About Amish Cheese

Amish cheese-making is a tradition that has survived since some of the first Swiss and German immigrants came to America. This craft still thrives today in Amish communities across the country. Amish cheeses are a unique, delicious, and healthful alternative to other store-bought cheeses. Whether purchased as a special treat, a gift, or a kitchen staple, the wide variety of Amish cheese available can meet any need.

Features

Amish cheese is generally made from cows' milk with no artificial hormones. The cheese-making process involves filling large vats with milk and allowing them to sit while the curds and whey (the watery part) separate. The curds are then pressed down into wheel or block molds. The cheese is wrapped and stored in warming cellars. This is where the flavor begins to develop, as well as holes in the case of some cheeses. The process for making Amish cheese does not involve any artificial ingredients or preservatives. For this reason, a block of Amish cheese will continue to change in flavor while stored in the fridge. A block of such cheese can usually be stored for one month unsealed, and six months when sealed. It will become sharper in taste as it ages.

Types

There are more than 50 flavors of Amish cheese. Some of the most popular and unique flavors are the smoked varieties such as smoked cheddar and smoked pepper jack. Unlike store-bought smoked cheeses, which usually get their flavor from liquefied smoked flavoring, Amish smoked cheese is truly smoked. This is a difficult art to perfect. Other types of Amish cheeses include brick, Colby, farmer's, habanero, horseradish, sharp cheddar, white cheddar, and Monterrey Jack. All Amish cheese tends to be more pungent, flavorful and moist than other store-bought cheeses.

Geography

The Amish county in Middlefield, Ohio, boasts the "only true Amish cheese." The cheese here is certified organic. They use Amish-raised cows and hay as well as Amish labor and production. Other Amish communities, prevalent in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, often offer locally made cheeses, as well. Some delis and shops near Amish counties will purchase and resell these cheeses. Some offer Amish cheeses online and will ship nationwide.

Benefits

Amish cheese has a wide variety of health benefits. Most Amish cheese is organic, which offers all the benefits of any organic food, including lack of hormones and chemicals. As well, cheeses made from grass-fed cows can contain as much as five times the CLA available in other cheeses. CLA is often considered a powerful agent in preventing cancer. These cheeses are also higher in vitamins A, D and E.

Misconceptions

When purchasing any Amish cheese, it can be helpful to ask about the specific origins of the product. Amish cheese-making is sometimes considered a method of making cheese that anyone can partake in. Therefore, some Amish cheeses are not actually made by the Amish. As well, not all Amish cheese is certified organic. If the milk for the cheese was purchased from an outside vendor, the cheese may not be organic even if it was made in an Amish community.

Resources

• Real Amish Cheese