Are you looking for a cheese that does not come in a plastic, self-contained wrapper? Do you want a cheese that will go with many different things without seeming arrogant? Why not try Colby Longhorn cheese? Unlike many of the cheeses Americans eat, Colby Longhorn cheese is distinctly American, born and raised. What makes this cheese so special, and what makes Williams Cheese the best Colby Longhorn cheese? Have a read to discover why Colby Longhorn cheese is so amazing.
How is Cheese Made?
Cheese is a mixture of protein and milk fat. Each kind of cheese is a different combination of those two things, with different moisture contents. First, the farmer gets the milk from the cow. In nearly all cheeses, it is pasteurized first to get rid of any harmful bacteria. The milk then goes into a machine called a cheese vat. The bacterial cultures that make cheese up can grow in the vat. Workers at Williams Cheese add specific cheese cultures to the vat. Each culture makes a different kind of cheese.
After the cheese cultures for a period (again dependent on the cheese), rennet is added to the cheese to make a gel. While most rennet is animal based, there is also a vegetarian option. Once the cheese has hardened into a gel, the solid milk curds and the whey are separated. Workers shape the salted curd into blocks. Sometimes, the block of cheese is aged for a particular period, and other times, the cheese is better the fresher it is.
Colby Longhorn Cheese
Colby cheese is an American cheese dyed to appear orange in color. While some people compare Colby to cheddar, they taste very different. Cheddar can be sharp or mild, but Colby cheese is always mild. This is because Colby is softer than cheddar, with a more open texture. The moisture content of Colby is also higher. People can eat cheddar months or years after it is aged. With a Colby cheese, the younger the cheese is, the better it is. In fact, if you really like creamy cheeses, eat a fresh Colby cheese as fast as you can.
Longhorn?
Longhorn cheese is called that not because it is a flavor of cheese, but because it is a shape of the cheese. Many people believe that the Longhorn style comes from the shape of the horns on a Texas Longhorn steer, but it may be just a Texan bragging. The Longhorn style means that when workers make the cheese ready for packaging, it looks like a rainbow or a half-moon shape. The Longhorn shape also means that the cheese is more elastic than cheddar is. Longhorn cheeses are slightly sweet as well.
How to Cook with Colby Longhorn
Colby Longhorn makes a great melting cheese. It is one of the cheeses that people use for fondue. Colby Longhorn cheese chunks are great in a fondue pot with a slice of bread. Colby Longhorn cheese can be found in many cheese recipes. Many people use Colby Longhorn as a grilled cheese sandwich. Colby Longhorn is also a good choice for hamburgers. In addition, Colby Longhorn is great paired with fruit, especially pears. Colby pairs very well with white wines, such as Zinfandels. Many people have also paired Colby Longhorn with rose wines, and added fruit to a serving tray for guests with bread. Rye bread pairs well with Colby Longhorn, because the creaminess of the Longhorn and the Colby helps balance out sour rye.
If you have not tried Colby Longhorn, why not pick yourself up some today? We know you will love its smooth, creamy flavor on nearly everything.
