Andy Montoya
Cheese is a beloved and versatile food item enjoyed worldwide. It is derived from fermented and clotted milk and offers a range of textures, flavours, and colours. One such unique cheese is the Five Counties cheese, also known as Five Territories cheese. This English cheese combines five varieties: Somerset Cheddar, Cheshire, Derby, Double Gloucester, and Red Leicester. The result is a mild, buttery, and smooth cheese with a layered appearance of yellow, orange, and white. This visually stunning cheese is perfect for cheeseboards and pairs well with dark beers and fruity wines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of English kinds of cheese combined | 5 |
| Types of cheese combined | Somerset Cheddar, Cheshire, Derby, Double Gloucester, and Red Leicester |
| Appearance | Alternating layers of yellow, orange, and white |
| Taste | Mild and buttery with hints of salt |
| Texture | Smooth |
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What You'll Learn
- Five Counties cheese is made by combining five English kinds of cheese
- The five cheeses are Somerset Cheddar, Cheshire, Derby, Double Gloucester and Red Leicester
- The cheese has alternating layers of yellow, orange and white
- It is mild and buttery in taste, with a smooth texture and hints of salt
- It pairs well with dark beers and fruity wines
Five Counties cheese is made by combining five English kinds of cheese
Five Counties cheese is a celebration of England's territorial cheeses. It is made by combining five English kinds of cheese, namely Cheddar, Cheshire, Derby, Double Gloucester, and Red Leicester. Each of these cheeses forms a single layer, resulting in alternating layers of yellow, orange, and white, making this cheese visually stunning on a platter. Since all five kinds of cheese are either Cheddar or close to Cheddar, the resulting cheese is mild and buttery in taste, with a smooth texture and hints of salt.
Five Counties cheese combines the sharpness of Somerset Cheddar, the tanginess of Cheshire, the sweetness of Derby, the creaminess of Double Gloucester, and the nuttiness of Red Leicester. The combination of these cheeses creates a unique and complex flavour profile that is mellow and slightly tangy. The cheese is also a marvel in terms of architecture, with its striking appearance making it ideal for any cheeseboard or platter.
The process of making Five Counties cheese involves carefully layering the five cheeses to create a visually appealing and tasty product. The cheese is then typically cut into wedges or slices, showcasing the beautiful layers of each variety. The cheese is best served at room temperature to allow the flavours to fully develop.
Five Counties cheese is a true English delicacy, showcasing the diversity and quality of English cheese-making traditions. It is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a topping on burgers and salads. It pairs well with dark beers and fruity wines, making it an excellent choice for entertaining or a sophisticated snack.
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The five cheeses are Somerset Cheddar, Cheshire, Derby, Double Gloucester and Red Leicester
Five Counties cheese is made by combining five English cheeses: Somerset Cheddar, Cheshire, Derby, Double Gloucester, and Red Leicester. Each of these cheeses has its own distinct characteristics and production methods, contributing to the unique flavour and appearance of Five Counties cheese.
Somerset Cheddar, one of the varieties used in Five Counties cheese, has a long history dating back to the 12th century in southwest England, near the town of Cheddar. To be labelled as Somerset Cheddar, it must be produced within thirty miles of Wells Cathedral, following traditional methods. Artisanal Somerset Cheddar is made by hand using raw cow's milk, calf rennet, and local starters. It is then covered in lard and wrapped in cloth, resulting in a mouldy light brownish-grey rind and a hay-yellow curd.
Cheshire cheese, another component of Five Counties cheese, is the oldest cheese made in Britain. It is traditionally produced from raw cow's milk, specifically from milk produced by Friesian cattle in the Cheshire area. The cheese is formed into cloth-wrapped drums, aged for 6 months to a year, and rarely waxed over the cloth. Cheshire cheese has a rustic, buttery, and mildly salty flavour with a dry and crumbly texture.
Derby, the third variety in Five Counties cheese, is a traditional English-style cheese similar to Cheddar but with a softer body and higher moisture content. It involves a cheese-making process that focuses on cultivating good bacteria and controlling acidity to achieve the desired texture and flavour.
Double Gloucester, the fourth type of cheese in the blend, is a traditional English cheese made from cow's milk and annatto, a natural colouring agent that gives it its distinctive orange colour. It has been produced in Gloucestershire since the 16th century and is known for its smooth, buttery texture and rich, tangy flavour. Double Gloucester is aged for around 4 to 6 months, resulting in a firm yet crumbly consistency.
The final cheese in the Five Counties blend is Red Leicester. This cheese is also made with annatto, which gives it its red-orange colour. Red Leicester has a moister and slightly crumbly texture compared to Cheddar. The curds are cooked, settled, and then drained, wrapped in cloth, and pressed to form the final cheese.
By combining these five cheeses, Five Counties cheese offers a visually stunning and flavourful blend with alternating layers of yellow, orange, and white. The resulting cheese has a mild, buttery taste and a smooth texture with hints of salt, making it a versatile ingredient for toppings, salads, and pairings with dark beers and fruity wines.
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The cheese has alternating layers of yellow, orange and white
Five Counties cheese is a stunning example of the art of cheese-making, with its most striking feature being the alternating layers of yellow, orange and white. This effect is created by combining five distinct English cheeses, each contributing a unique hue and flavour to the final product. The layers are not just aesthetically pleasing but also serve to differentiate the different cheeses used in the creation of this masterpiece.
The five cheeses that make up the Five Counties cheese are all territorial cheeses from England, namely Somerset Cheddar, Cheshire, Derby, Double Gloucester, and Red Leicester. Each of these cheeses brings its own character and flavour to the final product, resulting in a mild, buttery, and smooth taste sensation. The process of layering these cheeses is a delicate one, ensuring that each layer is distinct yet blends harmoniously with the others.
The orange layer in the Five Counties cheese is derived from the Red Leicester, a traditional English cheese known for its rich, slightly nutty flavour and distinctive orange hue. This colour is a natural one, achieved by adding annatto, a type of colouring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, which gives the cheese a consistent orange appearance. The orange layer provides a vibrant contrast to the other colours in the Five Counties cheese, making it instantly recognisable.
The yellow layer is contributed by the Cheshire cheese, a territorial cheese from the county of Cheshire in England. This cheese has a slightly crumbly texture and a creamy, mellow flavour with a hint of salt. The yellow colour is a result of the cheese-making process, where the curds are allowed to develop a deeper colour during the cheddaring process, resulting in a beautiful golden hue.
Finally, the white layer is created using Derby cheese, a mild and creamy variety with a smooth texture. This cheese has a more subtle flavour compared to the other cheeses in the Five Counties blend, providing a delicate balance to the overall taste. The white layer adds a sense of contrast and elegance to the visual appeal of the cheese, making it a true work of art.
Together, the alternating layers of yellow, orange, and white create a stunning visual effect that is sure to impress any cheese enthusiast. The combination of flavours and textures from the five English cheeses results in a mild, buttery, and smooth taste experience, making Five Counties cheese a delightful addition to any cheese platter or culinary creation.
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It is mild and buttery in taste, with a smooth texture and hints of salt
Five Counties cheese is a celebration of English "territorial" cheeses. It is crafted by layering five distinct English cheeses, namely Somerset Cheddar, Cheshire, Derby, Double Gloucester, and Red Leicester. The resulting cheese is a feast for the eyes, with its alternating layers of yellow, orange, and white, making it a stunning addition to any cheese platter or cheeseboard.
The taste and texture of Five Counties cheese are just as impressive as its appearance. The combination of these five cheeses, all varieties of Cheddar or close to Cheddar, gives it a mild and buttery flavour profile with a smooth texture. The mildness of the cheese is a result of the creamy and rich nature of Cheddar, which, when combined, creates a harmonious and mellow taste experience. The butteriness of the cheese adds a delightful richness and mouthfeel, enhancing the overall indulgent character of the cheese.
The smooth texture of Five Counties cheese is a result of the careful blending and layering process. Each cheese is chosen for its similar yet distinct characteristics, ensuring a seamless fusion. The smooth and creamy nature of the cheese makes it ideal for melting, adding to its versatility in various dishes. The hint of salt further enhances the buttery flavour, adding a subtle savouriness that rounds out the overall taste profile.
The saltiness in Five Counties cheese is a delicate balance, providing just enough savoury notes to complement the buttery flavour. This hint of salt is a signature characteristic of Cheddar, with its slightly tangy and sharp profile. The salt also acts as a preservative, helping to extend the cheese's shelf life and ensure its freshness.
Overall, the mild and buttery taste, smooth texture, and hint of salt in Five Counties cheese make it a delightful and well-rounded culinary experience. Its versatility lends itself to a variety of dishes, from burgers and salads to cheeseboards and platters, making it a popular choice for cheese enthusiasts and foodies alike.
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It pairs well with dark beers and fruity wines
Five Counties cheese is a celebration of English "territorial" cheeses. It combines five English kinds of cheese: Somerset Cheddar, Cheshire, Derby, Double Gloucester, and Red Leicester. The combination of these cheeses creates a mild and buttery flavour with a smooth texture and hints of salt. The alternating layers of yellow, orange, and white make it a visually stunning addition to any cheese platter.
The resulting flavour profile of Five Counties cheese pairs well with dark beers and fruity wines. The mild and buttery taste of the cheese complements the roasted, caramel, or chocolate notes often found in dark beers. Similarly, the smoothness of the cheese goes well with the carbonation and bitterness of these beers.
When it comes to wine, the saltiness and slight tanginess of Five Counties cheese can be enhanced by pairing it with a fruity wine. The sweetness of the fruit in the wine will contrast nicely with the saltiness of the cheese, creating a balanced flavour profile. In addition, the smoothness of the cheese can serve as a nice counterpoint to the acidity and astringency sometimes present in wines.
Some specific examples of drinks that would pair well with Five Counties cheese include stout or porter beers, which have roasted malt or chocolate flavours that would complement the cheese. For wines, a Riesling or Gewürztraminer would work well due to their fruity and floral notes. When it comes to reds, a Pinot Noir or Gamay would be a good choice, as their light-to-medium body and fruity notes would create a harmonious pairing.
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Frequently asked questions
Five Counties Cheese is made by combining five English kinds of cheese, namely, Somerset Cheddar, Cheshire, Derby, Double Gloucester, and Red Leicester.
The cheese has alternating layers of yellow, orange, and white, making it visually stunning on a cheese platter.
Since all five kinds of cheese used are either cheddar or close to cheddar, the resulting cheese is mild and buttery in taste, with a smooth texture and hints of salt.
Five Counties can be used as toppings on burgers and salads, and it pairs well with dark beers and fruity wines.
Yes, Saxonshire and Five Shires are also similar layered cheeses available in the market.
