Andy Montoya
Greensward is a unique washed-rind cheese with a silky, spoonable interior and woodsy notes. It was created by Murray's Cheese in partnership with Jasper Hill Farm in Greensboro, Vermont, and was first served at Eleven Madison Park, a New York restaurant. The cheese is aged in Murray's cheese-aging caves in Long Island City, New York, and has won several awards, including Best in Class in the Smear-Ripened Soft Cheeses category at the 2015 US Cheese Championships. To serve Greensward, the top layer of rind should be removed before eating. It can be paired with a variety of sides, such as crackers, meats, cornichons, and wine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Type | Washed Rind |
| Cheese Texture | Soft, creamy, silky, oozy, spoonable |
| Cheese Flavors | Mushrooms, brandied cherries, woodsy spruce, mustard seed, roasted vegetables, smoky cheeseburger |
| Cheese Weight | 10-ounce wheels, 1 lb |
| Cheese Pairings | Cranberry chutney, pickled cherries, sundried cherries, multigrain flax crackers, baguette, salami, cornichons |
| Cheese Wash | Beer, hard cider, yeast, salt |
| Cheese Color | White to orangey |
| Cheese Aging | Aged in caves |
| Cheese Origin | Created by Murray's Cheese in partnership with Jasper Hill Farm, Greensboro, Vermont |
| Cheese Availability | Only available at Murray's |
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What You'll Learn
Greensward cheese history
Greensward cheese was first created in 2012 or 2013 as a collaboration between Murray's and Jasper Hill Farm in Greensboro, Vermont. The cheese was initially commissioned by the upscale New York restaurant Eleven Madison Park as part of their New York-centric menu. The idea was for Jasper Hill to make the cheese and for Murray's to age it in their caves. The cheese gets its name from the Greensward development plan, which was created by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted and co-designer Calvert Vaux and served as the blueprint for Central Park.
The cheese is a washed-rind variety, with a soft, silky, and spoonable texture. It is made with cow's milk and wrapped in spruce cambium strips, the layer of wood just beneath the bark of a tree. The wheels of cheese are rindless when they arrive at Murray's and are then washed in a brine made from hard cider, yeast, and salt, which turns the cheese from white to an orange colour. They are then aged in Murray's Washed Rind Cave for at least three weeks. The final product has a delicate pungency, with flavours ranging from mustard seed and roasted vegetables to smoky cheeseburger.
Greensward has received numerous awards, including Best in Class in the Smear-Ripened Soft Cheeses category at the 2015 US Cheese Championships in Wisconsin, and recognition from the American Cheese Society as the #1 Washed Rind Cheese and 3rd place in the Best of Show category in 2017.
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How to eat it
Greensward is a soft, washed-rind cheese with a unique flavour profile. It is a spruce-wrapped cheese that is aged in caves and has a silky, spreadable texture.
Before serving, the top layer of the rind should be removed. This can be done partially or completely, depending on your preference. Greensward can be eaten as it is, or heated and served. It is a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of accompaniments.
For a simple yet elegant presentation, serve Greensward with a knife and a small plate. This allows your guests to spread the cheese on crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables. To elevate the experience, pair the cheese with a cranberry chutney or pickled cherries. The sweet and tangy notes of these accompaniments complement the creamy, pungent flavour of the cheese.
For a heartier offering, Greensward can be served with a selection of cured meats, such as salami or prosciutto. A charcuterie board featuring the cheese alongside an assortment of meats, crackers, and cornichons makes for a delightful appetiser or light meal.
When serving Greensward, consider pairing it with a nice wine. The cheese's rich and creamy flavour profile makes it a good match for a crisp white wine or a light-bodied red. For a truly indulgent experience, offer your guests a glass of sparkling wine or champagne to toast with.
With its unique flavour and texture, Greensward cheese is a delightful addition to any cheese platter or appetiser spread. Its versatility allows it to be served in a variety of ways, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
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Pairing recommendations
Greensward is a washed rind cheese with rich, creamy flavours. It is a spruce-wrapped cheese with a silky, spoonable interior and woodsy notes. It can be eaten as is or heated and served.
When it comes to pairing recommendations, Murray's, the creator of Greensward cheese, suggests serving it with a cranberry chutney or pickled cherries. The cheese also pairs well with Murray's Sundried Cherries and Firehook Multigrain Flax Crackers.
For a more indulgent meal, Greensward cheese can be served with a baguette, salami, and cornichons. It can also be paired with a nice wine and some fine roasted meats.
The cheese was originally created exclusively for Eleven Madison Park restaurant in New York, where it was washed with beer from Ithaca Brewing and served as part of the picnic basket course. If you wish to recreate this pairing, you can serve Greensward cheese with a beer from Ithaca Brewing.
Additionally, when serving Greensward cheese, it is recommended to remove the top layer of rind either partially or completely, depending on your preference.
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Cheese preparation
Greensward is a spruce-wrapped, washed-rind cheese with a silky, spoonable, and spreadable texture. It is a delicate and pungent cheese with a unique flavour profile that can vary from wheel to wheel. Sometimes, it has a smooth finish with notes of mustard seed and roasted vegetables, while other times it tastes like a smoky cheeseburger.
To prepare Greensward cheese for serving, it is recommended to first remove the top layer of the rind. This can be done partially or completely, depending on your preference. Greensward cheese can then be eaten as it is or heated and served. It is best paired with condiments like cranberry chutney or pickled cherries, and crackers or bread on the side. Murray's, the creator of Greensward cheese, suggests serving it with their Sundried Cherries and Firehook Multigrain Flax Crackers.
Greensward cheese is a product of a collaboration between Murray's and Jasper Hill Farm in Greensboro, Vermont. It was originally created exclusively for Eleven Madison Park, a New York restaurant, in 2012 or 2013. The recipe was developed by the team at Jasper Hill, and the aging process was a collaboration between Murray's, Jasper Hill, and Chef Daniel Humm. The cheese is named after the "Greensward Plan", the original plan for the development of Central Park in New York City.
Murray's Cave Aged Reserve Mini Greensward is a unique cheese that is aged and matured in the Murray's Cheese Caves in Queens, New York. The affineurs at Murray's wash the wheels in cider and age them to perfection, resulting in a silky, oozing, spoonable paste with flavours of mushrooms, brandied cherries, and woodsy spruce notes.
To serve Greensward cheese, it is recommended to use a cheese knife or a chisel knife. A cheese knife is ideal for both soft and hard cheeses, while a chisel knife is useful for dealing with crumbling cheeses. Presenting the cheese with a nice wine and some roasted meats can elevate the dining experience.
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Cheese storage
Greensward is a soft, washed-rind cheese with a distinct flavour and texture. It is a unique cheese that is crafted at Jasper Hill Farm and then aged at Murray's Cheese Caves in Queens, New York. The cheese is wrapped in spruce cambium, the layer of wood just beneath the bark of a tree, and washed in a brine made from cider, resulting in a signature pale orange rind.
Given its soft and creamy texture, and the fact that it is a washed-rind cheese, there are some important considerations to keep in mind when storing Greensward cheese to maintain its quality and freshness.
Firstly, it is recommended to store Greensward cheese in a cool and humid environment. Ideally, the temperature should be between 4°C and 12°C (39°F and 54°F). A dedicated cheese refrigerator or a well-ventilated basement can provide suitable conditions. If storing in a regular refrigerator, ensure it is set to a temperature range suitable for perishable foods, typically around 4°C (39°F).
Secondly, Greensward cheese should be wrapped properly to maintain its moisture content and prevent it from drying out. Traditionally, cheese was wrapped in waxed paper, but modern alternatives such as parchment paper or specialty cheese wrapping paper can also be used. These papers allow the cheese to breathe while retaining the desired level of humidity. It is important to avoid using plastic wrap or airtight containers, as they can trap moisture and encourage the growth of bacteria that can negatively affect the cheese's flavour and texture.
Additionally, it is advisable to store Greensward cheese separately from other strong-smelling foods to prevent the absorption of unwanted odours. Cheese is known to absorb and retain aromas, so keeping it away from pungent items like onions or garlic is essential.
Finally, when storing Greensward cheese, regular inspection and maintenance are crucial. Check the cheese periodically for any signs of mould or discolouration. If mould appears, it can be carefully cut away, ensuring that the unaffected parts of the cheese remain intact. Additionally, ensure that the storage area is clean and free from potential contaminants.
By following these storage guidelines, you can help preserve the quality and flavour of Greensward cheese, ensuring that each serving offers the intended sensory experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Greensward is a washed rind cheese with creamy, rich, and funky flavours. It is made with pasteurized cow's milk, animal rennet, cultures, and salt.
Greensward cheese is a spruce-wrapped round wheel. The top layer of the rind should be removed before serving. This can be done partially or completely. Greensward can be served as it is or heated. Murray’s, the creator of the cheese, suggests pairing it with a cranberry chutney or pickled cherries.
Greensward cheese is sold exclusively at Murray's Cheese in New York.
Greensward cheese is typically paired with wine and roasted meats. Murray's also recommends serving it with their Sundried Cherries and Firehook Multigrain Flax Crackers.
