Are you a fan of traditional British cheese? Looking to indulge in a gourmet cheese made with local produce? Then you must experience the unique taste of Dorset Blue Vinny Cheese.
This iconic cheese has a fascinating history that dates back to 17th century England. Handmade by farmers’ wives, Dorset Blue Vinny was born out of the necessity to utilize leftover milk after the cream had been skimmed off. This traditional cheese boasts a crumbly texture and a lower fat content compared to other cheeses of its time, making it a healthier choice for cheese lovers.
What sets Dorset Blue Vinny apart is its rich blueing process, which involves various methods to encourage the growth of mold. From using horse harnesses to storing the cheese near dirty boots, even incorporating slugs and slug slime, the cheese molds in the most intriguing ways. Although these practices are no longer in use, Dorset Blue Vinny continues to be made with the same 300-year-old recipe, preserving its authenticity and distinct taste.
After its decline during the Second World War, Dorset Blue Vinny was revived by Michael Davies in the early 1980s. Today, Woodbridge Farm is the only producer of genuine Dorset Blue Vinny, maintaining the cheese’s legacy and ensuring its exceptional quality. In recognition of its unique qualities, Dorset Blue Vinny Cheese has been awarded Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, reinforcing its status as a true British culinary treasure.
Whether you’re a connoisseur or simply looking to try something new, Dorset Blue Vinny Cheese is a must-try gourmet delight. Indulge in the flavors of tradition and craftsmanship while supporting local producers. Experience the taste of Dorset and savor the distinctive character of this authentic artisanal cheese.
The Production Process of Dorset Blue Vinny Cheese
The production process of Dorset Blue Vinny cheese involves several steps that contribute to its artisanal quality and crumbly texture. Let’s take a closer look at how this delectable dairy product is made:
Pasturization and Skimming
Starting with fresh milk sourced from the farm’s herd of Holstein Friesian cows, the first step is to pasteurize the milk to ensure its safety and quality. Once pasteurized, the cream is skimmed off, leaving behind rich and nutritious milk. The separation of cream results in a lower fat content, which is one of the distinctive characteristics of Dorset Blue Vinny cheese.
Addition of Culture, Rennet, and Mold
Next, an artisanal touch is added to the milk. A starter culture, rennet, and penicillin mold are introduced to initiate the cheese-making process. These elements play a vital role in coagulating the milk, creating the foundation for the unique flavor profile of Dorset Blue Vinny.
The Coagulation and Cutting Process
After the additions, the milk coagulates and forms curds and whey. The curds are then carefully cut into small pieces, allowing the whey to separate more effectively.
Curing and Maturation
The curds are left overnight to develop and enhance their flavor. The next morning, the whey is drained off, and the curds are ground and seasoned with salt. They are then placed into molds, where they mature for several days before being transferred to the maturation room. In this room, the cheeses are turned by hand daily during the initial weeks, promoting even mold growth and flavor development.
Mold Growth and Flavor Development
To aid in the growth of mold and further enhance the cheese’s complexity, the matured Dorset Blue Vinny cheeses are spiked with pins. These pins allow air to circulate within the cheese, creating the ideal conditions for the mold to flourish. Over the course of approximately 20 weeks, the cheeses continue to mature, resulting in the distinctive crumbly texture and piquant, peppery flavor that Dorset Blue Vinny is renowned for.
The careful craftsmanship and dedication that goes into every step of the production process ensure that each wheel of Dorset Blue Vinny cheese is a masterpiece, delivering a truly exceptional taste experience. Now that we’ve explored the production process, let’s delve deeper into the significance of Dorset Blue Vinny’s Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status.
The Home of Dorset Blue Vinny Cheese – Woodbridge Farm
Woodbridge Farm, located just outside Sturminster Newton, is the picturesque setting where the renowned Dorset Blue Vinny Cheese is crafted. This charming farm has been in the Davies family for over 40 years, and it is here that the revival of this artisanal cheese took place in the early 1980s.
Michael Davies, a true cheese lover, dedicated himself to resurrecting the production of Dorset Blue Vinny using a 300-year-old recipe. Starting in the humble confines of the farmhouse garage, he transformed the kitchen pantry into a maturing room for the cheese. Today, Woodbridge Farm remains the heart and soul of the Dorset Blue Vinny Cheese production.
The farm encompasses a sprawling 580-acre estate, providing ample space for the 270 Holstein Friesian cows that call it home. These cows play a vital role in the creation of Dorset Blue Vinny, as their milk serves as the foundation for this exquisite cheese. The heavy Oxford clay soil, which presents unique farming challenges, also imparts its distinct flavor to the milk.
Woodbridge Farm is a family-run business, with the Davies family overseeing every stage of the cheese-making process. They are supported by a dedicated team of three full-time workers who help ensure the farm operates smoothly. In addition to Dorset Blue Vinny Cheese, Woodbridge Farm takes pride in producing a delectable range of handmade chutneys using only the finest local and seasonal produce.
The Significance of Dorset Blue Vinny’s Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Status
Dorset Blue Vinny Cheese holds a prestigious distinction: Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. This recognition highlights the unique qualities and traditional production methods that make Dorset Blue Vinny exceptional.
PGI is an exclusive designation given by the European Commission. It signifies that a product has a strong connection to a specific geographic region and is crafted using traditional techniques. In the case of Dorset Blue Vinny, it is one of fewer than 200 cheeses in the European Union to be awarded this esteemed status.
The PGI designation ensures that Dorset Blue Vinny Cheese can only be made in Dorset, using locally sourced milk produced within the county. This commitment to regional ingredients and methods fosters the authentic taste and quality that Dorset Blue Vinny is renowned for.
To maintain its PGI status, Dorset Blue Vinny Cheese undergoes regular inspections to ensure adherence to strict specifications. This guarantees that the cheese is made with the utmost authenticity and continues to embody the centuries-old tradition for which it is known.
This recognition places Dorset Blue Vinny alongside renowned cheeses, such as Stilton, Reblochon, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. It not only sets Dorset Blue Vinny apart as an authentic and exceptional cheese but also provides consumers with confidence in the product they are purchasing.
Conclusion
Dorset Blue Vinny Cheese is a true gem in the world of British cheese. With its fascinating history and unique flavor, it embodies the essence of tradition and craftsmanship. Made using time-honored methods and locally sourced milk, this gourmet cheese is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Dorset.
Thanks to the dedication of Michael Davies and the award of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, Dorset Blue Vinny Cheese continues to be produced and enjoyed. Its PGI status ensures that every bite of this artisanal cheese is authentic and of the highest quality.
Whether you savor it on its own, pair it with handcrafted chutneys, or use it as a delectable ingredient in recipes, Dorset Blue Vinny Cheese is a true delight for your taste buds. Explore the world of this exceptional British cheese and indulge in its rich, savory flavors.
FAQ
What is Dorset Blue Vinny Cheese?
Dorset Blue Vinny Cheese is a traditional British cheese with a rich history and unique flavor. It is a crumbly cheese made using a 300-year-old recipe and a rich blueing process.
How is Dorset Blue Vinny Cheese made?
The production process involves pasteurizing and hand-skimming fresh milk, adding starter culture, rennet, and penicillin mold, and allowing the milk to coagulate. The curds are cut, drained, ground, salted, and put into molds, where they mature for approximately 20 weeks.
Where is Dorset Blue Vinny Cheese made?
Dorset Blue Vinny Cheese is made at Woodbridge Farm, located just outside Sturminster Newton in Dorset, England.
What is the significance of Dorset Blue Vinny’s Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status?
Dorset Blue Vinny has achieved PGI status, which guarantees its authenticity and quality. It ensures that the cheese can only be made in Dorset using milk produced in the county, and it is regularly inspected to maintain its traditional production methods.
