Stilton is one of the UK’s most famous cheeses. And undoubtedly one of the world’s most popular blue cheeses. This iconic unpressed, natural rind territorial cheese finds its origins in three counties in England. Read on to learn more about the dairies that make Stilton and discover where Blue Stilton comes from.
SEE ALSO: Why Stilton is no longer made with raw milk →
What is Stilton?
Stilton is a traditional blue cheese that has been made in the midlands of England since 1913. Initially, producers used local raw cow’s milk to make this medium strength blue cheese. But after a health scare in the late 1980’s, they adapted their procedures to use pasteurised milk instead.
Moreover, the Stilton PDO now restricts the recipe to only pasteurised milk.
Blue vs White Stilton
The PDO currently protects two versions of Stilton, the famous blue and also a lesser-known white version. As a matter of fact, both cheeses are made using the same recipe.
But with the white version, Penicillium roqueforti is not introduced during the production and the wheels are not pierced.
As a result, White Stilton does not have any blue veins or pockets. Furthermore, its texture is crumblier than the blue and its flavour quite sour. Unsurprisingly, White Stilton lacks the strong aroma and spicy flavour that are typical of the blue mould version.
Because of this, cheesemakers often flavour it with fruits such as pear, apple and cranberries.
Who makes Stilton?
As of 2022, there are six dairies in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire that are authorised to produce Blue Stilton. And one in Nottinghamshire (Shirevale) that only makes White Stilton. Let’s have a look at them.
Colston Bassett Dairy Limited (Nottinghamshire)
Based in Nottinghamshire, Colston Bassett Dairy is the home of traditional Stilton and Shropshire Blue cheeses. The dairy was first established as a farming co-operative in 1913 and is still in operation to this day.
Cropwell Bishop Creamery (Nottinghamshire)
Cropwell Bishop is also based in Nottinghamshire and their range includes Blue Stilton, White Stilton, Blue Shropshire and Potted Stilton. The creamery is owned and operated by Robin Skailes, a third-generation cheesemaker.
Cropwell Bishop have been making Blue Stilton since 1948 when they acquired a Stilton producer in Melton Mowbray.
Hartington Creamery (Derbyshire)
Next, we have Hartington Creamery, the only Stilton producer that is currently based in Derbyshire. The company’s history dates back to the year 1900 but their original factory closed down in 2009.
On the 17th of October 2012, Hartington Creamery Limited was revived and made its first cheese at the historic Pikehall Farm in the Derbyshire Dales. Their current range includes Blue Stilton, White Stilton and Shropshire Blue.
Long Clawson Dairy (Leicestershire)
Long Clawson Dairy has been making English cheese since 1911 in Leicestershire. Their original dairy was located on Mount Pleasant Farm in historic Melton Mowbray and was operated by Thomas Hoe Stevenson and his two sisters.
The dairy gets its name from the small village of Long Clawson and remains a farming co-operative to this day. Presently, they make a range of cheeses including Blue Stilton, White Stilton, Blue Shropshire and Rutland Red.
Tuxford & Tebbutt Creamery (Leicestershire)
With a history dating to the 1780’s, Tuxford & Tebbutt started up as farmhouse cheesemakers. Like Long Clawson, they are based in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. Currently, the company is owned by the farmer-owned dairy co-operative Arla Foods.
And they produce a range of British territorial cheeses such as Stilton, Sage Derby and Leicester Gold.
Websters of Saxelbye Dairy (Leicestershire)
Websters Dairy is the third Stilton maker based in Leicestershire. The small dairy is actually located in Saxelbye, just out of Melton Mowbray. Without a doubt, this 150-year-old dairy is the smallest of the six Stilton producers.
Blue Stilton is the only cheese Margaret and Hellen Callow make and they have mastered the art of producing and maturing this blue.
Conclusion
Stilton is the undisputed King of Cheeses in the United Kingdom. The fact that it has earned this title ahead of the world’s most popular cheese, Cheddar, tells you how significant and widely adored this blue cheese is.
While Colston Bassett and Cropwell Bishop Stilton are widely available internationally, some of the other brands can be more difficult to source. Have you had the pleasure of eating all of them? Let me which one is your favourite in the comments.
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!
