Stilton

About

Stilton is a renowned English blue cheese, known for its rich, buttery flavor and semi-soft texture. It is produced in two main varieties: Blue Stilton and White Stilton. Blue Stilton is distinctive for its bluish-green veins, created by the addition of Penicillium roqueforti, which contributes to its characteristic smell and taste. The cheese is typically aged for a minimum of nine weeks, although it can be aged longer to enhance its flavor and texture. Stilton cheese is made from cow's milk, primarily in the counties of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Nottinghamshire, under the protected designation of origin (PDO) status. It is often served with fruit, crackers, or biscuits, and is traditionally paired with port wine. Despite being named after the village of Stilton in Cambridgeshire, the cheese cannot be produced there due to geographical restrictions. Its history dates back to the 17th century, with notable figures like Cooper Thornhill and Frances Pawlett contributing to its commercial success and popularity.