Dovedale cheese facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dovedale |
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![]() Dovedale soft blue cheese from Derbyshire, England
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Other names | Dovedale Blue |
Country of origin | England |
Region | Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire |
Source of milk | Cows |
Pasteurised | Yes |
Texture | Soft |
Aging time | 3–4 weeks |
Certification | PDO 2007 |
Named after | Lua error in Module:Wikidata at line 70: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). |
Dovedale, also called Dovedale Blue, is a special type of blue cheese. It gets its name from the beautiful Dovedale valley. This valley is found in the Peak District, a famous national park in England, where the cheese is made.
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What Makes Dovedale Cheese Special?
Dovedale is known for being a soft and creamy cheese. It has a mild blue flavour, which means it's not too strong. This cheese is made from full-fat cow's milk.
How is Dovedale Made?
One interesting thing about Dovedale cheese is how it's salted. Most British cheeses are dry-salted, meaning salt is rubbed on their surface. But Dovedale is different! It is brine-dipped. This means the cheese is soaked in salty water. This special method gives Dovedale a unique look and taste, making it seem more like cheeses from other parts of Europe.
Protected Status: What is PDO?
In 2007, Dovedale cheese received a very important award called Protected designation of origin (PDO) status.
What Does PDO Mean?
PDO status is like a special badge of honour for food products. It means that Dovedale cheese must be made in a traditional way. It also means it can only be produced within about 50 miles (80 kilometres) of the Dovedale valley. This rule helps to protect the cheese's unique quality and its connection to its home region.
Where is Dovedale Cheese Made?
The original Dovedale cheese was first created and is still made at the Hartington Creamery in Derbyshire. Another version of the cheese is also produced by the Staffordshire Cheese Company in Cheddleton, Staffordshire. This ensures that the cheese keeps its special qualities and stays true to its origins.