The Cheddar Cheese Of Pennsylvania: A Local Favorite

Pennsylvania is home to a thriving cheese community, with the Pennsylvania Cheese Guild promoting and celebrating the state's cheesemaking standards and diversity. The state is known for its production of cheddar cheese, with several notable cheesemakers and dairy farms contributing to the craft. One example is the Nittany Pride Cheddar Cheese, produced by Penn State Berkey Creamery, which offers a tangy and sharp flavour. Another renowned variety is the PA Noble Organic Cave Aged Cheddar, crafted by Amish farmers in southern Lancaster County, known for its mouth-watering sharpness and crumbly texture. Additionally, Jubilee Heritage Cheese, a tenth-generation farmer-owned business, offers cheddar made exclusively from their herd's fresh cow's milk. These examples showcase the rich tradition of cheesemaking in Pennsylvania, with a particular focus on crafting delicious cheddar varieties.

PA Noble: Organic, cave-aged cheddar with a sharp, crumbly texture and fruity finish

PA Noble is an organic, cave-aged cheddar cheese produced in Pennsylvania. It is made with raw cow's milk and has a distinct, mouth-watering sharpness. The texture is crumbly, and the finish is fruity.

PA Noble is a testament to the skills and expertise of Amish farmers in southern Lancaster County, who are dedicated to organic cheese production. The cheese is crafted using a unique production process, combined with natural environmental conditions and farming practices, resulting in a product that is unparalleled in flavour and quality.

The Pennsylvania Cheese Guild promotes the highest standards of cheesemaking and celebrates the diversity of the state's cheese community. PA Noble is an excellent example of the high-quality cheeses produced in Pennsylvania, showcasing the skills and craftsmanship of local cheesemakers.

The distinct flavour and texture of PA Noble are achieved through the combination of its production process, natural environment, and farming practices. The raw cow's milk used in its production adds to the cheese's unique flavour and organic qualities.

PA Noble's sharpness and crumbly texture make it a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes or on its own. The fruity finish adds a unique touch to this cheddar, making it a delightful choice for those seeking a cheese with a complex and interesting flavour profile.

Nittany Pride: Tangy, dense, and sharp cheddar from Penn State

Nittany Pride Cheddar Cheese is a delicious, tangy, dense, and sharp cheddar cheese produced by Penn State Berkey Creamery. The cheese is made from a classic cheddar recipe, using only the finest quality milk, cultures, salt, and enzymes. Nittany Pride is a true standout, with a bold sharpness that is perfectly balanced, making it a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed whole or shredded.

Penn State's Nittany Pride Cheddar Cheese has a rich history, with the university's dairy cattle playing a crucial role in ensuring the freshness and quality of their dairy products. The creamery has been in operation for over 150 years, and its reputation for excellence is well-deserved. Nittany Pride is a testament to their commitment to crafting exceptional cheese.

This premium cheddar is aged to perfection, with the Select Reserve variety being aged for over a year. The aging process enhances the cheese's sharpness and depth of flavour, resulting in a truly exceptional cheese experience. The cheese's texture is dense and pleasing, making it a delightful addition to any charcuterie board or culinary creation.

Nittany Pride Cheddar Cheese is available in approximately 1-pound blocks, providing a generous amount for cheese lovers to enjoy. The cheese is packaged in professionally constructed, Penn State-branded boxes, making it an ideal gift for any cheese connoisseur. The packaging ensures that the cheese arrives in perfect condition, with just the right amount of cooling and cushioning.

Whether enjoyed as a snack, shredded on a salad, or melted in a grilled cheese sandwich, Nittany Pride Cheddar Cheese is a delightful choice. Its sharpness adds a delightful tanginess to any dish, and its dense texture makes it a satisfying cheese to savour. For cheese lovers in Pennsylvania and beyond, Nittany Pride Cheddar Cheese is a must-try!

Alpine Heritage Creamery: Long-aged cheddars from raw cow's milk in Pennsylvania Dutch country

Alpine Heritage Creamery is a second-generation dairy farm and creamery in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country. Cheesemaker Ephraim Miller crafts bold, long-aged cheeses from organic, grass-fed raw cow's milk to pay tribute to his Swiss ancestors.

The Rice family produces cheeses like mozzarella, cottage, and cheddar curds from their farm at the base of Hawk Mountain in the Lehigh Valley. They grow the feed for their Holstein herd on their farm.

Known for their Birchrun Blue, squeaky cheddar curds, and washed rind wheels, Sue and Ken Miller work with their sons Randy and Jesse. Together, they grow feed, care for their Holstein cows, and make and sell cheese.

The Pennsylvania Cheese Guild promotes the highest standards of cheesemaking and celebrates the diversity of the cheese community in the state through partnerships, outreach, and education.

Jubilee Heritage Cheese: Cheddar, curds, colby, and flavoured cheeses from the Nissley family herd

Jubilee Heritage Cheese is a family-owned cheese producer in Middletown, Pennsylvania, helmed by tenth-generation farmer Kendra Nissley. The business is located on the Nissley family farm in Dauphin County, PA, where the herd of cows is also raised. Jubilee Heritage Cheese specialises in handcrafted, local cheeses made exclusively from their herd's fresh cow's milk.

The Nissley family's agricultural heritage dates back to the early 1700s when their forefather, Anabaptist emigrant Hans Nissley, settled and began farming in the Swiss/German region of Pennsylvania. The current generation is committed to continuing this legacy, producing a variety of cheeses, including cheddar, curds, colby, and flavoured cheeses.

Jubilee Heritage Cheese's products are crafted with four all-natural ingredients: their own fresh milk, cheese culture, vegetable rennet, and sea salt. This results in gluten-free, vegetarian cheeses with a unique flavour and quality. The small batches of milk used ensure the handcrafted integrity of their cheeses, and the family works closely with Penn Dairy to add a special touch to their products. Jubilee Heritage Cheese also offers seasonal products like farm-fresh eggs, meats, and honey, which can be purchased directly from their farm stand, known as the Cheese Shed.

In addition to their classic cheddar, Jubilee Heritage Cheese offers innovative flavours like their award-winning 5 Pepper Party Cheddar and Dill and Garlic Cheddar. These cheeses showcase the family's dedication to experimenting with natural ingredients, resulting in fun and delicious recipes.

Overall, Jubilee Heritage Cheese exemplifies the best of farm-to-table cheese production, honouring their rich history while creating delicious, handcrafted cheeses with local ingredients.

The Creamery at Pleasant Lane Farms: An eighth-generation farm producing squeaky curds and more

The Creamery at Pleasant Lane Farms is an eighth-generation farm in Latrobe, PA, that produces squeaky curds and a range of other cheeses. The farm has been in the Frye family since 1795 and is currently owned and operated by the sons of United States Marine Corps veteran Ralph Frye Jr. and his wife, Ann. The couple established the current home farm in 1976, and their sons Todd, Jason, Chad, and their families continue to run it, along with Craig Deuel and family.

In late 2020, a new creamery was added to the farm for the production of artisan farmstead cheese, and in early 2021, a new "smart barn and robotic milking" facility was built to house and milk the 50-plus dairy cows. The milk that is not processed into cheese is sent to Turner Dairy in Pittsburgh.

The Creamery at Pleasant Lane Farms has gained recognition for its 1976 Reserve Gouda, which won silver at the 2023 World Cheese Awards competition and placed first in its class at the World Dairy Expo 2023. The creamery was also one of only seven dairy processors in Pennsylvania to receive a Dairy Processor Expansion Grant from the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). With this grant, the creamery plans to increase production of brined cheeses, including their award-winning gouda.

The custom-built brine tank features advanced technology that automatically filters brine and maintains salinity. Additionally, they have constructed an eco-friendly integrated aging system, or an "above-ground manmade cave," that provides a controlled environment for the cheeses to mature, with precise temperature, humidity, and airflow. This innovative equipment ensures the production of consistent, high-quality cheeses.

The Creamery at Pleasant Lane Farms supplies its products to local restaurants and grocers and also offers mail orders, artisan shops, and farmers' markets in the Laurel Highlands. They have experienced increased holiday sales and a growing customer base, with local corporations opting for their gift boxes over big national brands. The creamery's website, pleasantlanefarms.com, provides more information about their products and operations.

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