Arizona Artisan Cheese
A Guide to the State's Finest Dairy Delicacies
In the vast sun-drenched landscapes of Arizona, an unexpected culinary movement is gaining ground. With a growing number of residents and an emerging cultural scene, there's a heightened appreciation for local craftsmanship, particularly in the realm of artisan cheese (how long does cheese last?). Arizona's cheese artisans are a dedicated group, passionate about creating high-quality, handcrafted cheeses that reflect the unique terroir of the region. They work meticulously to combine traditional methods with innovative techniques, yielding cheeses that stand out for their distinct flavors and textures.
Across the state, from the bustling urban centers to its rural heartlands, these cheesemakers harness the state's varied climates to produce a range of cheeses – from creamy goat cheese, featured in over a hundred top-tier restaurants, to farmstead cow's milk cheese, a product of the state's only raw cow's milk dairy operating amidst a landscape rich with cottonwoods and fertile land. These artisans not only commit to the art of cheesemaking but often adopt sustainable and regenerative farming practices, ensuring their craft respects and nurtures the environment.
Shoppers seeking to experience the best of Arizona's artisan cheese can explore local fromageries, like AJ's Fine Foods, acclaimed for its extensive cheese selection crafted domestically and imported. Meanwhile, culinary artisans continue to cultivate Arizona's reputation, one delectable cheese at a time, contributing to a diverse and flourishing artisanal food scene that offers a taste of the state's agricultural innovation and culinary future.
The Landscape of Arizona Cheese
Arizona's artisan cheese scene is flourishing, driven by dedicated local dairy farms and a respect for time-honored cheesemaking traditions. Farmstead cheeses with unique local flavors can be found across the state, reflecting Arizona's diverse culinary heritage.
Role of Local Dairy Farms
Local dairy farms are the backbone of Arizona's artisan cheese industry. They often collaborate with Arizona Farms Cheese and other local producers to supply fresh, high-quality milk. Dairy farms such as Crow's Dairy, Black Mesa Ranch, and Fossil Creek Creamery have gained recognition not only statewide but also beyond. These farms emphasize sustainable practices and a deep connection to the land, offering a range of products available at farmers markets and through select distribution channels.
Local Impact: Small-scale Arizona dairy farms significantly contribute to the state's economy and the farm-to-table movement.
Distribution Channels: Farmstead cheeses are often sold at farmers markets, local specialty shops, and featured in restaurants across Arizona.
Artisanal Traditions in Arizona
Artisan cheesemakers in Arizona are creating a rich tapestry of flavors and textures, rooted in both traditional and innovative methodologies. Utilizing the state's unique climate and terroir, artisans have adapted to produce a multitude of cheese types reflective of Arizona's heritage. Despite the common perception of Wisconsin as the cheese state, Arizona artisans are crafting a niche for themselves in the robust American cheese market.
Culinary Scene: The burgeoning culinary scene in Arizona has embraced local cheesemakers, incorporating their products into diverse dishes.
Artisanal Methods: These cheesemakers use time-honored methods, sometimes infused with local flavors, to distinguish their offerings.
Cheese Types and Styles
Arizona's cheesemakers produce a variety of cheeses, from creamy goat cheeses (What wine goes well with goat cheeses?)to rich, aged cow's milk varieties. Each type offers a glimpse into the versatility and innovation present in the state's cheese industry.
Goat Cheese: Renowned for its farm-fresh quality, it is commonly served in Arizona's top restaurants, as seen with Wendell Crow's Dairy offerings.
Cow's Milk Cheese: Arizona Farms Cheese utilizes local milk to create cheeses that are beloved by the local community.
Unique Artisan Varieties: Beyond the classics, Arizona cheesemakers are also known for crafting unique flavors that showcase the regional tastes and culinary creativity of the state.
Cheese Production Processes
In Arizona's burgeoning artisan cheese industry, the intricacies of cheese production are paramount, from high-quality milk to meticulous aging processes that develop rich flavors and textures.
Milk Sources and Quality
The journey of artisan cheese begins with high-quality milk often sourced from local herds. In particular, Nubian goats are prized for their milk's high butterfat and cream content, vital for a rich, creamy goat cheese. Meanwhile, grass-fed and pastured Jersey cows provide high-fat cow milk, essential for creating a dense, flavorful cheese.
Producers ensure:
Regular health checks of the herd to maintain cleanliness and health
Optimal feeding for superior milk quality
From Curds to Cheese
Transforming milk into cheese is an art form. Once milk is soured and curdled, the curds are separated from the whey, then cut, cooked, and pressed. For example, to produce a firm cheese like cheddar, curds are stacked, pressed, and often "cheddared" or turned repeatedly.
Key steps include:
Temperature control: Precise heating of milk to achieve specific textures
Curds manipulation: Cutting size influences moisture content and texture
Aging and Flavor Development
As cheese ages, its flavors and textures evolve. Artisans employ various aging techniques, from wax coatings to natural rinds, to develop the desired end product. Aged cheese like cheddar becomes sharper with time, while soft cheeses (What wine goes well with soft cheeses?) may develop a bloomy rind. Proper aging requires:
Controlled environments with specific humidity and temperature
Regular monitoring and turning of the cheese wheels
Cheese Varieties and Profiles
Arizona's artisan cheesemakers craft a range of distinctive cheeses, from soft, fresh varieties to more robust, aged options, as well as cheeses infused with flavors and spices.
Soft and Fresh Cheeses
Chèvre and Quark are prime examples of soft, fresh cheeses (What wine goes well with fresh cheeses?) produced in Arizona. Chèvre is a tangy, creamy cheese made from goat's milk, often found in local markets. Quark, on the other hand, is a mild, soft cheese, similar in texture to cottage cheese but with a richer flavor profile.
Plain: A spreadable and versatile cheese, enjoyed on its own or in recipes.
Feta: A crumbly and briny cheese that is often incorporated into salads and dishes for an added burst of flavor.
Semi-Soft and Aged Cheeses
Farmstead cheeses are prominent in Arizona due to their unique flavors derived from meticulously aged processes. Hassiago Cheese is an Asiago-type cheese with a nuanced profile, and a standout among Arizona's farmstead artisan cheeses. Its farmstead nature ensures a high-quality product originating from a single farm's dairy herd.
Farmstead Artisan Cheeses: Celebrated for their complex flavors developed through aging.
Monterey Jack: Known for its buttery taste and slight sweetness; a semi-soft favorite.
Flavored and Spiced Cheeses
Arizona artisan cheese producers are also known for adding signature blends of spices and flavors to their offerings. Garlic and Pepper Cheddar serves as a bold example, offering a sharp cheddar base enhanced with the zest of garlic and the heat of pepper.
Pepper Jack: A derivative of Monterey Jack, this cheese includes spicy peppers for a piquant kick.
Goina: A unique flavored cheese that's becoming more popular in Arizona's cheese scene, although its specifics are not widely documented in mainstream sources.
The Cheese-Making Community
The artisan cheese-making community in Arizona is dynamic and growing, with an emphasis on quality and education. Local cheesemakers are gaining recognition, and efforts in education and partnerships are elevating the industry.
Notable Arizona Cheese Makers
Crow’s Dairy
Nestled on the western outskirts of Phoenix, Crow's Dairy, operated by Wendell Crow, specializes in goat cheese savored in over 100 of Arizona's top restaurants. They are noted for their commitment to quality, producing hormone and antibiotic-free cheese.
United Dairymen of Arizona Cooperative
Operating out of Tempe, the United Dairymen of Arizona Cooperative harnesses the skills of Wisconsin-trained cheesemakers. They supply a variety of cheeses including cheddar and jack, as well as fresh cheese curds.
Fiore di Capra
Fiore di Capra, another celebrated artisan, provides the market with exceptional goat cheeses. It’s owned and managed by Karen Nicoli, who ensures the cheese is made with meticulous care.
Educational Initiatives and Cheese Schools
Cheese School Efforts
A focus on education is quintessential for the Arizona cheese-making community. The Cheese School offers a curriculum designed to foster expert cheesemaking, underpinning the state's commitment to high-quality artisan cheese.
Cooperatives and Collaborations
Cielo and Black Mesa
Collaborative efforts enhance Arizona's cheesemaking industry. Cielo collaborates with local dairies like Black Mesa to create fine cheeses. These partnerships contribute to a vibrant local cheese scene, cultivating a shared expertise and fostering innovation.
Culinary Applications and Pairings
The Arizona culinary scene has embraced the art of cheese making, integrating local artisan cheeses into diverse dishes and pairing them with indigenous ingredients for a flavorful synergy.
Cheese in Arizona Cuisine
Arizona restaurants are known for their innovative use of fresh, organic cheeses crafted by local cheese makers. Chefs often incorporate these cheeses into classic fare such as salads, where the unique terroir of places like Kirkland, Arizona, shines through. At FnB, diners can delight in a Roasted Beet Salad that's elevated with a tangy goat cheese, embodying the local flavors. Similarly, Caesar salads get a twist with aged cheeses (What wine goes well with aged cheeses?) adding depth and richness to each bite.
Pairing Cheese with Local Products
At markets like Tempe Farmers Market, Prescott Farmers Market, and Uptown Farmers Market, connoisseurs can find cheeses that pair exquisitely with local products. For example, a semi-hard cheese sourced from Arizona dairies can be perfectly matched with Alfalfa honey to balance its bold flavor. Additionally, the sweet notes of berry jams from these markets complement the sharpness of cheddar or the creaminess of brie, ideal for an Elote Pasta dish on a menu for Valentine's Day.
Suggested Pairings:
Semi-hard cheese with Alfalfa honey
Cheddar with berry jam
Creamy brie with garlic-infused local bread
Cheese-Themed Events and Tastings
Culinary artisans and cheese enthusiasts gather at events dedicated to the craft of cheese making and tasting. Renowned chefs, including Chris Bianco, participate in these gatherings, showcasing the versatility of Arizona's cheese offerings. Tastings may highlight the subtle differences between cheeses from various regions, emphasizing how terroir affects flavor. These events serve not only as educational experiences but also as a showcase for the state's burgeoning cheese industry.
Distribution and Availability
Artisan cheese production in Arizona has embraced local distribution channels and retail presence to satisfy a growing demand. Cheeses crafted with local ingredients, such as oat hay, barley, and molasses, have garnered attention both at farmers' markets and in specialized retail outlets, fostering a unique identity in Arizona's culinary scene.
Local Markets and Direct Sales
Arizona's artisan cheeses shine at local farmers markets, where producers like Rhonda's Cheese and Creamery have established a loyal customer base. Places such as Mingle + Graze and Hidden Track Bottle Shop in Phoenix often collaborate with local cheesemakers, providing a platform for direct sales and sampling. These intimate venues allow Arizona residents and visitors alike to experience the nuanced flavors of the region's specialty cheeses firsthand. Cheese enthusiasts in Tempe can directly purchase products from the likes of Uda (United Dairymen of Arizona), which proudly offers fresh cheese curds and cheddar crafted by Wisconsin-trained cheesemakers.
Arizona Cheese in Retail
The retail presence of Arizona's artisan cheese is expanding beyond farmers markets. Specialty shops such as Far and Away Wine and Provisions curate a selection of these local goods, making them more accessible to the broader population. Additionally, local restaurants, which aim to provide a uniquely Arizonian dining experience, are taking notice. For example, the esteemed Lon's at the Hermosa in Phoenix incorporates these artisan cheeses into its menu, exposing patrons to the richly flavored and locally produced cheeses. The move not only supports the growth of Arizona's cheese-producing community but also adds a narrative of regional authenticity to their dining experience.
Sustainable Practices and Future Outlook
Arizona's artisan cheese industry is embracing sustainability and innovation to meet contemporary demands. Environmental stewardship and advanced cheese-making techniques are molding the future, while challenges in regional climate and market viability present both hurdles and prospects for local cheesemakers.
Environmental Impact and Sustainable Farming
Cheese production in Arizona is increasingly influenced by sustainable practices. Hassiampa Vineyard and Farm utilizes organic methods, keeping in step with eco-friendly trends. Farms with grass-fed and pastured Jersey cows offer cheeses that reflect a commitment to animal welfare and a reduced carbon footprint. The emphasis on organic farming allows these operations not just to produce rich, flavorful cheeses but also to contribute positively to the overall health of the environment.
Innovation and Trends in Cheese Making
Arizona cheesemakers are integrating innovative approaches into their craft. Techniques that enhance the distinct flavors of cheeses made from Jersey cow milk are in adoption. Wiskerchen Cheese aligns with these trends, employing new technologies to maintain cheese quality and extend shelf life without compromising the integrity of traditional methods. This balance between innovation and tradition is crucial in keeping Arizona's cheese relevant and competitive.
Challenges and Opportunities for Arizona Cheesemakers
Despite the potential for growth, Arizona cheesemakers face distinctive challenges due to the harsh winter climate, which can affect feed quality and milk production. Yet, establishments like Black Mesa Ranch capitalize on these conditions to produce robust, characterful cheeses. The fluctuating market requires that these businesses adapt readily while seizing opportunities to cater to an expanding consumer base seeking locally produced, sustainable options.
