Stilton Cheese: A Royal Blue Heritage

Cheese enthusiasts around the world have long celebrated the rich and distinctive flavor of Stilton, a quintessential English blue cheese with a history as captivating as its taste. Stilton is often hailed as the “King of Cheese” for its unique combination of creamy texture and bold blue veins. Let’s delve into the fascinating origin, history, and recipe of this regal cheese.

Ingredients:

• 8 liters of pasteurized cow’s milk
• 1/8th teaspoon of Mesophilic starter culture
• 1/8th teaspoon of Penicillium Roqueforti mold spores
• 1/2 tablet of rennet dissolved in 1/4 cup of cool, non-chlorinated water
• Cheese salt

Instructions:

1. Milk Preparation: Heat the milk to 86°F (30°C) in a large stainless-steel pot.
2. Inoculation: Sprinkle the Mesophilic starter culture over the surface of the milk and let it rehydrate for a minute. Stir it into the milk using gentle, upward strokes.
3. Mold Introduction: Add the Penicillium Roqueforti mold spores to the milk and stir thoroughly.
4. Rennet Addition: Pour the dissolved rennet into the milk, stirring gently for about 1 minute. Cover the pot and let the milk set at 86°F (30°C) for 45 minutes, or until a clean break is achieved.
5. Cutting the Curd: Cut the curds into 1/2 inch cubes, and then let them rest for 5 minutes.
6. Cooking the Curd: Gradually heat the curds to 102°F (39°C) over 30 minutes, stirring gently to prevent matting.
7. Draining and Salting: Ladle the curds into a colander lined with cheesecloth. After an hour, sprinkle cheese salt over the curds, mixing gently.
8. Molding and Pressing: Transfer the curds to cheese molds and press at 20 pounds for 2 hours. Redress and press at 40 pounds for an additional 12 hours.
9. Aging: Move the cheese to a cool, humid environment (approximately 50-55°F or 10-13°C) and age for 9-12 weeks. Turn the cheese every few days during the first month.
10. Enjoying: Once the cheese has developed a creamy texture and distinctive blue veins, it’s ready to be savored.

Flavor Profile and Pairing:

Stilton is renowned for its robust, tangy flavor with earthy undertones. Its creamy texture makes it a versatile cheese suitable for both savory and sweet pairings. Traditionally, Stilton is enjoyed with a glass of port wine, but it also pairs well with honey, walnuts, and crusty bread.

In conclusion, Stilton cheese stands as a testament to the artistry of cheese-making and the rich cultural heritage of the English countryside. Its regal blue veins and distinct flavor continue to captivate cheese connoisseurs worldwide, making Stilton a truly royal delight on the palate.