Located
in Sonoma County California, a herd of 400 Jersey cows provides the
milk for Spring Hill Jersey Cheese's growing line of farmstead cheeses.
Smaller that Holsteins, (the archetypal black- and white- cow), which
produce a greater quantity yield, the milk of Jersey cows contains a
higher butter fat, resulting in an incomparable rich, creamy flavor.
Because of its low quantity yield, the Jersey is no longer common in
most commercial dairy operations. Larry Peter began his dairy in 1987,
and started producing Spring Hill Jersey Cheese in 1998. The homestead,
artisan cheese produced by Spring Hill is made entirely from the milk
of pasture-grazed Jersey cows. The difference in taste is staggering.
Over
the last two years, Spring Hill has developed a broad line of cheeses,
including, Quark, Ricotta, and a range of Cheddars and Jacks, which are
offered, in addition to their traditional forms, in a variety of
natural herb and spice flavors including garlic, pepper and sage.
Spring Hill's White Cheddar and its Sage Cheddar each won an award at
the 2000 American Cheese Society.
Spring
Hill also produces a number of fresh, specialty cheeses, including
Fresh Curd, a vital ingredient in the production of homemade
Mozzarella; Gianna, a mild washed rind cheese reminiscent of Taleggio
with a bite suggestive of Teleme; Dry Jack, rich in flavor and aged for
a harder texture; Old World Portuguese, a salt and Virgin Olive oil rub
brine cheese; Spring Hill Breeze, a Sonoma interpretation of the
classic French Brie; in addition, Spring Hill recently produced a firm
Dry Brie which enjoys the Breeze flavor, but with a consistency similar
to aged Cheddar. Look forward to the production of a Jersey Cream
Cheese in the New Year.
All
Spring Hill cheeses are produced with pasteurized milk. The fresh
cheeses are aged from 3-5 weeks, the Jacks 3-6 months, and the Cheddars
1-3years. Spring Hill Jersey Cheese has established a name for itself
at the Farmer's Markets of Northern California, and is now developing a
presence in your specialty retail grocer. Treat yourself to Spring Hill
Jersey Cheese.