CHEESE BOX 79 –

October 25

Welcome to our Cheese box 79 – October 25! 

It’s New Zealand Cheese Month!

Spring is here and new life is bursting out everywhere. We know age doesn’t matter unless you’re cheese, but that may also apply to the cute lambs, calves, kids and fawns because we know that we have to wait at least a year before they provide us with some milk for our wonderful cheesemakers to turn into, well, yellow gold.

This month brings news of another cheesemaker hitting the wall, but also the good news that Origin Earth has been rescued and the new owners are investing for growth. Thankfully there is still plenty of artisan cheese being made in NZ, and our cheese makers deserve to be celebrated.

BALSAMIC CHEESE – FROM WHITE HORSE CHEESE

A smooth and creamy Gouda base – rich, mellow, and slightly nutty in flavour. Infused with aged balsamic vinegar, it gains a subtle tangy sweetness and a deep, aromatic complexity. A cheese that’s both savoury and sophisticated. Ideal for a cheeseboard, shaved over salads, or simply enjoyed on its own with a glass of Malbec, a Belgian Tripel, or a dark cola.

Region: Canterbury. Type of milk: cow

GOAT LOG – FROM CILANTRO CHEESE

Not a cheese to frighten those new to goat milk cheese! This is just plain lovely to spread on some bread (or on your toast for a cheeky breakfast). Try it with a dry Rose, or maybe a saison or a lightly flavoured kombucha.

Region: Waikato. Type of milk: goat

CAMEMBERT – FROM THORVALD

Creamy, rich, and it looks fantastic. Make sure it’s fully ripened and at room temperature for a while before climbing into it (and just eat it off your fingers?). Goes well with a Pinot Noir, a brown ale or a cherry juice.

Region: Nelson-Tasman Type of milk: sheep

BLUE – FROM HOHEPA

Hōhepa cheese is crafted by a dedicated team in Hawke’s Bay, blending traditional cheesemaking with a deep commitment to biodynamic farming and community. This blue has plenty of flavour and is very creamy, it’s perfectly balanced and not too strong. Break it into a Spring salad and match with a Beaujolais a red ale, or a quality cola.

Region: Hawkes Bay Type of milk: cow