Oregon Artisan Cheese
A Guide to the State's Finest Cheesemakers
Oregon's lush green valleys and coastal fields are not just a feast for the eyes but also a haven for cheese (how long does cheese last?) lovers. The state has carved out a niche in the culinary world with its artisan cheese (What wine goes well with cheese?), creating products that embody the region's natural bounty and the craftsmanship of local cheesemakers. Oregon
History of Oregon Artisan Cheese
Oregon's artisan cheese industry has a rich history, punctuated by pioneering efforts and gaining prestige through national recognition.
Pioneers of the Oregon Cheese Industry
The genesis of Oregon's artisan cheese scene can be traced back to the establishment of small-scale operations such as Rogue Creamery. It stands as a testament to the state's pioneering spirit in the cheese-making realm, having set a precedent for quality and craft. Founded in 1933, Rogue Creamery was among the first to champion the concept of farmstead and artisan cheesemaking in the Pacific Northwest. From its early days, the creamery has played a pivotal role in shaping the identity of Oregon cheese on both a local and national scale.
Growth and Recognition
As the artisan cheese industry flourished, Oregon cheesemakers began to garner attention and accolades. The introduction of the Oregon Cheese Guild provided a platform for cheesemakers to collaborate, share knowledge, and promote their products. This collective effort helped propel the industry forward, ensuring sustainable growth and innovation.
Good Food Awards recognized the excellence of Oregon's artisan cheeses, with local producers regularly receiving accolades for their outstanding products.
American Cheese Society has also acknowledged the quality of Oregon cheese, with the state's producers frequently featured in its annual competitions.
The growth of the industry is not only marked by awards but also by the increasing diversity in cheese styles and the surge in farmstead producers, reflecting the region’s creativity and dedication to the craft. This upward trajectory in the Oregon cheese industry spotlights the state's commitment to quality and the passion of its cheesemakers.
Types of Oregon Artisan Cheeses
Oregon's artisan cheese scene is diverse, with offerings ranging from robust cheddar varieties to unique regional specialties that reflect the state's rich agricultural heritage.
Cheddar Varieties
Oregonian cheesemakers produce a range of Cheddar cheeses, from the traditional sharp cheddar to unique twists such as Habanero Cheddar. These cheeses are notable for their creamy texture and the subtle variation in flavors that are imparted by the inclusion of local spices or peppers.
Blue Cheese Specialties
Oregon's Blue Cheese is crafted with dedication, resulting in a bold flavor that is both earthy and complex. The state’s cheesemakers utilize various methods to create cheeses with distinctive blue veining and a creamy consistency that is appreciated by blue cheese aficionados.
Gouda Selections
Oregon's take on Gouda includes aged varieties that present a deep, caramel-like flavor and a buttery finish. This cheese is often characterized by a smooth, velvety texture that comes from careful aging processes.
Havarti and Fontina
Both Havarti and Fontina are well-represented in Oregon's cheese repertoire. The Havarti from this region is typically creamy and mild, perfect for sandwiches and snacking, while the Fontina is often noted for its nutty flavor and ability to melt beautifully, making it ideal for fondue.
Unique Cheeses of Oregon
Beyond the classics, Oregon is home to some distinctive cheeses that defy categorization. These include cheeses made from sheep or goat milk, like the herbaceous and buttery Valentine cheese by Ancient Heritage Dairy, and others that feature regional twists, reflecting Oregon's innovative spirit in cheesemaking.
Notable Oregon Artisan Cheese Makers
Oregon's cheese-making heritage boasts a number of distinguished artisan cheese makers who have garnered national recognition for their high-quality products.
Rogue Creamery
Rogue Creamery, located in Central Point, Southern Oregon, has established itself as a leader in the artisan cheese industry. Known for its internationally acclaimed blue cheeses, (What wine goes well with blue cheeses?) Rogue Creamery demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and organic practices.
Briar Rose Creamery
Briar Rose Creamery specializes in creating small-batch, handmade cheeses. Located in Dundee, Oregon, they are celebrated for their delicate goat cheeses and rich, flavorful chocolate truffles (What wine goes well with truffles?) infused with cheese.
Willamette Valley Cheese Company
As pioneers in the region, Willamette Valley Cheese Company offers a diverse array of cow’s milk cheeses. (What wine goes well with cow's milk cheeses?) Their products are the result of a holistic approach to farming and cheese production in the fertile Willamette Valley.
Face Rock Creamery
Face Rock Creamery in Bandon brings a modern twist to traditional cheese-making techniques. They are known for their award-winning cheddars and flavored curds which have become a staple in the Pacific Northwest cheese scene.
Ancient Heritage Dairy
Ancient Heritage Dairy stands out for their handcrafted sheep and cow's milk cheeses. By combining old-world methods with the unique terroir of Oregon, they create distinctive and refined cheeses beloved across the region.
Farming and Production Practices
Oregon's artisan cheese industry is distinguished by its commitment to quality and sustainable farming techniques. With a growing number of farmstead operations, producers are increasingly focusing on organic certification and the expression of local terroir through their products.
Sustainable Farming
Producers in Oregon prioritize sustainable farming to ensure their agricultural activities can endure over time. Such practices include managing soil health, water use, and integrating livestock activities to minimize environmental impact. Farmstead operations reflect this ethos by often utilizing rotational grazing, where animals are moved systematically through pastures to aid soil regeneration and forage production.
Organic Certification
Criteria for certification: All natural processes and a strict avoidance of synthetic additives are essential for organic certification. This involves the use of organic feed for livestock along with an adherence to animal welfare standards.
Impact on quality: Artisan cheese producers in Oregon often pursue organic certification to guarantee that their cheeses remain free from artificial influences, ensuring a pure expression of the terroir.
Farmstead Operations
Farmstead cheese, by definition, is crafted on the farm where the milk is sourced, ensuring freshness and minimizing time between milking and production. Farmstead producers in Oregon encompass:
Local milk sources: They depend on milk from their own herds, which can include cows, goats, or sheep.
Terroir-driven products: These cheeses are reputed to embody the unique tastes and qualities of the Oregon landscape, from the Willamette Valley to the coastal regions.
Culinary Applications
Oregon's artisan cheese landscape offers a wide variety of flavors that can enhance any culinary experience. From cheese boards to desserts, the versatility of these cheeses makes them a staple in both traditional and innovative dishes.
Cheese Boards and Pairings
A cheese board showcases the diversity of Oregon's artisan cheeses. Fresh and aged cheeses (What wine goes well with aged cheeses?) can be artfully arranged with accompaniments such as fruits, nuts (how long do nuts last?), and preserves. Pairing suggestions include:
Soft cheeses (What wine goes well with soft cheeses?) like Brie with apple slices and honey.
Aged cheddar balanced with dark chocolate or a slice of pear.
Blue cheese with walnuts (how long do walnuts last?) and fig jam.
These combinations allow the flavors to complement each other, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
Incorporating Cheese in Cooking
Oregon cheeses can transform simple dishes into gourmet meals. Here are some examples where they shine:
Sandwiches: Aged cheeses add a sharp, complex flavor to grilled cheese sandwiches.
Salads: Crumbled blue or feta cheese gives a tangy kick to fresh green salads.
Pasta dishes: Melted into sauces, the cheeses incorporate smoothly, adding depth to the dish.
The high-quality milk from local Jersey herds contributes to the rich flavor profile of these cheeses when used in cooking.
Oregon Cheese in Desserts
Oregon's artisan cheeses also find their place in desserts. They can be:
Served alongside or incorporated into ice cream, offering a savory contrast to the sweetness.
Used in cheesecake recipes, providing a creamy, decadent texture.
Paired with chocolates, where a sharp cheese contrast can elevate the tasting experience.
Oregon cheeses add a unique twist to desserts by introducing complex flavors that complement sweetness.
Oregon Artisan Cheese in the Marketplace
The Oregon artisan cheese marketplace showcases a diverse range of high-quality local cheeses, recognized both locally and internationally. From buying local to receiving global accolades, and drawing visitors for cheese tourism, Oregon has established itself as a notable destination for cheese enthusiasts.
Buying Local Cheese
Oregon's cheese lovers have ample opportunities to support local cheesemakers. Local farmers markets and specialty food shops are primary outlets for artisan cheeses, with offerings like the smokey blue cheese and traditional cheddars. Food Roots Farm Table in Tillamook stands out as a place where consumers can directly purchase an array of Oregon cheese products, emphasizing the local farm to table movement.
Where to Buy:
Local farmers markets
Specialty shops like cheese bars
Directly from creameries
Awards and Recognition
Rogue River Blue, an Oregon cheese, gained international fame by winning the title of World Champion at the prestigious World Cheese Awards. This recognition serves as a testament to the state's commitment to quality and innovation in cheese-making. Oregon cheeses continue to earn accolades at both national and international competitions, bolstering the reputation of the state's cheese-making craft.
Notable Awards:
World Cheese Awards: Rogue River Blue
Other Oregon artisan cheeses also regularly receive recognition
Cheese Tourism in Oregon
Cheese tourism is a thriving element of Oregon's food scene. Visitors can embark on an epic road trip through lush valleys and coastal fields to taste local offerings firsthand. The Oregon Cheese Guild suggests touring local cheesemakers, such as the producers of Tumalo Tomme and a variety of farmstead products. Cheese tourism not only supports local farms and businesses but also provides a unique way to experience the state's rich dairy culture.
Cheese Tourism Highlights:
Guided tours of local creameries
Cheese-tasting events
Educational experiences on the cheese-making process
Community and Events
Oregon’s artisan cheese community thrives through various organizations and events focused on celebrating and educating enthusiasts about cheese, particularly the local cheesemaking craft. These include the Oregon Cheese Guild, annual cheese festivals, and educational workshops that engage both producers and consumers.
Oregon Cheese Guild
The Oregon Cheese Guild serves as a foundation for local family cheesemakers and farms, fostering the growth and quality of Oregon artisan cheeses. They provide a platform for cheesemakers to connect, collaborate, and elevate their presence in the community. Rogue River Blue, a world-renowned cheese from Oregon, exemplifies the quality of cheeses that the guild proudly represents. The guild encourages consumers to embark on a road trip through Oregon’s diverse landscapes to experience these handcrafted cheeses firsthand.
Cheese Festivals
Oregon celebrates its rich cheesemaking heritage annually, with events like the Oregon Cheese Festival. This festival is traditionally held at the Jackson County Expo in Central Point, illustrating the importance of such gatherings where producers can sample and sell their products. The 2024 iteration is scheduled for April 27 & 28, expected to draw a wide array of artisan cheesemakers, vintners, brewers, and food enthusiasts. Events like these play a critical role in showcasing the variety and complexity of Oregon's artisan cheese offerings.
Educational Workshops
Workshops provide opportunities for education on cheesemaking and the artisan cheese industry. These sessions are typically integrated within cheese festivals or organized by groups like the Oregon Cheese Guild. Through these workshops, attendees can gain insight into the meticulous craft of cheesemaking, learning about everything from the basic principles to advanced techniques required to produce fine cheeses. These educational experiences support a continual growth of knowledge and appreciation within the Oregon cheese community.
The Future of Oregon Artisan Cheese
The Oregon artisan cheese industry is poised for continued innovation and market expansion, mindful of the environmental impacts associated with cheese production.
Innovation and Trends
Oregon's artisan cheese makers are constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity and quality. Notably, Rogue River Blue made headlines as the best cheese in the world, underscoring the region's potential for global recognition. The trend towards unique flavors and cheese-making techniques is likely to continue, with specialty products such as goatzarella and Lorelei, an aged cheese known for its complex flavor profile, gaining prominence. Consumers should anticipate a surge in unconventional cheeses that marry local ingredients with traditional and modern methods to create new taste experiences.
Expanding Markets
Oregon's artisan cheese market is not only thriving locally but is also carving out space on the national and international stage. With an increase from three cheese manufacturers in 1999 to 20 in 2014, artisanal producers like Goldin Artisan Goat Cheese are well-positioned to capitalize on growing consumer interest. Distribution channels are broadening beyond farmers' markets, with Oregon cheeses appearing in specialty food shops, restaurants, and online platforms. This expansion offers these small-scale producers the opportunity to introduce their products to a wider audience and grow their customer base.
Environmental Impact
Sustainability is integral to the future of Oregon's artisan cheese industry. With the high desert of Central Oregon providing optimal conditions for goat cheese production due to the region's clean water and volcanic soils, producers are acutely aware of their environmental stewardship role. They are adopting practices that minimize water usage, manage waste responsibly, and maintain soil health. The industry's move towards environmentally conscious production is not only a commitment to protecting the local ecosystem but also a response to consumer demand for sustainably produced artisan cheeses.
