This week’s summer fun cheese pick is Niagara Gold, a semi-firm, washed-rind cow’s milk cheese from Upper Canada Cheese Company, in Jordan Station, Niagara — producers who are dedicated to making high quality, handcrafted artisan cheeses. You’ll notice the beautiful, golden yellow slightly open paste (inside of the cheese showing small holes) & darker apricot/peach coloured rind. Niagara Gold is so distinct that it’s reminiscent of a solid bar of 24K gold.
This beauty has a tinge of sweetness & tastes rich, buttery, creamy & slightly nutty, due to the Guernsey cow’s milk used to make it. Guernsey cows yield richer milk, higher in butterfat and protein, than other breeds and there are less than a dozen herds in Canada. While made in Ontario – Niagara Gold can be enjoyed here in the Nation’s Capital, from coast to coast in Canada and has been requested from as far away as Shanghai. Claim to fame? Prince Charles enjoyed Niagara Gold on his visit to Niagara last year.
FACTBOX:
Cheese: Niagara Gold
Producer: Upper Canada Cheese Company
Where To Buy: Ottawa BagelShop & Deli (Westboro)
Interesting Fact: Guernsey cow milk is high in beta carotene, producing the extra burst of golden colour lending Niagara Gold its name.