Cougar Gold Cheese: A Unique, Flavorful Cheese Experience

what kind of cheese is cougar gold

Cougar Gold is a white, sharp cheddar cheese produced and sold in tin cans at Washington State University's creamery in Pullman, Washington. Cougar Gold is aged for at least a year and has a nutty flavour, resembling Swiss or Gouda. It is unique in that it is sold exclusively in 30-ounce cans and has a long shelf life. The cheese has a rich, smooth, and firm texture with a depth of flavour and intensity that has won it several awards.

Characteristics Values
Type of Cheese American Cheddar
Produced at Ferdinand's Creamery, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
Sold at Ferdinand's Ice Cream Shoppe, WSU Creamery
Sold in 30 oz (850 g) tin cans
Colour White
Flavour Nutty, sharp, dry, crumbly
Texture Smooth, firm
Refrigeration Lasts indefinitely in the can when properly refrigerated
Price $33.00 per can

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Cougar Gold is a white, sharp, American cheddar cheese

Cougar Gold is a white, sharp American cheddar cheese. It is produced and sold at Washington State University's creamery, in Pullman, Washington. Cougar Gold is unique in that it is sold exclusively in 30-ounce (850-gram) tin cans. The cheese is aged for at least one year, resulting in a sharp, nutty flavour that some have likened to Swiss or Gouda.

The tradition of selling cheese in cans at Washington State University dates back to the 1930s and 1940s. At that time, the university was researching ways to successfully store cheese, as plastic packaging did not yet exist, and wax packaging often cracked, leading to contamination. Cougar Gold was developed during this period and was named after Norman S. Golding, one of the men involved in its production.

Cougar Gold has gained recognition for its unique flavour and texture, winning several awards, including a blue ribbon from the American Cheese Society in 1993 and a silver medal at the World Cheese Awards in 2006. The cheese is aged for a minimum of one year, resulting in a sharp, nutty flavour and a dry, crumbly texture.

The process of ageing Cougar Gold enhances its flavour and texture. Even when unopened and refrigerated, the cheese continues to mature, becoming more sharp, dry, and crumbly over time. This ageing process can last for decades, with some customers ageing their Cougar Gold for over 30 years.

Cougar Gold's distinct ageing process and flavour have contributed to its popularity and cult following. It is the most popular cheese produced by the Washington State University Creamery, accounting for approximately 80% of their cheese sales.

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It is sold exclusively in 30-ounce tin cans

Cougar Gold is a white, sharp American Cheddar cheese produced at Ferdinand's Creamery on the Washington State University campus in Pullman, Washington. It is sold exclusively in 30-ounce (850-gram) tin cans. The cheese is aged for at least one year and has a nutty flavour, resembling Swiss or Gouda. The 30-ounce can is the baseline portion for Cougar Gold, and it is priced at $33.00 per can.

The reason for selling Cougar Gold in cans dates back to the 1930s when the WSU Creamery explored alternative storage methods for cheese. Plastic packaging did not exist, and wax packaging often cracked, leading to contamination. As a result, cans emerged as the optimal solution, and Cougar Gold has since been sold exclusively in 30-ounce tin cans.

The unique packaging has contributed to the cheese's longevity and flavour development. When properly refrigerated, Cougar Gold can last indefinitely in the can. Over time, an unopened can of Cougar Gold becomes more flavourful, sharp, dry, and crumbly. This ageing process is a desirable aspect of well-aged cheese.

The 30-ounce can size is the only option available for Cougar Gold. The producers have stated that they do not sell smaller cans to avoid increased production costs and maintain their current production capacity, as they consistently sell out their cheese in its current size.

The 30-ounce can of Cougar Gold is not just a practical packaging choice but also a distinctive feature that sets it apart from other cheeses. It has gained a cult following, with customers raving about its flavour and texture. The can ensures the cheese's longevity and makes it convenient for storage and transportation.

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Cougar Gold is produced at Washington State University

The WSU Creamery began exploring different ways to store cheese in the 1930s, as plastic packaging did not yet exist and wax packaging was prone to cracking and contamination. As a result, they started canning their cheese, and Cougar Gold was developed during this time. The cheese is named after Norman S. Golding, one of the men involved in its production.

Cougar Gold is a rich, smooth, and firm cheddar with a depth of flavour and intensity that is unique to this variety of cheddar. Its creamy, lingering flavour has made it a popular choice, accounting for around 80% of the cheese produced at the WSU Creamery. The cheese has also won several awards, including a silver medal at the 2006 World Cheese Awards.

In addition to its flavour, Cougar Gold is known for its long shelf life. When properly refrigerated, the cheese is claimed to last indefinitely in its can. In fact, unopened cans of Cougar Gold become more flavourful, sharp, dry, and crumbly with age. This characteristic has contributed to its popularity and cult following.

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It has a nutty flavour and a smooth, firm texture

Cougar Gold is a white, sharp American Cheddar cheese with a nutty flavour and a smooth, firm texture. It is produced at Ferdinand's Creamery on the Washington State University campus in Pullman, Washington. Cougar Gold is aged for at least one year and is sold exclusively in 30-ounce (850-gram) tin cans. The cheese has a rich, creamy flavour and a lingering sharpness that leaves you wanting more. Its smooth, firm texture adds to its unique depth and intensity, creating an exceptional cheddar experience.

The WSU Creamery began exploring different ways to store cheese in the 1930s, and cans were chosen as the ideal option due to the limitations of plastic and wax packaging. Cougar Gold was developed during this time, and its unique ageing process in cans gives it a distinctive character.

The cheese's nutty flavour is reminiscent of Swiss or Gouda, and its sharpness intensifies as it ages. Proper refrigeration is essential to maintain the quality and texture of Cougar Gold. When unopened and refrigerated, the cheese will last indefinitely, and its flavour will continue to develop, becoming sharper and drier over time.

Cougar Gold's smooth, firm texture sets it apart from other cheddars and contributes to its exceptional taste experience. Its creamy mouthfeel and lingering sharpness create a delightful sensory journey, making it a favourite among cheese enthusiasts. The cheese's texture is a result of its careful ageing process and natural production methods, showcasing the craftsmanship of the WSU Creamery.

Cougar Gold's smooth, firm texture also makes it incredibly versatile in various dishes. It melts beautifully, making it perfect for macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, or any recipe that calls for a creamy, tangy cheese. Its texture holds up well during cooking, ensuring a decadent finish to your favourite recipes.

cycheese

The cheese lasts indefinitely in the can when properly refrigerated

Cougar Gold is a white, sharp American cheddar cheese produced at Ferdinand's Creamery on the Washington State University campus in Pullman, Washington. It is unique in that it is sold exclusively in 30-ounce (850-gram) tin cans. The cheese is aged for at least one year and has a nutty flavor, resembling Swiss or Gouda.

The WSU Creamery, where Cougar Gold is produced, specialises in natural cheese, which is not processed. In the 1930s, the Creamery began exploring alternative methods of storing cheese. At the time, plastic packaging did not exist, and wax packaging often cracked, leading to contamination. As a result, cans emerged as the optimal storage solution. This tradition continues today, with Cougar Gold being sold in distinctive tin cans.

The proper storage of Cougar Gold cheese is essential to preserving its quality and longevity. The cheese should always be stored under refrigeration, maintaining temperatures between 37° to 40° F. It is important to avoid storing the cheese in locations with inconsistent or extreme temperatures, such as a wine cooler, garage, basement, pantry, or freezer. High temperatures can cause the butterfat and whey to separate from the cheese, altering its texture and quality.

Cougar Gold cheese, when properly refrigerated, has an indefinite shelf life. An unopened can of Cougar Gold becomes more flavourful and develops a sharper, drier, and crumbly texture over time. This characteristic sets it apart from other cheeses, which typically have defined expiration dates. The indefinite shelf life of Cougar Gold is a result of the canning process, ensuring the cheese remains edible for an extended period.

Once the can is opened, the storage instructions differ. It is recommended to remove the cheese from the can, cut it into 3-4 wedges, and vacuum-seal or wrap them individually before placing them in an airtight container. The cheese should then be stored in the refrigerator. The shelf life of opened Cougar Gold cheese depends on factors such as exposure to air, handling, temperature, and humidity. It is recommended to follow standard food safety guidelines and consume the cheese within a reasonable timeframe.

In summary, Cougar Gold cheese is a unique product that offers the convenience of indefinite storage when properly refrigerated in its unopened can. This indefinite shelf life is a testament to the effectiveness of canning as a preservation method. However, once the can is opened, it is important to follow proper storage practices to maintain the quality and freshness of the cheese.

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Frequently asked questions

Cougar Gold is an American Cheddar cheese.

Cougar Gold has a nutty flavour, resembling Swiss or Gouda cheese. It has a smooth, firm texture and a creamy, lingering flavour.

Cougar Gold is produced at Ferdinand's Creamery on the Washington State University campus in Pullman, Washington.

Cougar Gold is sold exclusively in 30 oz (850 g) tin cans.

Cougar Gold should be stored in the refrigerator. Once opened, it should be removed from the can, cut into wedges, vacuum-sealed or wrapped individually, and stored in an airtight container.

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