Shropshire Blue - Cropwell Bishop

Shropshire Blue may have its foundations in Scotland, but is now produced alongside Stilton at dairies in the English Midlands. Cropwell Bishop Dairy is a family owned business operating for 3 generations.

As with the best stiltons, curds are gently hand-ladled into each mould; a time-consuming and painstaking process that helps to preserve the structure of the curd, resulting in cheeses which are buttery and crumbly in texture. The addition of annatto imparts its characteristic orange hue to the cheese – a striking contrast to the thin blue veins, and lends a mild spiciness to the mellow flavour.

Shropshire Blue has a slightly nutty initial taste, with a silky smooth, delicate texture and creaminess. It is a little denser than the Stilton Cropwell, but retains similar distinctive blue veining and a rich, rounded flavour.

This is a truly versatile cheese, crumbles well into salads, and great to cook with, melted into sauces and with pasta, similar to the Stilton Cropwell Bishop. It is also delicious with fruit, walnuts and figs.