Swaledale Ewes' Cheese

Kaly99, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

About Swaledale Ewes' Cheese

Swaledale Ewes Cheese is a full-fat hard cheese made from ewe’s milk in Swaledale, North Yorkshire. It has a cylindrical shape, a firm and crumbly texture, and a natural white color. The cheese is either coated in a greenish-blue-grey mold or sealed with black wax. Made entirely by hand, the traditional production process includes pressing, brining for 24 hours, and a maturation period of 3 to 4 weeks. The cheese has been produced in the region for centuries using a closely guarded recipe passed down through generations. The distinct flavor is influenced by the local pastures, which provide a unique mix of herbs and grasses for the sheep.

Key Facts

Country of Origin	England, United Kingdom
Specific Origin	Swaledale, North Yorkshire
Protection	PDO (1994)
Milk Type	Sheep
Rind	Greenish-blue-grey mold or black wax coating
Texture	Hard, firm, crumbly
Colors	White
Forms	Cylindrical wheels
Age	3 to 4 weeks

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