Any cheesemaker will tell you that great cheese starts with great milk. Great milk is just one reason we’re excited to highlight Arethusa Farm, one of our favorite American cheese producers!
Located only a few hours drive out of the city in Litchfield, Connecticut, Arethusa Farm has been producing top quality milk for decades from a mixed herd of Jerseys, Brown Swiss, and Holsteins. About 10 years ago they began making a beautiful selection of European-inspired cheeses that are truly exemplary of the quality you get when you start with the best ingredients. We love to support and work directly with American cheese producers across the country because we truly believe in these small operations that care about the animals, environment, and final product. Arethusa’s cheeses may be European-inspired but they are pure American gold. Two of our favorites we have on hand right now are Europa and Arethusa Blue (pictured above).
Europa is made in the style of a traditional Dutch Gouda, but it’s buttery texture and savory/sweet flavor makes us think of that beloved slice of good ol’ American deli cheese, just brought to a whole new level. Europa is the kind of cheese you’ll want to simply snack on or make the perfectly gooey grilled cheese or egg sandwich.
For all you blue lovers out there, Arethusa Blue just might be the closest thing you can get to classic English Stilton this side of the pond. Beneath a delicate natural rind is the most mesmerizing blue veining and dense fudgey paste. This blue has that chocolatey, nutty and deeply rich flavor that will pair perfectly with fresh or dried fruit and is bold enough to stand up to a nice steak and add savory depth to a salad.
If you have yet to explore the wide, beautiful world of domestic artisanal cheese, Arethusa Farm is a great place to start--and get hooked!
