The Lifespan Of Wensleydale Cheese: How Long Does It Last?

Wensleydale is a popular English cheese with a long history, dating back to 1150. It was first made by monks in the Wensleydale region of Yorkshire, England, and is now mostly produced in large commercial creameries throughout the UK. The cheese has a distinctive taste and texture, and is often consumed alongside fruit. But how long does it last?

Wensleydale cheese's shelf life

Wensleydale cheese has a long and interesting history, with origins dating back to 1150. It was first made by French Cistercian monks from the Roquefort region, who settled in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, England.

Today, Wensleydale is predominantly produced in numerous creameries across the United Kingdom, but only cheese made in Wensleydale and the surrounding area can be called 'Yorkshire Wensleydale'. The designation 'Yorkshire Wensleydale' is reserved for cheese made in this region.

Wensleydale is a versatile cheese with a unique taste and texture. It is a young, medium-firm cheese with a creamy, crumbly texture and a slightly tangy, honey-like taste. It is often consumed as a dessert cheese, particularly when blended with fruits such as cranberries or apricots. It pairs well with fruits like pears, apples, and grapes, as well as cured meats and whole wheat bread.

The shelf life of Wensleydale cheese depends on its variety and aging time. There are four main types of Wensleydale cheese: Real Yorkshire Wensleydale, Blue Wensleydale, Mature Wensleydale, and Smoke Wensleydale.

Real Yorkshire Wensleydale is a fresh, moist, and crumbly cheese with a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. It is typically aged for no more than three weeks. Blue Wensleydale, on the other hand, takes six months to mature and has a stronger, more acidic flavor. Mature Wensleydale is aged for six months or more, resulting in a drier and harder cheese. The extra mature variety is aged for at least nine months, leading to an even stronger flavor. Finally, Smoke Wensleydale is a fresh cheese that has been cold-smoked over oak and hardwood chips, giving it a complex, smoky flavor.

In addition to these main types, Wensleydale also comes in flavored varieties, such as those with cranberries, apricots, ginger, or onion and chives. These added ingredients may impact the shelf life of the cheese, but generally, the aging time and moisture content are the key factors determining how long Wensleydale cheese will last.

When it comes to storage, Wensleydale cheese should be kept refrigerated. It is recommended to consume the cheese within a few weeks of purchasing, especially if it is a fresh variety like Real Yorkshire Wensleydale. The longer-aged varieties, such as Mature and Extra Mature Wensleydale, will have a longer shelf life due to their lower moisture content. However, it is always best to check the packaging for specific storage instructions and best-before dates.

The history of Wensleydale cheese

Wensleydale cheese has a long history, with the region it originated in, Wensleydale, having a history of quality cheesemaking dating back to Roman times. The specific style of Wensleydale cheese is believed to have originated with French Cistercian monks from the Roquefort region who settled in Wensleydale, northern England, in the 14th century. They built a monastery at Fors and brought with them a recipe for making cheese from sheep's milk.

When the monks moved to Jervaulx in Lower Wensleydale, they continued to make their cheese, but cows' milk began to be used instead, changing the character of the cheese. A little ewes' milk was still mixed in, as it gave the cheese a more open texture and allowed the development of blue mould. At this time, Wensleydale cheese was almost always blue, with the white variety almost unknown.

When the monastery was dissolved in 1540, local farmers continued to make Wensleydale cheese until the Second World War. During the war, most milk in the country was used for the making of "Government Cheddar", and even after rationing ceased in 1954, cheese-making did not return to pre-war levels. The first creamery to produce Wensleydale commercially was established in 1897 in the town of Hawes.

Wensleydale cheese fell into low production again in the early 1990s, but its popularity was revived by frequent references in the Wallace and Gromit series. The main character, Wallace, a cheese connoisseur, mentions Wensleydale as a particular favourite in the 1995 short "A Close Shave". The company that made Wensleydale cheese contacted Aardman Animations about a licence for a special brand of Wensleydale cheese called "Wallace and Gromit Wensleydale", which sold well. When the 2005 full-length Wallace and Gromit film, "The Curse of the Were-Rabbit", was released, sales of Wensleydale cheese increased by 23%.

How to store Wensleydale cheese

Wensleydale cheese is a versatile cheese that can be consumed in a variety of ways. It is a popular cheese from England, with a long history dating back to 1150. The cheese is known for its creamy, crumbly texture and rich flavour. Here are some tips on how to store Wensleydale cheese to maintain its quality and freshness:

Storing Wensleydale Cheese in the Fridge:

• Wrap the cheese: When storing Wensleydale cheese in the fridge, it is important to wrap it properly. You can use cheese paper, wax paper, or even a moist cloth to wrap the cheese. These materials allow the cheese to breathe while also retaining moisture. Avoid using plastic wrap or aluminium foil as they can trap moisture and cause the cheese to become soggy.
• Store in an airtight container: Place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or a resealable bag. This helps to maintain humidity and prevent the cheese from drying out.
• Keep it in the warmest part of the fridge: Wensleydale cheese should be stored in the warmest part of your fridge, which is usually the top shelf or the door compartment. This helps to prevent the cheese from drying out too quickly.
• Regularly clean the container: If you are storing the cheese for an extended period, make sure to clean and sanitise the container periodically to prevent the growth of mould or bacteria.

Storing Wensleydale Cheese in the Freezer:

• Grate or slice the cheese: If you plan on storing Wensleydale cheese in the freezer, it is best to grate or slice it first. This makes it easier to use when you need it, as grated or sliced cheese can be used directly from the freezer without thawing.
• Wrap and seal: Wrap the grated or sliced cheese in wax paper or freezer paper, then place it in a freezer bag or airtight container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing the container or bag.
• Label and date: Always label the container or bag with the date of freezing and the type of cheese. This helps you keep track of how long the cheese has been in the freezer.

Storing Opened vs. Unopened Wensleydale Cheese:

• Opened cheese: Once the Wensleydale cheese has been opened, it is best to consume it within a few days. Store it in the fridge, following the instructions above, and ensure that it is wrapped properly and sealed in an airtight container.
• Unopened cheese: Unopened Wensleydale cheese can last for several weeks if stored properly. Keep it in the fridge, wrapped in its original packaging or in an airtight container.

Other Tips for Storing Wensleydale Cheese:

• Do not freeze real Yorkshire Wensleydale: It is not recommended to freeze real Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese as it has a high moisture content and does not freeze well. Instead, follow the storage instructions for the fridge.
• Avoid strong-smelling foods: When storing Wensleydale cheese, keep it away from strong-smelling foods, as the cheese can absorb these odours.
• Regularly inspect the cheese: Always check the cheese for any signs of mould or discolouration before consuming it. If you notice any mould, cut away a generous portion around the affected area and ensure the rest of the cheese is still safe to eat.

The best ways to eat Wensleydale cheese

Wensleydale cheese is a medium-hard cheese with a creamy and crumbly texture and a rich flavour. It is traditionally eaten with fruit cake, especially at Christmas. It is also commonly paired with sweet apples or pears, and is often served with crackers.

The Wensleydale Creamery, the sole producer of Yorkshire Wensleydale, offers several blends of the cheese, including Wensleydale & Apricots, Wensleydale & Cranberries, and Wensleydale & Ginger. These can be served with plain or zesty crackers, or slices of crusty bread. The Wensleydale Creamery also suggests mixing the Wensleydale & Cranberry cheese with crème fraiche, fresh parsley, lemon juice and pepper to create a dip for chips or vegetables.

The cheese is also available in smoked varieties, which are delicious with crackers or slices of crusty bread. The Oak Smoked Yorkshire Wensleydale, for example, pairs well with fresh fruit such as grapes, apples and pears.

For a cheeseboard, it is recommended to serve 80g of cheese per person, with 4-5 varieties of cheese, to provide a contrast of flavours, textures and colours. In addition to Wensleydale, this could include other British cheeses such as Cheddar, Blue Stilton, or Red Windsor. To accompany the cheeses, you could choose from grapes, quince, celery, nuts, dried fruit, or cured meats such as Parma ham and prosciutto.

When storing Wensleydale cheese, keep it wrapped in an airtight container in the fridge, away from other strong-smelling foods. Remove it from the fridge about an hour before serving, to enjoy the full flavour and texture.

Where to buy Wensleydale cheese

Wensleydale cheese is a variety of cheese that was originally produced in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, England. While it is now mostly made in large commercial creameries throughout the UK, the designation "Yorkshire Wensleydale" is reserved for cheese made in Wensleydale.

If you're looking to buy some Wensleydale cheese, here are some places you can try:

Local Cheese Stores or Delicatessens

Depending on your location, you may be able to find Wensleydale cheese at your local cheese store or delicatessen. These specialty food shops often carry a variety of cheeses, including regional varieties like Wensleydale.

Online Retailers

Wensleydale cheese can also be purchased from various online retailers. Amazon, for example, offers a wide range of Wensleydale cheeses, including those with added cranberries, apricots, and blueberries. Other online cheese shops, such as igourmet and Wisconsin Cheese Mart, also offer Wensleydale cheese and can deliver it directly to your doorstep.

Supermarkets

In the United Kingdom, supermarkets like Waitrose, Tesco, and Sainsbury's may stock Wensleydale cheese, particularly if they have a cheese counter or a good selection of British cheeses.

Wensleydale Creamery

The Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes, Yorkshire, is the only company in the world that still makes Wensleydale cheese according to the traditional recipe. They handcraft their Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese using locally sourced cow's milk, and it has won awards for its quality. You can purchase their cheese directly from their website or visit their physical shop if you're in the area.

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