep's milk
England produces over 750 varieties of cheese, ranging from classic cheddars to more unusual modern varieties.
British-made goat and sheep's milk cheeses were uncommon in the UK until the 1980s. Today, these varieties are paving the way for exciting new cheesemakers. One such cheese is Berkswell, a sheep's milk variety that is matured until firm, with a sweet, caramel flavour and a lingering nuttiness. It is wrapped in nettle leaves as it ages, adding further flavour and a striking appearance.
Another English cheese made from goat's milk is Stichelton, which is similar to Blue Stilton but does not use pasteurised milk or factory-produced rennet. It has a creamy, tangy flavour and is considered by some to be better than traditional Stilton.
Beenleigh Blue is another English cheese made from sheep's milk. It is a thin-rinded, unpressed soft blue cheese made from organic unpasteurised ewe's milk produced in Devon County.
Other English cheeses made from goat or sheep's milk include Swaledale, a full-fat hard cheese produced in North Yorkshire, and Red Leicester, which is made in a similar manner to Cheddar but is crumbly and coloured orange with annatto extract.
Cheese and Rice: A Delicious Combination?
You may want to see also
English cheeses that are exported to the US
England has a rich history of cheese-making, with over 750 varieties produced today. While some English cheeses, like cheddar, are considered "boring" compared to European cheeses, others are celebrated for their unique flavours and textures. Here are some English cheeses that have gained recognition and are exported to the US:
Cheshire Cheese
Cheshire is a dense and crumbly cheese produced in the county of Cheshire and neighbouring counties in Wales and England. Appleby's, a family-run business, is one of the few producers still making traditional handmade Cheshire cheese. They bandage their wheels rather than waxing them, resulting in a savoury, mineral-led flavour with a zesty citrus tang.
Beauvale
Beauvale is a relatively new cheese made by a traditional Stilton producer, Cropwell Bishop. It is incredibly creamy and soft, with a mild blue flavour. Its texture is so soft that it's almost spreadable at room temperature. Beauvale's unique qualities have made it an award-winning cheese.
Berkswell
Berkswell is a sheep's milk cheese that is matured until firm, resulting in a sweet, caramel flavour with a nutty tang. It is iconic in Britain for being wrapped in nettle leaves during the ageing process, adding further flavour and a striking appearance. Berkswell has a creamy texture that becomes crumblier towards the centre and has won multiple awards.
Stichelton
Stichelton is an English blue cheese similar to Blue Stilton, but it does not use pasteurised milk or factory-produced rennet. It has a creamy, tangy flavour and is considered by some to be even better than traditional Stilton.
Stinking Bishop
Stinking Bishop is a famous modern English cheese, known for its strong odour. It is washed in perry (pear cider), which gives it a beautiful pink rind. Despite its pungent smell, the cheese itself has a mild, herby flavour.
Red Leicester
Red Leicester is an English cheese made similarly to cheddar but with a crumblier texture. Since the 18th century, annatto extract has been added during manufacturing to give it an orange colour.
These English cheeses have gained recognition in the US for their distinct characteristics, contributing to the diverse range of cheeses available in the American market.
Cheese: Processed vs Natural — What's the Difference?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, England makes a variety of good cheeses. Some popular English cheeses include Red Leicester, Cheddar, and Wensleydale.
Some famous English cheeses include Stinking Bishop, Stichelton, and Blue Stilton.
Some unique English cheeses include Beenleigh Blue, made from organic unpasteurized ewe's milk, and Cornish Yarg, a crumbly white cheese wrapped in nettle or wild garlic leaves.
If you're in the UK, you can find good English cheese at specialty cheese shops or markets. If you're in the US, try Whole Foods or Trader Joe's.
