Shropshire Blue

Shropshire Blue

• Country: England
• Region: Leicestershire, made by Sparkenhoe Dairy
• Flavour: Mellow, rich, buttery with a mild blue tang
• Type of Milk: Cow's milk
• Pasteurisation: Pasteurised
• Vegetarian Rennet: Yes
• Organic: Varies by producer

Overview:

Shropshire Blue is a distinctive blue cheese with a beautiful, peachy-orange paste and blue veins running through its creamy texture. Made by Sparkenhoe Dairy from the family’s own herd of pedigree Holstein-Friesian cows, this cheese combines the richness and buttery taste of traditional English cheeses with the mild, balanced tang of a blue. Often described as a richer and milder cousin of Stilton, Shropshire Blue offers a wonderful balance of creamy texture and gentle blue mould, making it an accessible and versatile choice for any cheese board.

History & Background:

Though Shropshire Blue may sound like a traditional cheese, it was actually created in the 1970s in the midlands of England. The cheese was inspired by the famous Stilton, but with the addition of more complex flavours. While Stilton is often sharp and crumbly, Shropshire Blue is smoother, with a milder blue tang. The name “Shropshire” was chosen to honour the region’s history of dairy farming, despite the cheese actually being made in Leicestershire.

Cheesemaking Process:

• Milk Source: Made from the milk of Holstein-Friesian cows, known for producing rich, creamy milk that contributes to the cheese's smooth texture.
• Moulding: The cheese is carefully inoculated with Penicillium roqueforti to encourage the development of blue veins.
• Aging: Shropshire Blue is aged for around 12-16 weeks, allowing the cheese to develop a smooth, buttery flavour with mild blue tang.
• Texture: The cheese has a smooth, creamy texture with a soft, dense paste, making it easy to spread yet firm enough to slice.

Taste & Texture:

• Flavour:
  • Mellow and creamy, Shropshire Blue has a rich, buttery flavour with a subtle blue tang.
  • The peachy-orange paste offers a slightly sweet taste that balances the blue veins, giving the cheese a rounder flavour profile.
  • While not as sharp as some blues, it still offers that characteristic mild, tangy finish that defines blue cheeses.
• Texture:
  • Creamy and smooth, the cheese has a dense, soft paste with just the right level of crumbliness around the blue veins.
  • The blue veins are not overly pronounced, creating a balanced texture that is easy to slice and spread.

Pairing Recommendations:

• Savoury Pairings:
  • Crusty bread, especially with a slightly sweet chutney like fig or onion marmalade, complements Shropshire Blue’s rich, buttery notes.
  • Grilled meats or charcuterie work beautifully with the creamy tang of the cheese.
  • Pair with pickled vegetables like gherkin or pickled onions to balance the richness.
• Sweet Pairings:
  • A drizzle of honey or a few slices of fresh pear balance the slight tang of the blue with sweetness.
  • Dried fruits like apricots or raisins enhance the fruity notes in the cheese.
• Wine Pairings:
  • Red Wine: A soft, fruity red, like a Merlot or Zinfandel, complements the mellow flavour without overpowering it.
  • White Wine: A full-bodied Chardonnay or a slightly sweet Riesling balances the richness of the cheese.
  • Beer Pairings: A mild ale or Amber Ale enhances the smooth, buttery texture.
• Beer Pairings:
  • Try pairing Shropshire Blue with a smooth porter or a mild English ale to complement its creamy texture and mild blue tang.

Culinary Uses:

• Cheese Boards: Shropshire Blue makes a gorgeous addition to any cheese board, offering a creamy blue alternative that pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, nuts, and crackers.
• Salads: Crumble over a green salad with walnuts and grapes, or use it in a roasted beetroot salad.
• Sandwiches: Spread it on a sandwich with roast chicken and apple slices, or serve with crispy bacon.
• Pasta Dishes: Shropshire Blue can be melted into a cheese sauce for pasta dishes like macaroni and cheese or gnocchi.
• Baked Goods: Try it melted on a tart or in a quiche, where its smooth, creamy texture shines.

Storage & Serving:

• Storage: Wrap in wax paper or cheese paper and keep in the fridge. To preserve its flavour, store in an airtight container.
• Serving Instructions: Bring the cheese to room temperature before serving to allow its flavours to develop.

Conclusion:

Shropshire Blue is a wonderfully mellow blue cheese with a rich, buttery flavour that’s both accessible and delicious. Its peachy-orange paste and delicate blue veins make it a gorgeous addition to cheese boards, and its mild yet tangy flavour works in a variety of culinary applications. Whether enjoyed with bread, fruit, or wine, Shropshire Blue is a standout in any cheese collection.