Amish cheese is a type of artisanal cheese made by the Amish people, a religious group known for their simple living and rejection of modern technologies. This unique artisanal type of cheese is a product of their deep connection to the land and the animals they raise. In this post, we will explore their history, farming practices, cheese production methods and modern examples of Amish cheese.
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History of Amish cheese
The Amish are a group of people who migrated from Europe to North America in the 18th century. Initially, they settled in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana but have since spread to other parts of the United States.
To this day, the Amish champion a traditional way of life, which includes farming, raising livestock and making crafts by hand. Undoubtedly, cheesemaking has been a big part of Amish life for centuries and it is believed that the first Amish cheese was made in the late 17th century.
Where do the Amish live?
Overall, the Amish people live primarily in the United States and Canada, with the largest population residing in the state of Ohio. However, Amish communities can also be found in several other states, including Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Michigan, as well as in Ontario and other provinces in Canada.
Amish communities are often rural and are characterised by their emphasis on simplicity and self-sufficiency. Typically, Amish families live on farms or in small towns and they often rely on traditional forms of transportation such as horses and buggies.
While the majority of Amish people live in North America, there are also small Amish communities in other parts of the world, such as Central and South America, Europe and Asia. Actually, these communities largely consist of people who have either left North American Amish communities or who have converted to the Amish faith while living abroad.
Sustainable Amish farming practices
Without a doubt, traditional farming is central to the Amish way of life. Amish farming is a type of traditional farming that focuses on sustainability, self-sufficiency and community. There are several factors that make Amish farming special:
Connection to the land
The Amish have a deep connection to the land and prioritise sustainable farming practices that ensure the long-term health of the soil and surrounding ecosystems. Moreover, they often use methods such as crop rotation, composting and cover cropping to maintain soil health and fertility.
Small-scale family-owned farms
Amish farms are typically small-scale, family-owned operations. Consequently, this allows for more personalised attention to the animals and crops. And a greater emphasis on sustainable, organic methods.
Self-sufficiency
Moreover, the Amish are known for their self-sufficiency and their ability to produce much of what they need on their own farms. This includes not only cheese and other foods, but also clothing, furniture and other necessities. By producing their own goods, the Amish are able to reduce their reliance on outside resources and become more self-sufficient.
Traditional farming
Undoubtedly, a mainstay of Amish farming is its use of traditional methods and technologies. This includes the use of horses for ploughing and other farm work, as well as hand tools and simple machinery. By using these traditional methods, the Amish are able to minimise their reliance on fossil fuels and reduce their carbon footprint.
Community
Finally, Amish farming is deeply rooted in the community. Indeed, Amish farmers often work together to share resources, knowledge and labour. As a result, they achieve economies of scale while also strengthening the bonds between neighbours.
Traditional cheesemaking methods
As we’ve mentioned earlier, artisanal cheesemaking is a big part of the Amish lifestyle. Actually, the traditional cheesemaking methods of the Amish people in the USA are based on centuries-old practices. And they have passed the know-how and lifestyle down through generations. These methods prioritise simplicity, natural ingredients and attention to detail to create high-quality, artisanal cheeses.
Here are some of the key elements of Amish cheesemaking:
Raw milk
The Amish traditionally used raw milk, which has not been pasteurised, to make cheese. This is because raw milk contains natural enzymes and bacteria that contribute to the unique flavour and texture of the cheese. However, most communities have shifted to pasteurised milk in recent times.
Handcrafted techniques
Amish cheesemakers use handcrafted techniques to make their cheese. Effectively, this includes stirring the curds by hand and shaping the cheese using traditional methods.
Natural and local ingredients
Furthermore, they use natural ingredients, such as rennet, cultures and salt to make their cheese. Indeed, they source their ingredients and do not use additives, antibiotics and preservatives.
Ageing
Many Amish cheeses are aged for long periods of time, sometimes up to several years. Therefore, this allows the cheese to develop complex flavours and textures. We’ll give you some stellar examples of their aged cheeses further down.
Wooden equipment
Amish cheese makers often use wooden equipment, such as cheese presses and ageing racks. This is because wood is a natural material that allows for the exchange of air and moisture, which is important for the ageing process.
Overall, the traditional cheesemaking methods of the Amish prioritise simplicity, natural ingredients and attention to detail. Consequently, they produce high-quality, artisanal cheeses that are prized for their unique flavours and textures.
Makers of Amish cheese
There are a large number of small batch Amish cheesemakers in North America. Here are a few examples of some of the more famous producers:
Guggisberg Cheese
Guggisberg Cheese is a family-owned cheese company located in Millersburg, Ohio. The company was founded in 1950 by Alfred Guggisberg, a Swiss immigrant who brought his traditional cheesemaking techniques to the United States.
Presently, Guggisberg Cheese produces a variety of cheeses, including Swiss, Amish Butter Cheese and Smoked Cheddar. Without a doubt, the company is best known for its award-winning Baby Swiss Cheese, which has a milder flavour than traditional Swiss cheese and is made using a unique, proprietary recipe.
Pearl Valley Cheese
Next, we have Pearl Valley Cheese. This family-owned and operated cheese business finds its roots in Fresno, Ohio. The company has been producing artisanal cheeses in the Amish tradition for over 90 years. And their cheeses are made with high-quality milk from local farmers and are handcrafted using traditional techniques.
Nowadays, Pearl Valley Cheese offers a wide variety of cheese products, including Monterey Jack, Swiss and Colby Deli Horns. Over the years, their commitment to quality and craftsmanship has earned them numerous awards and loyal customers over the years.
Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op
Our third Amish cheesemaking company also hails from Ohio. Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op is a cheese cooperative located in Middlefield (no surprise there!). The company was founded in 1956 by a group of Amish farmers who wanted to pool their resources and expertise to create high-quality cheese.
Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op produces a variety of cheeses, including Monterey Jack, Provolone, Smoked Cheddar and Colby Longhorn.
Bunker Hill Cheese (Heini’s)
Bunker Hill Cheese is a family-owned cheese company located in Millersburg, Ohio, USA. The company was founded in 1935 by John (Hans) Dauwaulder, who immigrated to the United States from Switzerland.
Bunker Hill Cheese produces a variety of cheeses including Gouda and Monterey Jack. But their most popular cheeses are flavoured cheeses such as their Fiesta Jack, Bermuda Onion Cheese and Buffalo Wing Cheese. Moreover, Heini’s produces a range of lactose free and A2 milk cheeses.
In addition to cheese, Bunker Hill Cheese also produces other dairy products such as butter, yoghurt, and ice cream. But their most famous offering might just be their Cheese Fudge. If you’re intrigued by this unique delicacy, keep reading as we’ll get back to that a little bit later.
Shenk’s Foods
Shenk’s Foods is a family-owned and operated business that produces artisanal cheeses and other food products in Pennsylvania’s Amish country. The company was founded in 1925 by Amos Shenk, who began making cheese using milk from his family’s dairy farm.
Today, Shenk’s Foods is run by the third and fourth generations of the Shenk family and continues to uphold the tradition of producing high-quality, handmade cheeses using traditional methods.
In addition to its signature Cup Cheese, the company offers a variety of other cheese-based products, including aged Cheddar, Cheese Curds, spreads and dips.
Amish Country Cheese
Our final cheesemaker on this list is one of the biggest ones. In 1945, Jim and Jenny Williams embarked on their cheese-making venture, utilising an old barn as their warehouse. Upholding a steadfast commitment to quality, the Williams family has established a foundation for their company, never compromising on their principles.
With over 70 years in business, Amish Country Cheese produces, ages and packages more than 5 million pounds (over 2200 metric tonnes) of cheese annually.
The Williams family maintains their dedication to the high standards that have kept them in business for more than half a century. They strive to deliver to their customers exactly what they expect: premium quality cheeses, excellent value and friendly service from individuals who appreciate their patronage and stand behind their products.
These are just a few examples of some of the most famous Amish cheese makers. There are many other small, family-owned farms and cheese makers throughout the Amish community who produce high-quality, artisanal cheeses using traditional methods.
Modern examples of Amish cheese
Now that we’ve introduced you to a few of the best Amish cheesemakers in the United States, let’s discover some of their offerings. Here are 7 examples of popular Amish cheeses:
Baby Swiss Cheese
Baby Swiss Cheese is a mild, creamy cheese that is made in the Amish tradition. Without a doubt, it is the most famous cheese made by Guggisberg Cheese in Ohio.
The cheese is made with whole cow’s milk and has a distinctive appearance, with small holes or “eyes” throughout the cheese. It is a popular choice for sandwiches, salads and snacking.
Super Hot Jumping Jack Cheese
Pearl Valley’s Super Hot Jumping Jack Cheese is a spicy cheese that is made in the Amish artisanal tradition. The cheese is made with a blend of Monterey Jack and ghost chilli peppers, giving it a spicy kick that sets it apart from traditional cheeses.
Moreover, the cheese has a creamy texture and a distinctive orange colour. Unsurprisingly, Super Hot Jumping Jack Cheese is a popular choice for those who enjoy bold and spicy flavours. And it can be used in a variety of dishes, from burgers to tacos to Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.
Middlefield Brick Cheese
Middlefield Brick Cheese is a semi-soft, mild cheese that is made by Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op. This popular cheese has a smooth, creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavour. It is often used as a table cheese, in sandwiches, or melted on pizzas and casseroles.
Heini’s Cheese Fudge
While this is not strictly a cheese, we couldn’t do an Amish cheese list without including Heini’s Cheese Fudge. This unique and delicious treat combines cream cheese with a range of fresh ingredients. If visiting Heini’s Cheese Chalet, look out for their Blueberry Cheese Fudge, Chocolate Cheese Fudge, Peanut Butter Cheese Fudge or Rainbow Sherbet Cheese Fudge.
The fudge is made using a blend of cream cheese along with other ingredients such as sugar, butter and vanilla. The resulting fudge has a smooth, creamy texture and a rich, complex flavour.
Overall, their unique recipe spectacularly brings together the sweetness of chocolate or the tartness of the blueberries with the tanginess of cheese.
Shenk’s Cup Cheese
Shenk’s Cup Cheese is a traditional, spreadable cheese that is made in Pennsylvania’s Amish country. It is produced by Shenk’s Foods, a family-owned and operated business that has been making artisanal cheeses since 1925.
To make this unique cheese, Shenk’s Foods use Lancaster County skim milk, which they culture, heat and agitate overnight. The milk is processed within 10 hours of milking. The soft curds are hand cut with a traditional paddle, then drained and pressed.
Finally, they salt and age the cheese to achieve desired flavour. Once the complexity is perfect, the cheese is warmed, packaged into Shenk’s cups and distributed to local grocers.
Amish Country Hoop Cheese
Amish Country’s Hoop Cheese is a mild, slightly salty cheese when young. It has a rubbery texture that matures into a firm and crumbly one as the cheese ages. Moreover, the cheese has a rich yellow paste with a subtle nutty flavour.
Its creamy texture makes it an excellent cooking ingredient that adds a rich consistency to dishes without altering their flavour or making them stickier. It can be used to make delicious grilled sandwiches and Macaroni & Cheese, or enjoyed with crackers or fruit as a tasty snack.
How Amish cheesemakers market and sell their products
Amish cheese makers operate in a unique business environment that is often different from that of traditional commercial cheesemakers. Rather than focusing on large-scale production and mass marketing, Amish cheesemakers prioritise quality, sustainability and community.
As a result, their marketing and sales strategies are often focused on building personal relationships with customers and emphasising the traditional, artisanal nature of their products.
One of the primary ways that Amish cheese makers market and sell their products is through farmers’ markets and other local events. These venues provide an opportunity for cheesemakers to connect with customers face-to-face and to showcase the unique flavours and textures of their cheeses. Many Amish cheese makers also offer tastings and samples, allowing customers to try the cheese before they buy.
In addition to farmers’ markets, Amish cheese makers also sell their products through specialty stores, gourmet shops and online marketplaces. These channels allow cheesemakers to reach a wider audience while still maintaining the personal touch and high quality that is associated with Amish cheesemaking.
Overall, the business of Amish cheese is characterised by a commitment to quality, sustainability and community. By prioritising these values and building personal relationships with customers, Amish cheese makers have created a thriving niche market for their unique, artisanal cheeses.
Summary
Amish cheese is a product of the Amish way of life, which values tradition, simplicity, and hard work. The Amish take pride in producing high-quality cheese using traditional methods that have been passed down through the generations.
Have you ever tried this unique type of cheese? Let us know what your experience was like in the comments below.
Jonah is a a hipster, eco-warrior and slow food afficionado. Coming from a scientific background, Jonah has a particular interest in cheese science. And yes, he loves a good cheese pun!
