Stilton

Known as the king of English cheeses, Stilton takes its name from a village just south of Peterborough. Stilton is made from whole cow's milk and ripened 4-6 months, during which it is skewered numerous times to promote the growth of pencillium roqueforti mold. This creates a pale yellow interior with blue-green veins. The texture is rich and creamy, but slightly crumbly. The flavor has a mellow cheddarlike quality with the pungency of blue cheese. There is also a young white Stilton that is marketed before the colored veins develop. It has a mild, slightly sour flavor. Stilton can only be made in the counties of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Leicestershire to a specified recipe. It makes an excellent dessert cheese and is traditionally served with Port.

Ethnicity: English Ingredient

Season: available year-round

Matches well with: port, sweet dessert wines