Patrick Oconnell
Meredith Dairy is a farmstead creamery located 50 miles west of Melbourne, Australia. It was established in 1991 by co-founders Sandy and Julie Cameron, who set out to develop innovative, sustainable food solutions. The dairy produces soft goat cheese marinated in a blend of olive oil, peppercorns, fresh thyme, and garlic. The cheese is made from pasteurized goat's milk, which is gathered each morning and transformed into cubes of cheese by the afternoon.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pasteurised | Yes |
| Type of Cheese | Soft goat cheese |
| Texture | Spreadable |
| Taste | Tangy, garlicky, herby |
| Ingredients | Goat's milk, canola oil, extra virgin olive oil, salt, peppercorns, fresh thyme, garlic, cultures, non-animal rennet |
| Preparation | Marinated in a garlic and herb-infused edible oil |
| Manufacturer | Meredith Dairy |
| Manufacturer Location | 50 miles west of Melbourne, Australia |
| Manufacturer Year of Establishment | 1991 |
| Manufacturer Founders | Sandy and Julie Cameron |
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What You'll Learn
Meredith Dairy's goat cheese is made from pasteurised milk
Meredith Dairy is a farmstead creamery located about 50-120km west of Melbourne, Australia. The company was founded in 1991 by Sandy and Julie Cameron, a trained vet and an intensive care nurse, respectively, who recognised the changing agricultural landscape in their native Australia and set out to develop innovative, sustainable food solutions.
Meredith Dairy produces a variety of cheeses and yoghurts made from sheep's and goat's milk. Their products include soft goat cheese marinated in garlic and herb-infused edible oils, including extra virgin olive oil, with a refreshing citrus tang and a soft, spreadable texture. They also offer cubes of soft goat cheese blended with olive oil, peppercorns, fresh thyme, and garlic.
The use of pasteurised milk in Meredith Dairy's goat cheese is important for food safety, especially for pregnant women and individuals with compromised immune systems. While soft mould-ripened cheeses like chèvre are generally not recommended for those with weakened immune systems, cheeses made from pasteurised milk are considered safer options.
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Chevre goat's cheese is not safe to eat
Chevre, or goat's cheese, is not safe to eat for some people, particularly those who are pregnant. Chevre is a soft, mould-ripened cheese, and soft cheeses are generally considered unsafe to eat during pregnancy. This is because they may be made with unpasteurized milk, which can carry harmful bacteria such as Listeria. Listeriosis, the infection caused by this bacteria, can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature birth.
Meredith Dairy's Chevre goat's cheese is made from pasteurized milk, which kills harmful bacteria like Listeria. However, it is still recommended that pregnant people avoid mould-ripened soft cheeses, even if they are made from pasteurized milk, as they may contain spores that can produce harmful bacteria.
Goat's milk cheese is a popular alternative for people who are lactose intolerant, as it typically has lower levels of lactose. However, it is important to note that not all goat's milk cheeses are created equal, and some may still contain enough lactose to trigger symptoms in sensitive individuals.
In addition, some people may be allergic to goat's milk, which can cause digestive issues, skin rashes, and other symptoms. It is always important to read labels and ingredient lists carefully to ensure that you are consuming a product that is safe for your individual needs and restrictions.
While Chevre goat's cheese can be a delicious and versatile ingredient, it is important to be aware of any potential risks associated with consuming it. For those who are pregnant, immunocompromised, or have specific dietary restrictions, it may be best to avoid this type of cheese or to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if it is safe for your individual circumstances.
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Meredith Dairy is located in Australia
The farm covers 4,500 acres and is home to sheep and goats, which are the foundation of the business. The animals are well-fed, nurtured, and given access to the best nutrition and veterinary care. They live in open-walled sheds with fresh straw, grass, fresh air, and sunshine. The farm's model involves having small herds across multiple dairies, which increases production, improves animal health and wellbeing, and provides a better work-life balance for staff.
Meredith Dairy is passionate about sustainable farming and creating healthy, high-quality products. They produce a range of dairy products, including cheese and yoghurt, made from the milk collected from their sheep and goats. The milk is processed daily in their on-farm factory, ensuring the freshest milk is used to make consistent, high-quality products.
The farm operates with a focus on sustainability and responsible farming practices. They utilise a circular system where grains grown on the farm feed the dairy animals, straw is used for bedding, cheese whey is fed to beef cattle, and animal manure is returned to the soil as fertiliser. Meredith Dairy also follows various management systems and programs, including Quality Assurance, Natural Resource Management, and Research & Development, to ensure the farm's long-term viability and environmental sustainability.
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Their cheese is marinated in garlic and herbs
Meredith Dairy's goat cheese is marinated in a blend of edible oils, including extra virgin olive oil, peppercorns, fresh thyme, and garlic. The result is a refreshing citrus tang with a soft, spreadable texture that's perfect for salads, soups, sandwiches, and crusty bread. The cheese is produced on a 4,500-acre family farm located 50-120km west of Melbourne, Australia, and is made with milk gathered fresh each morning.
The process of marinating the cheese in garlic and herb-infused oil not only imparts a unique flavour but also helps to preserve the cheese. The oil creates a barrier against oxygen, slowing down the growth of mould and bacteria, and thus increasing the cheese's shelf life. This technique of marinating cheese in oil is commonly used for fresh cheeses, which are best consumed within a few days, as it allows them to be stored for longer periods without drying out.
Meredith Dairy's goat cheese, in particular, benefits from this marinating process, as it enhances the creamy, tangy, and slightly garlicky flavour of the cheese. The cheese is known for its spreadability, making it a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. The marination process also adds a layer of texture and flavour to the cheese, making it a luxurious and addictive treat for consumers.
The ingredients used in the marinade are carefully selected to complement the flavour of the goat cheese. Extra virgin olive oil, for example, adds a fruity and slightly pungent taste, while peppercorns provide a spicy kick. Fresh thyme contributes a subtle, slightly lemony flavour, enhancing the citrus notes in the cheese. Finally, garlic, the star ingredient, adds a pungent and savoury touch, rounding out the overall flavour profile.
Meredith Dairy's goat cheese, marinated in garlic and herbs, is a testament to the company's commitment to producing accessible, innovative, and high-quality dairy products. By using fresh milk from their own herds of goats and employing traditional cheesemaking techniques, they have created a versatile and delicious product that has earned a place on cheese boards and in kitchens worldwide.
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It's a soft, spreadable cheese
Meredith Dairy's soft goat cheese is a luxurious, creamy, feta-like cheese. It is made from pasteurized goat's milk and is blended with a marinade of olive oil, peppercorns, fresh thyme, and garlic. The result is a soft, spreadable cheese with a refreshing citrus tang. This versatile cheese can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, such as in salads, soups, sandwiches, or simply spread on crusty bread.
The cheese is produced on a 4,500-acre family farm located 50-120km west of Melbourne, Australia. The farm, established in 1991 by co-founders Sandy and Julie Cameron, is the largest of its kind in Australia. Meredith Dairy is committed to sustainable practices and uses milk from small herds of goats across multiple dairies to create their high-quality products.
Meredith Dairy's soft goat cheese is a perfect example of their innovative and sustainable food solutions. The cheese-making process begins each morning with fresh goat's milk, which is then transformed into cubes of cheese by the afternoon. These cubes are then submerged in premium, garlic-infused olive oil and layered with peppercorns and fresh herbs.
The soft, spreadable texture of the cheese is a result of the marinade and blending process. The cheese is designed to be versatile and accessible, making it a perfect addition to a variety of dishes. Whether spread on a cracker, stirred into pasta, or simply enjoyed on its own, Meredith Dairy's soft goat cheese offers a delicious and healthy option for cheese lovers.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Meredith Dairy's goat cheese is made from pasteurized goat's milk.
The main ingredient of Meredith Dairy goat cheese is pasteurized goat's milk. Other ingredients include canola oil, extra virgin olive oil, salt, peppercorns, fresh thyme, garlic, cultures, and non-animal rennet.
Meredith Dairy goat cheese has a soft, spreadable texture and a refreshing citrus tang.
It is recommended to store Meredith Dairy goat cheese in the refrigerator, either in one of the refrigerator drawers or the vegetable bin, to prevent it from drying out. If the cheese is packed in olive oil or brine, store any leftovers in the original liquid and follow the package instructions.
