Patrick Oconnell
Humboldt Fog is a goat milk cheese made by Cypress Grove, of Arcata, California. It is one of the most iconic and recognizable American cheeses, and was first created in the early 1980s by cheesemaking pioneer Mary Keehn. The cheese is named after the local ocean fog that rolls in from Humboldt Bay in Humboldt County, California. It is a soft-ripened cheese with a central line of edible white ash, similar to French Morbier. The cheese has a creamy texture and a tangy, herbaceous flavor with a clean citrus finish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cypress Grove |
| Manufacturer Location | Arcata, Humboldt County, California |
| Main Ingredient | Pasteurized Goat's Milk |
| Other Ingredients | Salt, Enzymes, Vegetable Ash |
| Rennet Type | Microbial (non-animal) |
| Shelf Life | 98 days uncut for 3lb and 5lb wheel, 84 days uncut for 1lb wheel |
| Texture | Soft-ripened, creamy, cakey, gooey, crumbly |
| Flavor | Tangy, earthy, herbaceous, citrusy, mildly acidic, faint goat flavor, lemony |
| Appearance | Dual-layer (black and white) with a bloomy rind |
| Serving Temperature | Remove from the refrigerator at least one hour before serving |
| Storage | Keep cold (32°–40°F) and wrapped in waxed paper |
| Pairings | Honey, prosciutto, tart apple, Marcona almonds, fruit, Divina Fig Spread, Continental White Gold Honey, Murray's Sea Salt Crackers |
| Awards | Best of Class, American Cheese Society (1998, 2002, 2005, 2019), Best of California, California State Fair 2019 |
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What You'll Learn
Humboldt Fog's origins and inspiration
Humboldt Fog goat cheese is a California original, conceived in a dream by Cypress Grove founder Mary Keehn in the early 1980s. The cheese is named after the local ocean fog that rolls in from Humboldt Bay in Humboldt County, California, where Keehn founded Cypress Grove Creamery.
In the 1970s, Keehn, a pioneer in American cheesemaking, adopted a couple of goats for brush control in Humboldt County. Two goats soon turned into more goats and, subsequently, more milk. This eventually led to the founding of Cypress Grove Creamery at a time when most Americans had never eaten goat cheese.
Humboldt Fog is a soft-ripened goat cheese with a bloomy rind, a gooey creamline, a cakey paste, and a thin layer of vegetable ash that runs through its centre. The cheese ripens from the outside in, with the mould used to create its rind breaking down the proteins in the paste. As it matures, the cream line develops and the flavour intensifies. The cheese is creamy, light, mildly acidic, and slightly tangy, with a stronger flavour near the rind.
Humboldt Fog is one of the most iconic and recognizable American cheeses, and its style is one of the most-copied. It has won numerous awards, including Best of Class, American Cheese Society in 1998, 2002, 2005, and 2019, and Best of California, California State Fair 2019.
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Flavour and texture profile
Humboldt Fog is a creamy, cakey goat's milk cheese with a distinct ribbon of edible vegetable ash in the centre. It is a soft-ripened cheese with a bloomy mould exterior, resulting in a core of fresh goat cheese surrounded by a runny shell. The cheese is ripened from the outside in, with the mould breaking down the proteins in the paste, creating a gooey creamline under the rind. The texture is dense and creamy, and the flavour is bright and tangy, with a faint goat flavour and a clean, citrus finish. It is also described as having a mildly acidic taste, with stronger flavours near the rind.
The vegetable ash in the centre of the cheese is flavourless and inspired by French Morbier. It creates a stunning dual-layer aesthetic of contrasting black and white. The cheese is named for the local ocean fog that rolls in from Humboldt Bay in Humboldt County, California, where it is produced.
Humboldt Fog is a highly awarded cheese, recognised as one of the most iconic and beloved American artisan cheeses. It is a true American original, as it was one of the first cheeses to popularise goat's milk among American cheese eaters. It has a long shelf life of 98 days uncut for a 3lb or 5 lb wheel and 84 days uncut for a 1 lb wheel.
To optimise the quality of Humboldt Fog, it should be kept cold (32°–40°F) and wrapped in waxed paper. It is recommended to remove the cheese from the refrigerator at least one hour before serving. It can be paired with honey, prosciutto, tart apple, Marcona almonds, and Divina Fig Spread to blend the sour with the sweet.
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Serving suggestions
Humboldt Fog is a creamy, cakey goat's milk cheese with a distinct ribbon of edible vegetable ash in the centre. It is a soft-ripened cheese with a bloomy mould exterior and a creamy texture. The cheese is light and mildly acidic with a stronger flavour near the rind. Here are some ways to serve Humboldt Fog:
- Drizzled with honey: Humboldt Fog pairs well with honey, especially Continental White Gold Honey. The honey accentuates the tangy flavour of the cheese.
- Fruity notes: The cheese goes well with fruity notes, such as apples or even a dollop of fig spread to blend the sour with the sweet.
- Savoury bites: Humboldt Fog can be served with prosciutto, Marcona almonds, or sea salt crackers to bring out its savoury side.
- Beverage pairings: When it comes to drinks, Humboldt Fog is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed with a glass of Pinot Noir or a refreshing Pale Ale Beer.
- Salad topper: Crumble Humboldt Fog over a salad for a delicious and elegant treat.
- Cheese board: For a more indulgent experience, create a cheese board with other complementary cheeses, such as Midnight Moon, Sgt. Pepper, or Little Red Corvette.
Remember to remove Humboldt Fog from the refrigerator at least one hour before serving to optimise its flavour and texture. Enjoy experimenting with different serving suggestions to discover your favourite ways to indulge in this award-winning cheese!
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Storage and shelf life
Firstly, it is crucial to understand the nature of Humboldt Fog. It is a soft-ripened, uncooked pressed goat cheese with a distinctive ribbon of edible vegetable ash. The cheese has a creamy, cakey, and gooey texture, and its flavour profile ranges from mildly acidic to tangy, with floral and herbaceous notes and a clean citrus finish.
To optimise the shelf life of Humboldt Fog, it should be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature between 32°F and 40°F. This temperature range ensures the cheese remains cold enough to inhibit bacterial growth and slows down the ripening process. It is recommended to keep the cheese wrapped in waxed paper or cheese paper. These types of paper allow the cheese to breathe and continue ripening while preventing it from drying out. Proper wrapping is essential to maintain humidity and prevent the cheese from drying out or becoming too runny.
The optimal shelf life of Humboldt Fog varies depending on the size of the wheel. The larger 3lb and 5 lb wheels have an optimal shelf life of 98 days uncut, while the 1 lb wheel has an optimal shelf life of 84 days uncut. However, once the cheese is cut, its shelf life decreases. On average, cut Humboldt Fog has a shelf life of about four weeks in the refrigerator, depending on the initial stage of the cheese, the temperature of the fridge, and other factors.
It is worth noting that the flavour and texture of Humboldt Fog change over time. As the cheese matures, the cream line develops, and the flavour intensifies, becoming stronger near the rind. Therefore, it is recommended to remove the cheese from the refrigerator at least one hour before serving to allow it to come to room temperature and develop its full flavour.
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Awards and recognition
Humboldt Fog is a popular goat cheese that has garnered widespread acclaim and recognition in the culinary world. Its unique flavour, creamy texture, and striking appearance have made it a favourite among cheese connoisseurs and food enthusiasts alike. Here is a detailed overview of the awards and recognition received by Humboldt Fog:
SoFi Awards: Humboldt Fog has consistently performed well at the Specialty Food Association's prestigious Sofi Awards, which honour the best in specialty foods and beverages. In 2001, it received the Silver Sofi Award in the Cheese and Dairy category. This award recognised the cheese's exceptional quality and taste, setting it apart from other dairy products in the industry.
World Cheese Awards: Humboldt Fog has also made its mark at the World Cheese Awards, one of the most
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Frequently asked questions
Humboldt Fog is a goat milk cheese made by Cypress Grove, of Arcata, California, in Humboldt County. It is a soft-ripened cheese with a central line of edible white ash.
Humboldt Fog has a creamy texture and a tangy, citrusy, and faintly goaty flavor. It is also described as having "floral notes" and "herbaceous overtones".
To maintain the quality of Humboldt Fog, it is recommended to keep the cheese cold (32°–40°F) and wrapped in waxed paper.
The optimal shelf life of Humboldt Fog is 98 days uncut for the 3lb and 5 lb wheel and 84 days uncut for the 1 lb wheel.
Humboldt Fog can be served with prosciutto, tart apple, and Marcona almonds. It can also be crumbled over a salad or paired with honey, sea salt crackers, or fig spread.
