New Jersey Artisan Cheese
A Guide to the Garden State's Finest Cheesemakers
New Jersey's rich agricultural heritage and commitment to local craftsmanship are exemplified in its artisan cheese (how long does cheese last?) industry. With a diverse range of climates and terrains, the Garden State offers an ideal backdrop for the production of high-quality dairy products. Cheese (What wine goes well with cheese?) enthusiasts and casual consumers alike are drawn to the unique flavors and textures that New Jersey's artisanal cheese producers create. The state's dedication to fostering small-scale operations and traditional cheese-making techniques contributes to the distinctiveness of its offerings.
Among the celebrated names in New Jersey's cheese scene is Valley Shepherd Creamery, located in Morris County. This creamery has garnered attention for its award-winning cheeses, demonstrating the potential of local ingredients and artisanal methods. Their products, ranging from creamy Havarti to robust aged cheddar, are a testament to the craftsmanship and attention to detail that characterizes the state's approach to cheese making. The creamery's commitment to sustainable practices and pasture-raised animals echoes a statewide ethos of quality and responsibility.
Artisan cheese production in New Jersey is not just limited to the products themselves but extends to the immersive experiences offered by local creameries and farms. Visitors can engage with the cheese-making process through tours, classes, and tastings, gaining an appreciation for the artisanal skills that shape the character of each wheel or block. The state's contribution to the culture of artisan cheese is significant, positioning New Jersey as a noteworthy destination for dairy connoisseurs and contributing to the local economy through state-of-the-art agriculture.
History of New Jersey Artisan Cheese
New Jersey's rich tradition of artisan cheese-making incorporates both an homage to Old World techniques and a celebration of local flavors. The state's cheese craft is distinguished by quality and innovation, maintaining high culinary standards and diversity in cheese production.
Origins and Influence of Italian Cheese Making
Italian immigrants have significantly influenced the origins of artisan cheese-making in New Jersey. With Italy's deep-rooted cheese-making traditions, these immigrants brought with them a wealth of knowledge and skills that formed the foundation of New Jersey's early cheese craft. They introduced cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, and pecorino, which are staples in Italian cuisine. The methods and recipes from Italy served as a blueprint for local artisans to develop their homegrown varieties, often adapted to the local palate and available ingredients.
Development of Cheese Craft in New Jersey
Through the years, New Jersey's artisan cheese industry has flourished, drawing on the influence of Italy and integrating the distinct character of local milk from cows, goats, and sheep. The 1970s marked a period where only a few artisan cheesemakers were present in the state, yet by the early 21st century, New Jersey experienced what many call a "cheese renaissance."
Artisanal Growth: The surge in artisan cheesemakers led to a more diverse array of cheeses produced within the state.
Focus on Quality: Milk from grass-fed livestock has been central to creating cheeses such as Herdsman, a mild nutty cheese, Buttercup brie, and Toma, a washed rind, raw-milk cheese.
Local Recognition: The high-quality and diversity of New Jersey's artisanal cheeses have earned them a place in gourmet shops, standing proudly next to imported cheeses from across the globe.
With Italian cheese-making traditions as a guiding influence and a focus on local production, New Jersey continues to develop its identity in the world of artisan cheeses.
Cheese Varieties in New Jersey
New Jersey's cheese scene is as diverse as its cultural landscape, characterized by a mix of traditional and innovative cheese-making practices. The state boasts a range of specialty cheeses and is known for favorites that resonate with local residents.
Specialty Cheeses of Morris County
Morris County is home to acclaimed creameries like Valley Shepherd Creamery which stands out for its traditional approach to cheese-making. Here, cheese enthusiasts can indulge in handcrafted varieties that pay homage to the art of artisanal cheese production.
Mozzarella: Fresh and creamy, a staple in Italian cuisine.
Ricotta: Light and versatile, often used in both sweet and savory dishes.
Burrata: A rich, buttery cheese that combines mozzarella and cream.
Popular Cheeses Across the State
Across New Jersey, certain cheeses have gained popularity for their flavor profiles and versatility. Notably, Cheddar cheese enjoys widespread acclaim, not just in New Jersey but across the United States.
Mozzarella: Dominates in Italian preparations and as a pizza topping.
Ricotta: Finds its way into Italian pastries and lasagnas.
Truffle-infused cheeses: For those seeking luxury, truffle variants add an exquisite touch to classic cheese forms.
Italian Cheese: Given the state's strong Italian heritage, cheeses like mozzarella and ricotta have become a cornerstone in New Jersey's cuisine.
Cheese Production Process
The cheese production in New Jersey artisanal creameries is a blend of traditional skills and careful handling of milk from dairy farms. This process ensures that each 2 lb cheese wheel is a reflection of the craft behind homemade cheese.
Artisan Cheese-Making Techniques
Artisan cheese-making is a meticulous process that begins with selecting high-quality milk. The milk, often sourced from Jersey and Guernsey cows known for their rich butterfat content, is critical to the flavor and texture of the cheese. Artisans employ a variety of techniques such as:
Curdling: The milk is warmed and then curdled using cultures and rennet, which helps in developing the cheese's flavor profile.
Cutting the Curd: The size of the curd affects the moisture content of the cheese; smaller curds generally lead to a firmer cheese.
Cooking and Washing: Curds are gently cooked and sometimes washed to influence the texture and taste.
Pressing: The curds are pressed into molds to remove whey and shape the cheese.
From Dairy Farm to Cheese Wheel
The journey from a dairy farm to a cheese wheel involves careful steps to preserve the quality of milk and the final product. Key stages include:
Milking: Cows are milked, and the milk is rapidly chilled to maintain its freshness.
Pasteurization: Some cheese-makers may pasteurize the milk to kill any harmful bacteria.
Aging: After forming the wheels, artisans age the cheese under controlled conditions to develop its unique flavor and texture.
Finishing: The cheese wheels are treated with brines or coatings and are cared for until they reach perfection.
Throughout this process, creameries in New Jersey emphasize the handmade nature of their products, ensuring that each 2 lb cheese wheel embodies the quintessential character of artisan cheese-making.
Local Creameries and Farms
New Jersey’s artisan cheese scene celebrates a rich tradition of dairy farming and cheese production. Particularly distinguished in this craft are the Valley Shepherd Creamery in Long Valley and Cherry Grove Farm in the northern region of the state.
Valley Shepherd Creamery of Long Valley
Valley Shepherd Creamery is a shining example of handcrafted cheese excellence. Nestled in the heart of Long Valley, this creamery takes pride in its award-winning artisanal cheeses. They employ traditional European methods to produce a wide variety of cheeses, ensuring a unique taste that reflects the quality of their locally sourced ingredients.
Address: Located in Long Valley, New Jersey
Specialty Products: A diverse range of artisanal cheeses
Method: Traditional European techniques
Experience: Open for public tours and cheese tasting
Cherry Grove Farm and Northern NJ Farms
Cherry Grove Farm stands out in Northern New Jersey for their dedication to sustainable agriculture. Situated close to Jersey City, the farm is committed to regenerative farming practices. They offer a plethora of farmstead cheeses alongside other high-quality dairy products and meats. Beyond crafting cheeses, Cherry Grove is also invested in the health of their local ecosystem and the well-being of their community.
Location: Proximity to Northern New Jersey and Jersey City areas
Farming Practices: Sustainable, regenerative agriculture
Products: Farmstead cheese, grass-fed beef, whey-fed pork, and heritage eggs
Community involvement: Provides fresh, quality food to local residents
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
When serving New Jersey artisan cheese, the right pairings can enhance the flavors and provide a memorable tasting experience. Consider complementary foods that balance the cheese's character and wine choices that correspond with the cheese's intensity and flavor profile.
Complementary Foods
Artisan cheeses from New Jersey shine when accompanied by a range of carefully selected foods. A spread might include:
Crackers: A selection of artisan crackers, like Raincoast Crisps, offers a crunchy canvas for soft cheeses.
Bread: Fresh, crusty bread such as baguette or a slice of rustic multigrain provides texture contrast to creamy cheeses.
Olives: Varieties like kalamata and niçoise add a salty, briny counterpoint to milder cheeses.
Jams and Honey: Sweet accompaniments such as fruit jams or a drizzle of honey complement the savory notes of aged cheeses (What wine goes well with aged cheeses?).
Dried Fruit: Pieces of dried apricots (how long do dried apricots last?), figs, or plums pair well, especially with tangy goat cheeses.
Olive Oil: A dip involving high-quality olive oil can enhance the cheese with its fruity undertones.
Wine and Cheese Pairings
Selecting the appropriate wine to accompany New Jersey's artisan cheese involves matching the intensity and flavor of the cheese with a complementary wine.
Cheese Type Wine Pairing Reasoning Fresh, Soft Light White or Sparkling Wine Subtle cheese needs a gentle wine that won't overpower it. Semi-hard, Nutty Medium-bodied Red or White Wine The wine should match the cheese's texture and richness. Aged, Bold Full-bodied Red Wine A robust cheese demands a wine with matching vigor. Blue-Veined Dessert Wines like Sauternes or Port The wine's sweetness contrasts the cheese's pungent flavor.
One should always consider personal preference and be open to trying different combinations to find the perfect pairing.
Tours and Tastings
New Jersey offers a wealth of artisanal cheese experiences, where visitors can immerse themselves in the art of cheesemaking and indulge in a variety of tastings. These tours provide an up-close look into the process from milk to maturation.
Visitor Experiences in Morris County
In Morris County, the Valley Shepherd Creamery opens its doors to those eager to explore the intricacies of cheese production. This creamery is renowned for its educational tours, which often include watching the transformation of simple milk into complex cheeses such as tangy mozzarella. Nestled in the pastoral setting of Long Valley, NJ, just over an hour's drive from New York City, the Creamery demonstrates a commitment to traditional methods while embracing modern visitors.
Available Tours:
Sheep shearing
Cheesemaking process
Cheese cave exploration
Tours offer a hands-on look at the care of dairy flocks and the dedication required to craft exceptional cheeses.
Sampling Local Cheese at Creameries
A key highlight for any visitor is the chance to sample local fares. Many creameries across New Jersey feature tasting rooms or offer sampling sessions where one can savor the distinct flavors of freshly made cheeses. These samples allow cheese enthusiasts to appreciate the subtle differences in taste and texture that each creamery's unique methods bring to their products.
Tasting Opportunities:
Weekly events such as $5 Friday tastings
Cheese of the Month selections
Special pairings with wines and accompaniments like artisanal jam and honey
Such experiences are designed to educate the palate and celebrate the diversity of New Jersey's cheese offerings.
Buying Artisan Cheese
Artisan cheese enthusiasts in New Jersey have distinct venues to explore, ranging from local markets with handcrafted offerings to larger supermarkets with wider selections.
Local Markets Versus Supermarkets
Local markets are the heart of artisan cheese buying in New Jersey. They often provide a more intimate experience and a closer connection to the cheesemakers. Shoppers at these markets have the benefit of:
Personalized Service: Customers can enjoy interactions with knowledgeable staff who are typically more familiar with the specific attributes of their products.
Product Freshness: Local markets often stock cheeses that are fresher due to the shorter distance between production and point of sale.
Unique Selections: Many local markets offer exclusive types of cheese not found in larger stores.
In contrast, supermarkets offer convenience with:
Extended Hours: They are typically open longer, making it easier for customers to shop at their leisure.
Diverse Inventory: Supermarkets carry a broad range of items alongside cheeses, which may include complementary foods and wines.
Regular Sales: Larger stores often have promotions and discounts, which can make purchasing more economical for some shoppers.
Supporting Local New Jersey Cheesemakers
Supporting local New Jersey cheesemakers means investing in:
Community Growth: Choosing homemade cheese from local artisans helps bolster the regional economy and sustain the livelihoods of local farmers and producers.
Cultural Preservation: Local cheesemakers often use traditional methods, sustaining a rich culinary heritage.
By purchasing locally-made cheeses, customers directly support the artisans behind the product and contribute to maintaining New Jersey's reputation for high-quality, handcrafted foods.
Benefits of Artisan Cheese
Artisan cheese from New Jersey offers distinct advantages in terms of nutritional content and local economic stimulation. These cheeses are typically crafted in small batches with a focus on quality and traditional techniques.
Nutritional Value
Artisan cheese provides a wealth of nutrients, including high-quality proteins, essential fats, calcium, and a range of vitamins and minerals. Crafted from locally sourced milk, these cheeses often retain more complex flavors and beneficial enzymes due to minimal processing compared to mass-produced varieties. They may also feature a more diverse set of microorganisms, which can contribute to a healthy gut microbiome when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
Economic Impact
The production of local artisan cheese supports New Jersey's economy at multiple levels. It stimulates the agricultural sector through the demand for high-quality, local milk. Moreover, artisan cheesemakers often employ members of the community, thus contributing to job creation. The presence of artisan cheese producers also has a knock-on effect for related industries, such as tourism and hospitality, attracting visitors to cheese-tasting events, educational programs, and farm tours.
Cooking with Artisan Cheese
Artisan cheese from New Jersey adds a gourmet touch to home-cooked meals (how long do cooked meals last?). Utilizing high-quality, locally-produced cheese uplifts simple recipes to a new level of flavor.
Homemade Cheese Recipes
Artisan cheeses, like ricotta and mozzarella, lend themselves exceptionally well to homemade recipes. Chefs may craft these cheeses into a variety of dishes, each amplified by the cheese's fresh taste.
Ricotta is versatile and can be used in both savory and sweet contexts. Its creamy texture enhances dishes like stuffed shells and can be a key ingredient in a classic cheesecake.
Mozzarella stands out in caprese salads (What wine goes well with caprese salad?) or melted over homemade pizza. Its melt-in-your-mouth quality and subtle flavor make it a favorite for many chefs and home cooks alike.
Here's a simple guide to using these cheeses:
For ricotta:
Use it as a filling by combining it with herbs and spices.
Incorporate it into desserts by sweetening it with sugar or honey.
For mozzarella:
Slice it for salads or sandwiches for its fresh taste.
Shred it for dishes that require melting, like lasagna or grilled cheese.
Famous New Jersey Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese sandwiches symbolize comfort food, and using artisan cheese from New Jersey elevates this classic dish. When chefs select a high-quality, local cheese, the results are often far superior to those made with generic, processed varieties.
For the ultimate New Jersey grilled cheese, a mix of cheeses balances flavor and meltability:
Bold Cheese: A strong cheddar adds depth.
Melty Cheese: Gouda or fontina ensures a gooey texture.
Stretchy Cheese: Fresh mozzarella creates the iconic cheese pull.
Steps to Create the Perfect Grilled Cheese:
Preheat your skillet on medium heat.
Butter the outside of your bread slices. Choose a hearty bread that will hold up to the cheese and grilling process.
Layer your cheeses on the bread, starting with the melty cheeses and adding the bold flavors.
Grill the sandwich for 2-4 minutes on each side, until the bread is a golden brown and the cheese is perfectly melted.
By incorporating artisan cheese into your cooking, be it through a homemade recipe or a simple grilled cheese sandwich, you tap into the rich palette of flavors that New Jersey's artisanal cheeses have to offer.
