Missouri Artisan Cheese

A Guide to the State's Finest Cheeses

Missouri has carved a distinctive niche within the artisanal cheese (how long does cheese last?)industry, setting a high standard with a variety of locally-crafted cheeses (What wine goes well with cheese?). From family-owned farms peppered throughout the state to upscale creameries, Missouri artisans are committed to quality and creativity. They often utilize the rich, local milk from cows, goats, and sheep to produce their unique cheeses, demonstrating a strong dedication to traditional methods while also embracing innovation.

At the heart of Missouri's artisan cheese scene are establishments like the Green Dirt Farm Creamery in Weston and artisan producers like Martha & Tom's Farm in Owensville. These producers not only create cheeses that offer complex flavors but also serve as destinations for those interested in experiencing cheese-making first-hand. Whether it's crafting cheeses with a blend of sheep and cow's milk that resemble European varieties or conjuring up entirely new flavors, these local creameries contribute significantly to the state's economy and culinary diversity.

History of Artisan Cheese in Missouri

Missouri's journey into artisan cheese is a tale of growth and sophistication. Initially, Missouri cheese was synonymous with basic, processed options. As tastes matured, the state witnessed an evolution towards artisan cheese, reflecting a national trend towards more complex and diverse cheese products.

In the 1970s and early 1980s, the United States had fewer than 50 artisan cheesemakers, with artisan cheese in Missouri being a rare commodity. However, by 2012, this number had surged to over 800, indicating a significant expansion in the artisanal sector, including Missouri's contribution.

Missouri's handcrafted cheeses come from both cow's milk, which dominates the U.S. industry, and from milk of other livestock such as goats and sheep. This diversification has allowed Missouri's cheese to gain depth in variety and quality.

The state has built upon its dairy farming roots to develop a robust niche in the cheese market. One family's journey from traditional dairy farming to operating an artisan creamery showcases this shift towards specialty dairy products. Here, the process of making cheese starts with pasteurizing fresh cow's milk and carefully adding cultures to craft different types of cheese.

Retail perceptions in Missouri have shifted over time. Surveys done in 2013 revealed a growing interest in more consistent supply chains for local artisan cheeses, which would enable a stronger presence in grocery stores across the state. With artisan products becoming a staple in Missourians' diets, local producers have an opportunity to further penetrate the market.

Missouri's artisan cheeses are not just confined to production; aging plays a significant role too. The Cheese Cave in St. Louis exemplifies this aspect by providing optimal conditions for aging diverse cheeses such as blue cheese, cheddar, gouda, and more.

As time progresses, Missouri continues to carve out its identity within the art of cheesemaking, earning recognition for its dedication to the craft of artisan cheese.

Cheese Production by Missouri Farms

In the thriving artisan cheese scene in Missouri, farms have become known for their commitment to quality and sustainability. They offer a range of unique products crafted by skilled cheesemakers, setting high standards for artisan cheese production.

Green Dirt Farm

Green Dirt Farm sets a standard for sustainable farming practices and the production of sheep milk cheeses. They focus on creating distinct flavors that are a direct result of their attention to environmental stewardship. Their cheeses are a testament to the quality that can be achieved through dedication to both the land and the animals.

Terrell Creek Farm

At Terrell Creek Farm, the art of cheesemaking is showcased through their specialty in goat cheese. This farm prides itself on a hands-on approach, defining their products through rich expertise and personal touch. They produce a variety of cheeses that underscore the potential of goat milk when transformed by passionate cheese experts.

Baetje Farms

The mastery of cow’s milk cheese production is exemplified by Baetje Farms. Their blend of European tradition and Missouri craftsmanship results in internationally acclaimed cheeses. The farm's commitment to excellence is evident in their premium selection of handmade cheeses which continue to garner attention and awards.

Hemme Brothers Creamery

Hemme Brothers Creamery brings innovation to Missouri's cheese production with a modern take on traditional methods. Their focus on farm-fresh milk and small-batch processing leads to exceptional cow's milk cheeses. (What wine goes well with cow's milk cheeses?) The creamery's transparent approach ensures that each product reflects their high standards and foundational family values.

Cheese production in Missouri has undergone a transformation, with these farms at the forefront, combining their individual strengths to contribute to a well-respected artisanal industry.

Missouri’s Artisan Cheese Varieties

Missouri artisans craft a diverse range of handcrafted cheeses, focusing on quality and distinctive flavors. The state's cheese makers source their milk from sheep, goats, and cows to produce varieties that have a loyal following among cheese connoisseurs.

Sheep’s Milk Cheese

Green Dirt Farm stands out for its sheep’s milk cheeses, delivering rich flavors and creamy textures. Their offerings include a variety of seasonal and year-round selections that showcase the unique characteristics imparted by sheep’s milk.

Goat Cheese

Terrell Creek Farm specializes in goat cheese, using milk sourced from their herd to create cheeses with bold, tangy notes. Each cheese is handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, resulting in high-quality flavors that honor traditional techniques.

Cow’s Milk Cheese

Missouri is home to Baetje Farms and Homestead Creamery, where cow’s milk cheeses are produced with a commitment to quality. Their offerings range from soft to hard cheeses, each carefully aged to perfection. These handmade varieties demonstrate the richness and versatility that cow’s milk imparts to the art of cheese making.

Pairing with Local Produce

Missouri's artisan cheeses have a rich palette of flavors that pair exceptionally well with the variety of local produce, including wines and handmade food items from the region’s restaurants and cafes. Throughout Missouri wine country, enthusiasts can explore these pairings for a delightful gastronomic experience.

Wine and Cheese Pairings

At McKelvey Vineyards and across Missouri wine country, local wines meet their match with handcrafted cheeses. The vineyard's robust reds, like those made from the Native American grape variety, Norton, are ideally suited to pair with sharp, aged cheddar. Lighter whites, such as those from Aux Arcs vineyards, complement creamy goat cheeses (What wine goes well with goat cheeses?)with their crisp acidity.

• Bold Reds: Pair with Aged Cheddar

• Crisp Whites: Pair with Creamy Goat Cheese

Cheese and Artisan Foods

Cheese finds its place beyond the wine glass, particularly on charcuterie (What wine goes well with charcuterie?) boards or as part of gourmet sandwiches. Local cafes make use of the handmade cheeses, presenting them on cutting boards alongside Missouri’s artisan meats and breads, creating a perfect blend of local flavors.

• Charcuterie Boards: Combine Missouri meats, artisan cheeses, local breads.

• Gourmet Sandwiches: Feature handcrafted cheeses with fresh, local ingredients.

Local Beverages and Cheeses

Missouri is not just about wines; local distilleries also offer a range of spirits that can elevate the cheese experience. Events like the Cheese and Spirits Walk showcase how local cheeses can be accentuated by Missouri’s handcrafted spirits, offering a unique culinary adventure.

• Local Spirits: Taste alongside bold, flavorful cheeses for an enhanced experience.

• Cheese and Spirits Walk: Showcases pairings of local cheeses with Missouri spirits.

Culinary Excellence

Missouri takes pride in its locally produced artisan cheeses, which continue to shape the state's culinary landscape. Chefs across Missouri are incorporating these fine cheeses into their menus, elevating the dining experience with a focus on quality and local flavors.

Cheese in Missouri Cuisine

Local artisan cheeses are integral to Missouri cuisine, finding their place on both cheese boards and in a variety of traditional dishes. The state's culinary identity is enriched by the presence of cheeses such as those made by Baetje Farms, nationally recognized for their award-winning goat cheeses. These high-quality cheeses are made from hormone-free milk, punctuating Missouri's commitment to local food excellence.

Artisan Cheese in Fine Dining

In fine dining establishments throughout Missouri, artisan cheese transcends the role of an appetizer. It is carefully paired with complementary flavors to enhance the overall culinary experience. Chef Eddie Neill of Café Provençal is among the local chefs leading the charge, crafting dishes that showcase the distinct taste and superior quality of these cheeses. His restaurant is a testament to how artisan cheeses can lift a simple meal into the realm of a gourmet experience.

Local Chefs and Missouri Cheese

Missouri chefs demonstrate a deep appreciation for artisan cheeses produced within the state. Chef Neill has been particularly influential, integrating Missouri's cheeses into his French-inspired dishes at Café Provençal. As more chefs follow in his footsteps, they help create a vibrant food culture around these local products, further cementing their place in Missouri's culinary excellence.

Educational Opportunities

Missouri offers a variety of hands-on experiences for those interested in artisan cheese production, from interactive workshops to informative farm tours.

Workshops and Tastings

Workshops provide an immersive experience for cheese enthusiasts and aspiring cheesemakers. Led by cheese experts, these sessions often take place in a cheese kitchen, where participants can learn about the nuances of curd textures, salting, and ripening processes. Cheese tastings are a common part of these classes, offering a chance to understand the flavor profiles resulting from different cheesemaking techniques.

• Example Workshop: Weekly cheese making classes in St. Louis focusing on both theory and practice.

• Learning Opportunities:

  • Understanding proper pH levels for cheese.

  • Mastering the art of aging and ripening.

Farm Visits and Tours

Visiting farms such as Green Dirt Farm or Terrell Creek Farm provides a comprehensive overview of the cheese production process from start to finish. Visitors can observe the care taken in animal husbandry, the milking process, and how milk transitions from farm to a finished cheese product. Tours are an excellent way for consumers to connect with local producers and learn about sustainable farming practices.

• Farm Features:

  • Green Dirt Farm: Interactive tours highlighting sustainable agricultural practices.

  • Terrell Creek Farm: Insights into small-scale artisan cheese production.

Missouri Artisan Cheese Festivals

Missouri has developed a rich tradition of celebrating its local cheesemakers through festivals that feature a variety of artisan cheeses, wine, and local produce. These events not only showcase the state's cheese production but also provide an immersive experience with live music, food, and community spirit.

Annual Missouri Artisan Cheese Festival

The Missouri Artisan Cheese Festival is a noteworthy event held annually, with McKelvey Vineyards hosting the vibrant occasion. The festival typically spans over two days, bustling with activities such as live music, local food, and an array of artisan cheese products from across the state. Visitors can also enjoy wine and spirits tastings, all while mingling with local artisans.

• Dates for 2023: June 2nd & 3rd

• Location: McKelvey Vineyards

Cheese Cave to Table Dinner Events

Celebrating Missouri's local produce, Cheese Cave to Table Dinner Events are curated to offer a unique dining experience. These ticketed events feature multicourse dinners, where each course is paired with a selection of fine cheeses and matched with exquisite McKelvey wines.

• Dining Experience: Eight-course dinner with chef-driven cuisine

• Pairings: McKelvey wines

Artisan Cheese and Wine Events

At the heart of the festival are the Artisan Cheese and Wine Events, which include the popular Cheese and Spirits Walk and the opportunity for VIP experiences. Attendees can stroll through Cheese Row, where Missouri creameries offer samples and sell their artisanal products. Each cheese is thoughtfully paired with a complementary wine, providing a sophisticated tasting experience.

• Features:

  • Samples from Missouri creameries

  • Wine pairings

  • VIP options available

• Social Media: Updates and information are often shared via Facebook and other social media platforms prior to the event, keeping potential attendees informed about ticket sales and event details.

Marketing and Sales Channels

Missouri's artisan cheese industry leverages diverse marketing and sales channels to reach consumers and businesses alike. These strategies reflect the need for reliable distribution methods and the increasing demand for specialty cheeses.

Farmers' Markets and Retail

Artisan cheese producers, such as M&T Farm, often take advantage of farmers' markets and retail opportunities. Farmers' markets serve as a principal channel for direct sales and customer engagement. Producers can sell their products in open-air market settings, which allow for immediate feedback and personal interaction with consumers.

• Retail Stores: Retail grocers play a significant role, with 78% of artisan cheese buyers making purchases here. In Missouri, efforts to ensure a consistent supply could strengthen small producers' presence in grocery chains.

Online Presence

The digital landscape provides a crucial platform for artisans to market their cheeses. A well-designed website serves as both a marketing tool and an online storefront, offering detailed information about cheese varieties and the story behind them.

• Social Media: Platforms like Facebook help farms like M&T showcase their offerings, share updates, and connect with customers.

• E-commerce: Selling cheeses online enables farms to expand their reach beyond local markets, tapping into a broader customer base interested in unique, locally-produced cheeses.

Restaurant Partnerships

Partnerships between cheese producers and restaurants highlight the appeal of artisan products in culinary settings. Restaurants seek quality ingredients, such as handcrafted cheeses, to enhance their menus.

• Local Restaurants: They not only provide an outlet for sales but also serve as ambassadors for the cheese, introducing it to a wider audience of diners.

• Collaborations: Aligning with eateries that value locally-sourced products fosters mutually beneficial relationships, spotlighting regional specialties.

Sustainable Practices and Agrotourism

Missouri’s artisan cheese industry thrives by combining sustainable farming practices with educational farm tours, catering to those who appreciate both the quality of artisan cheese and the importance of environmentally friendly agriculture.

Sustainability in Cheese Production

Green Dirt Farm epitomizes sustainability in the cheese-making process. They use ecologically sound methods to maintain their sheep dairy, ensuring that the farmland remains both environmentally friendly and economically viable. This sustainable approach extends to soil management, pasture rotation, and the efficient use of resources, ultimately contributing to the production of exceptional artisan cheeses. Edgewood Creamery further exemplifies this commitment, focusing on sustainable practices throughout their cheese production.

Agrotourism and Education

Agrotourism at places like Green Dirt Farm and McKelvey Vineyards bridges the gap between consumers and the origin of their food. Here, farm tours underscore the importance of sustainability and present a hands-on learning experience for visitors. They offer a glimpse into the daily operations of sheep dairies and artisan cheese-making facilities, educating the public on how sustainable farming practices are integral to producing high-quality cheese. Visitors leave these tours with a deepened understanding of agriculture and an appreciation for the craft of artisan cheese-making.

The Culture of Cheese Making

In Missouri, the culture of cheese making is steeped in a tradition of artisanal craftsmanship and innovation. Artisan cheese refers to cheeses produced by hand using traditional methods passed down through generations. These methods, tailored by cheese experts, allow for more nuanced flavors and textures compared to mass-produced varieties.

Missouri cheesemakers dedicate themselves to the quality and uniqueness of their fare. They typically work in small batches, focusing on the intricate details that contribute to the final product. The expertise of the cheesemaker is fundamental in this process; understanding of complex factors like climate, aging, and ingredient sourcing transforms simple milk into a broad palette of cheeses, from fresh mozzarella to age-hardened cheddar.

Cheese Varieties and Techniques:

• Fresh Cheeses (What wine goes well with fresh cheeses?): Cheese curds in diverse flavors; fresh German-style quark.

• Aged Cheeses (What wine goes well with aged cheeses?): Aged Cheddar, employing time to develop depth in flavor.

• Flavored Cheeses: Black pepper, espresso, and smoked Cheddar varieties.

The cheese-making culture often signifies a bond to the community and a nod to sustainability. Numerous Missouri families started by transitioning from dairy farming into small-scale cheesemaking enterprises, emphasizing quality over quantity. These artisanal products have gained popularity for their complex taste and variety, encouraging a shift from conventional to handcrafted cheeses in consumers' diets. This rise in demand reflects a deeper appreciation and longing for cheeses that are not just food items, but pieces of culinary art.

Consumer Trends and Preferences

Artisan cheese in Missouri has seen a notable rise in popularity. This shift is reflected in the increased availability of handcrafted cheeses at farmers markets and retail grocery stores. Consumers exhibit a growing interest in these products, which are prized for their unique flavors and local craftsmanship.

Buying Habits:
Market research indicates a majority of cheese consumers in Missouri are open to or actively purchasing artisan cheese varieties. The demand is driven by a desire for quality, variety, and the support of local businesses.

• Preference for specialty over commodity cheese

• Interest in unique, locally-produced flavors

Artisan Cheese as a Kitchen Staple:
Artisan cheese is becoming a staple in the cheese kitchen, a place where individuals celebrate the culinary aspect of cheese. It's not just a shopping trend; it's a sign of evolving consumer palates and the increasing importance of food provenance.

Purchasing Patterns:

• Frequent purchases at local farmers markets

• Selection of artisan cheeses in retail grocery stores, alongside traditional products

Table of Preferences:

Consumer Segment Preferred Cheese Type Purchase Location Culinary Enthusiasts Locally-produced Artisan Farmers Markets General Shoppers Variety in Flavor Retail Grocery Stores

Artisan cheese producers have the opportunity to cater to these trends by highlighting the unique aspects of their products, such as origin stories and distinct flavors, appealing to both the gourmet aficionados and the general market.

Future of Missouri Artisan Cheese

The landscape of Missouri's artisan cheese is set to evolve with the trajectory of both innovation and consumer trends. Artisan cheese producers in the state are increasingly experimenting with local flavors and milk sources, tapping into the unique terroir to distinguish their products. Producers also leverage traditional cheesemaking methods, while embracing modern techniques to enhance quality and extend shelf life.

As tastes shift and consumers seek out premium, local foods, Missouri cheese is well-positioned to gain market share. Retailers have recognized the potential for local artisan cheeses to generate increased interest and sales within grocery chains, should supply become more reliable.

Market Trends:

• Consumer Appetite: A growing preference for specialty cheeses

• Local Sourcing: Emphasis on locally-sourced dairy

• Health Conscious: Demand for organic and natural cheese products

Innovation Drivers:

• Sustainability: Eco-friendly packaging and renewable energy in production

• Technology: Advanced aging techniques and quality control measures

• Diversity: Introduction of novel cheese varieties

Challenges and Opportunities:

Challenges Opportunities Distribution hurdles Expansion into new markets Competition Collaboration with vineyards Supply consistency Education of consumers

The Missouri Artisan Cheese Festival showcases the state's dedication to celebrating and promoting local cheesemakers. Events like this, paired with strategic partnerships, are crucial in propelling Missouri's artisan cheese scene forward. In response to consumer demand, artisans remain committed to producing high-quality, distinctive cheeses that reflect Missouri's rich agricultural heritage.

Additional Resources and Information

For those interested in the burgeoning artisan cheese scene in Missouri, several resources can provide in-depth knowledge and current market trends. Below is a curated list of articles and websites to explore:

• Articles:

  • Missouri-Made Cheese: Highlights the evolution of American cheese tastes and Missouri's contribution.

  • Exploring The Cheese Cave Of Missouri: Details on Missouri’s cheese storage and the variety offered.

  • How One Missouri Family Made the Leap: An account of a family’s journey from dairy farm to renowned artisan creamery.

Websites:

Website Name Description URL Mother Farmland Showcases the Cheese Cave in Missouri, a specialty cheese storage. URL not provided University of Missouri Extension Provides extension guides on agricultural business and artisan cheeses. extension.missouri.edu STLtoday Features local artisans, farmers' markets, and the cheese culture. www.stltoday.com

Interested individuals may find the University of Missouri Extension website especially useful, as it offers agricultural business resources related to the local cheese industry. Consumers looking to purchase Missouri artisan cheeses can consult STLtoday, which often features articles on local markets and producers.

Professional Associations:

• The Missouri Cheese Association might exist, serving as a networking and educational platform for cheesemakers and enthusiasts.

• For those considering starting their own operation, industry associations often offer guidance on regulations, best practices, and more.

Readers are encouraged to reach out directly to local Missouri creameries for the most authentic information and to support local businesses. This is an excellent way to learn more about artisan cheeses while experiencing the product firsthand.