Buxton Blue facts for kids

Buxton Blue is a special type of English blue cheese. It's a close relative of Blue Stilton, another famous English cheese. Buxton Blue is made from cow's milk and has a unique look with light blue veins and a deep reddish-brown color. It usually comes in a round, cylinder shape.

This cheese tastes great with a chilled glass of sweet dessert wine or a ruby port.

What is Buxton Blue Cheese?

Buxton Blue is known for its creamy texture and strong, tangy flavor. Like other blue cheeses, it gets its unique look and taste from a special kind of mold. This mold grows inside the cheese, creating the blue or green veins you see. It's safe to eat and gives the cheese its distinct character.

Where Does Buxton Blue Come From?

The making of Buxton Blue cheese is very special and is protected by laws in Europe. This means it has a "Protected Designation of Origin" (PDO) status. PDO is like a special label that tells you a food product is made in a specific place, using traditional methods. This helps keep the quality and unique character of the food.

For Buxton Blue, this means it can only be made in and around the town of Buxton in England. The milk used to make the cheese must come from farms in certain nearby areas. These areas are Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, or Staffordshire. This rule ensures that every Buxton Blue cheese tastes just right and truly comes from its traditional home.

How is Blue Cheese Made?

Making blue cheese like Buxton Blue involves a few key steps. First, fresh cow's milk is used. Special cultures and a type of mold, often Penicillium roqueforti, are added to the milk. This mold is what creates the blue veins.

After the cheese forms, it's usually pierced with needles. These small holes allow air to get inside the cheese. The air helps the mold grow and spread, creating the famous blue veins and unique flavor. The cheese then ages for a certain period, allowing its taste and texture to develop fully.

Taste and How to Enjoy It

Buxton Blue has a rich, creamy taste with a slightly salty and tangy kick. It's often described as being less strong than some other blue cheeses, making it a good choice for those new to blue cheese.

You can enjoy Buxton Blue in many ways:

• On a cheese board with crackers and fruit.
• Crumbled over salads for extra flavor.
• Melted into sauces or on top of burgers.
• Paired with sweet drinks like dessert wines or port, as these flavors balance the cheese's richness.