Ep 5. Tillamook Cheese

In John Ratzenberger's Made in America season 2 episode 5, viewers are taken on a journey to explore the story behind Tillamook Cheese, a beloved brand of cheese hailing from Tillamook County, Oregon.

The episode begins with a brief history lesson on Tillamook County, which was settled by pioneers in the mid-1800s. The county's dairy industry began to boom in the early 1900s, thanks in large part to the arrival of the Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) in 1909. The TCCA was established by a group of dairy farmers who wanted to create a cooperative to help them get a fair price for their milk.

From there, the episode delves into the process of making Tillamook Cheese. We're introduced to the cheesemakers at the TCCA, who take us step-by-step through the cheese-making process, from the milk being delivered to the creamery to the finished product being packaged and sent off to stores.

One of the key things that sets Tillamook Cheese apart from other brands is the fact that it's made with only four simple ingredients: milk, salt, culture, and enzymes. This focus on quality and simplicity is something that the TCCA takes very seriously, and it's evident in every step of the cheese-making process.

We also get to meet some of the farmers who supply milk to the TCCA, and learn about the close relationship between the TCCA and its farmers. The TCCA has a strict set of standards for its milk suppliers, and works closely with them to ensure that they're meeting those standards. In return, the TCCA pays its farmers a premium price for their milk, helping to ensure that they can continue to make a living in the competitive dairy industry.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to gorgeous shots of the Tillamook County countryside, as well as some mouth-watering shots of Tillamook Cheese being sliced and melted. We also get to meet some of the people who work at the TCCA, from the cheesemakers to the marketers who help get the cheese into stores across the country.

One of the most interesting parts of the episode is learning about the TCCA's commitment to sustainability. The creamery is powered by a mix of wind, hydroelectric, and natural gas energy, and the TCCA is constantly looking for ways to reduce its carbon footprint. We also learn about the TCCA's efforts to reduce waste, including using the leftover whey from the cheesemaking process to create other products like protein powder and animal feed.

Overall, the episode is a fascinating look at one of America's most beloved cheese brands. Through stunning visuals and insightful interviews, we come to appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into each and every block of Tillamook Cheese.