Swaledale Cheese

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Swaledale Cheese

Kaly99, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

About Swaledale Cheese

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

Key Facts

Country of Origin England, United Kingdom
Specific Origin Swaledale, North Yorkshire
Protection PDO (1996)
Milk Type Cow
Texture Hard, soft crumbly
Colors Creamy off-white
Forms Cylindrical wheels
Age 3 to 4 weeks
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