Ep 6. Stilton, The King of English Cheese - England

Cheese Slices is a show that explores the world of cheese and its makers. In season 2 episode 6, titled "Stilton, The King of English Cheese - England", host Will Studd takes viewers on a journey through the history and production of Stilton cheese, which is considered one of the finest blue cheeses in the world.

The episode begins with Will visiting Stilton, a small village in England where the cheese got its name. He talks with locals about the importance of Stilton cheese to the community and the level of pride they have in its production. Will then heads to Long Clawson Dairy, one of the largest producers of Stilton cheese, to learn about the cheese-making process.

At the dairy, Will meets with the cheesemaker, who explains how Stilton cheese is made using traditional methods that have been perfected over the centuries. The cheese is produced using cow's milk sourced from local farms, which is then mixed with rennet to coagulate the milk. The curd is then cut, molded, and allowed to mature for several months, during which time the blue mold spores are introduced to create the distinctive veins of blue throughout the cheese.

Will also explores the unique flavor profile of Stilton cheese, which he describes as earthy and pungent, with a creamy texture that melts in your mouth. He taste-test different varieties of Stilton, including young and mature versions, and discusses how the cheese pairs well with different types of wine and other foods.

To understand the cultural significance of Stilton Cheese in England, Will visits a local food market where he meets sellers who offer Stilton cheese in different forms including potted Stilton, Stilton with cranberries and Stilton blended with a powerful type of fortified wine. He samples various creations made with Stilton, such as quiche and salad dressing.

Throughout the episode, Will also highlights the challenges that Stilton cheese faces, such as the strict regulations governing its production, which limits the number of producers and can make it difficult for small, independent cheesemakers to get their cheese to market. However, the flavor quality controls and accessibility of the product enable the producers to maintain a high production quality.

Overall, "Stilton, The King of English Cheese - England" is an engaging and informative episode of Cheese Slices that offers viewers a glimpse into the rich and varied world of cheese-making. The episode highlights key aspects of the Stilton cheese production process, delves into its cultural significance, and provides crucial insights into how the cheese industry in England operates.