Bushra Griffith
Cup cheese is a Pennsylvania Dutch cheese with a strong odour and a soft, sour consistency. It is made by the Amish and Mennonites and can occasionally be found in farmers' markets in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It is not always easy to find cup cheese in stores, but there are some markets and shops in Lancaster, PA, that sell it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Cup cheese, a Pennsylvania Dutch Cheese made by the Amish and Mennonites |
| Texture | Very soft |
| Taste | Sour |
| Odour | Stronger than Limburger |
| Calories | Almost 70% of calories come from fat, but fat-free varieties are available |
| Flavours | Mild, medium, and sharp |
| Occasional Sellers | Farmer's markets in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, sold by the Amish or Mennonites |
| Regular Sellers | Central Market in downtown Lancaster, Lemon Street Market, September Farm Cheese Factory and Country Market, King's Kreamery, Dilly Artisan Foods |
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What You'll Learn
Cup cheese is a Pennsylvania Dutch cheese
The cheese was first produced by dairy farmer Clayton Shenk in 1929, using milk from his family farm. Shenk's Cup Cheese is now part of the Dilly Artisan Foods family, which remains committed to the authenticity of its heritage and original recipe. The cheese can be easily made at home by cooking processed American cheese or cottage cheese with butter, cream, salt, baking soda, water, and raw milk. It is then stored in a cup or pot in the refrigerator.
Cup cheese has a strong odour, often described as stronger than Limburger cheese, and a consistency resembling molasses. It is a very fatty cheese, with almost 70% of its calories coming from fat. However, there are fat-free varieties available, as well as different flavours ranging from mild to sharp.
Cup cheese is not commonly found in stores, but it can occasionally be found at farmers' markets in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, sold by the Amish or Mennonites themselves. It is still enjoyed by many in the Pennsylvania Dutch region and can also be purchased from specialty shops and markets throughout the area. One such place is Stoltzfus Meats, which sells Shenk's brand cup cheese.
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It's made by the Amish and Mennonites
Cup cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese that has been a part of Lancaster County's culinary tradition for generations. It is a simple yet delicious treat, often enjoyed as a snack or used as a condiment, and its unique name comes from the fact that it is typically sold in small cups or containers.
The Amish and Mennonite communities in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, are renowned for their traditional cheese-making practices, and cup cheese is one of their specialties. These skilled artisans have perfected the craft of transforming local milk into mouthwatering cheeses, and their cup cheese is a beloved staple in the region. Their expertise lies in using time-honored techniques and natural ingredients to create cheeses that are not only delicious but also reflect the rich cultural heritage of these communities.
The process of making cup cheese involves careful craftsmanship and attention to detail. The Amish and Mennonite cheese makers start by sourcing fresh, high-quality milk from local dairy farms. This milk is then carefully heated and combined with a blend of specific cultures and rennet, allowing it to thicken and curdle. The curds are then skillfully cut and stirred, releasing moisture and developing the desired texture. After this, the cheese is seasoned with a special blend of spices, giving it a distinctive flavor profile that sets it apart.
The art of cheese making among the Amish and Mennonite communities is deeply rooted in tradition and a sense of community. Their cheese-making techniques have been passed down through generations, with each batch of cheese embodying the time-honored methods and dedication to quality that these communities are known for. The process often involves the entire family, with each member contributing their skills and efforts to this collective craft. This communal aspect of cheese making adds to the cultural significance and uniqueness of cup cheese.
The distinct flavor and texture of cup cheese have made it a beloved delicacy in Lancaster County. It is often enjoyed as a spread, adding a creamy texture and a tangy, savory kick to crackers or bread. Locals and visitors alike relish the opportunity to sample this regional specialty, which has become an iconic part of the culinary landscape in Lancaster. Whether enjoyed as a quick bite or used in cooking, cup cheese represents a taste of Lancaster's cultural heritage and the dedication to craftsmanship that the Amish and Mennonite communities hold dear.
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It's available at farmers' markets in Lancaster County
Cup cheese is a Pennsylvania Dutch speciality, made by the Amish and Mennonites for centuries. It is a very soft, sour cheese with a strong odour and a molasses-like consistency. It is not commonly found in stores, but it can be purchased at farmers' markets in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
The Sunday farmers market at Musser Park in downtown Lancaster is a great place to start your search for cup cheese. Local Amish and Mennonite farmers are often happy to chat with visitors, but it can be challenging to find cheesemakers who welcome the general public. Hope Springs Farm in East Earl is one such place. The Weaver family crafts a unique Appenzeller cheese, which they call Applezeller, as they wash the rinds with cider. Their shop offers self-serve options, but Loren or Anna Weaver is usually available to discuss their cheese with visitors.
For those who prefer a more traditional shopping experience, the Central Market in downtown Lancaster is a classic red brick building with aisles of vendors selling a variety of products. In addition to fresh goat cheeses and yogurt from Linden Dale Farms, you can explore the selections of farmstead cave-aged, raw milk cheeses at Green Circle Organics and Oasis at Bird-in-Hand. If you're looking for a unique combination of continental elegance and local flavour, pair your cheese with a cappuccino from Mean Cup coffee and an apple fritter from Shady Maple bakery.
If you find yourself in Lancaster County, it's worth exploring the back roads to discover small markets, stands, and tables set up in farm driveways. King's Kreamery, for instance, offers a range of intense, cave-aged cheeses by Eli King, including the How Now Cow, a fresh and assertive cheese that rivals any imported variety. For an educational experience, visit the September Farm Cheese Factory and Country Market to observe the cheese-making process through large windows and watch the cheese being packaged and waxed by hand.
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It can be found at Central Market in downtown Lancaster
Cup cheese is a Pennsylvania Dutch cheese made by the Amish and Mennonites. It is a very soft, sour cheese with a strong odour and a consistency similar to molasses. While it is not commonly found in stores, it can occasionally be found at farmers' markets in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, sold by the Amish or Mennonites themselves.
If you're looking for cup cheese in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, you're in luck! It can be found at Central Market in downtown Lancaster. This classic red brick building boasts aisle after aisle of vendors selling a wide variety of produce, meats, and cheeses.
Central Market is a great place to start your foodie adventures in Lancaster. You'll find everything from fresh goat cheeses and yogurt to a selection of farmstead cave-aged raw milk cheeses. And if you're looking for a unique combination of continental elegance and local flavour, be sure to check out Mean Cup coffee for a cappuccino.
For those days when the Central Market is closed or a little too crowded, you can also try the Lemon Street Market just a few blocks away. It offers a well-curated selection of Lancaster County cheeses, produce, meats, and baked goods. You can also explore the back roads, where small markets, stands, and tables set up in farm driveways offer a variety of local artisan foods and cheeses.
So, if you're a cheese lover, be sure to add Central Market in downtown Lancaster to your list of places to visit. With its diverse offerings and rich history, it's sure to provide a delightful culinary experience.
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It's also sold at Lemon Street Market
Cup cheese is a Pennsylvania Dutch cheese made by the Amish and Mennonites for centuries. It is a very soft, sour cheese with a strong odour and a consistency resembling molasses. It is made from processed American cheese or cottage cheese, butter, cream, salt, baking soda, water, and raw milk. While it is a homemade speciality that is not easily found in stores, it can occasionally be found at farmers' markets in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, sold by the Amish or Mennonites themselves.
If you're looking for cup cheese in Lancaster, PA, you might want to try the Central Market in downtown Lancaster. This classic red brick building has aisle after aisle of vendors selling a variety of produce, meats, and cheeses. For those days when the Central Market is closed or too crowded, a great alternative is the Lemon Street Market just a few blocks away. Lemon Street Market offers a well-curated selection of Lancaster County cheeses, produce, meats, and baked goods, making it a fantastic place to discover local artisans and their creations.
In addition to these markets, there are other places in Lancaster County worth exploring for cheese enthusiasts. This includes the Sunday farmers market at Musser Park in downtown Lancaster, where local Amish and Mennonite farmers sometimes sell their cheeses. Hope Springs Farm in East Earl is another spot to find unique cheeses, where the Weaver family crafts a firm, flavourful Appenzeller washed in cider.
For those willing to venture off the beaten path, there are small markets, stands, and even tables set up in farm driveways offering excellent local artisan foods. King's Kreamery, for example, features intense, cave-aged cheeses by Eli King, such as the How Now Cow, a fresh and assertive cheese that surpasses its imported counterparts. Another option is the September Farm Cheese Factory and Country Market, where you can observe cheese-making, packaging, and waxing, and find a variety of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and yogurt cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
You can occasionally find cup cheese at the Sunday farmers market in Musser Park in downtown Lancaster. It is a homemade speciality and is not easily found in stores.
Cup cheese is a Pennsylvania Dutch Cheese made by the Amish and Mennonites for centuries. It is a very soft, sour cheese with a strong odour and a consistency resembling molasses.
Cup cheese is a very fatty cheese with almost 70% of calories coming from fat. However, there are fat-free varieties available in the market with mild, medium, and sharp flavours.
