Humboldt Fog Cheese

Cypress Grove’s Humboldt Fog Cheese

This may be my favorite American cheese, and I’m not talking about the stuff you put on grilled cheese sandwiches.  I first tried Humboldt Fog at one of our local cheese specialty foods stores.

I asked the counter person for suggestions on exciting goat’s milk cheese. She came around the counter to the open refrigerated unit. She started telling me about a selection of different cheeses, but when I saw the Humboldt Fog, I knew it would be incredible.

Before even tasting this fantastic goat’s milk cheese, I could see the creamy, white interior and funky white rind. Once I tasted it, I thought I was in heaven.

Incredibly, we are now making some great cheeses in this country that are starting to rival those of Europe. The mother-daughter team of Mary Keehn and Malorie McCurdy in Humboldt County, California, makes Humboldt Fog. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in trying new cheeses.

Characteristics

Made in California, USA, from goat’s milk, Humboldt Fog’s cheese has a soft, white interior when ripe. It can be a bit gooey under the rind but more like cream cheese toward the center.

With a bloomy, white but edible rind, this cheese tastes like butter & cream. It is considered a medium-aged cheese that is great as an appetizer, on a cheese plate, or served for dessert.

The Short of It

• Region: California
• Country: United States
• Milk Type: Goat
• Milk Treatment: Pasteurized
• Rennet: Vegetarian
• Rind: Bloomy
• Texture: Soft
• Aging: 3 weeks
• Size(s): 5 pounds or 16 ounces

Where to Buy

I always recommend that you find a good cheese shop near you and become friends with the cheesemonger who will turn you on to some great cheeses, or at least they should.

Humboldt Fog comes in 14-ounce mini wheels.