Shropshire Blue is one of the most striking blue-veined cheeses you can find. With its vivid orange color and blue mold veins, it’s a real showstopper on any cheese board. But what makes this British cheese so special?
Origin of Shropshire Blue
Despite the name, Shropshire Blue doesn’t come from Shropshire. The cheese was developed in the 1970s by cheesemaker Andy Williamson in Scotland, inspired by the tradition of British blue-veined cheeses like Stilton. Today it’s produced mainly in the counties of Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, the same region where Stilton originates.
The cheese owes its striking orange color to annatto, a natural dye from the seeds of the achiote tree. The same ingredient that gives Red Leicester its characteristic color.
Flavor and texture of Shropshire Blue
Shropshire Blue has a rich, creamy texture that’s softer than Stilton. The flavor is pronounced without being overwhelming: think a combination of nutty notes with a tangy, lightly salty finish from the blue mold. After a minimum aging period of 10 weeks, the cheese develops a complex flavor that fans of Roquefort and Gorgonzola are sure to appreciate.
How does Shropshire Blue differ from Stilton?
- Color: Shropshire Blue is orange, Stilton is creamy white
- Texture: Shropshire Blue is slightly creamier and softer
- Flavor: less sharp than Stilton, with a sweeter undertone
- Aging: both are aged for at least 10 weeks, but Stilton tends to be drier
Serving Shropshire Blue
This cheese is incredibly versatile. A few suggestions:
- On the cheese board: pair with walnuts, honey and grapes
- With wine: excellent with a Port, Sauternes or a full-bodied red Bordeaux
- In dishes: melts beautifully into risotto, over steak or through a pear salad
- With crackers: serve with Pavesi crackers for a boldly flavored combination
Storing Shropshire Blue
Store the cheese in the refrigerator, wrapped in wax paper or parchment paper. Avoid plastic wrap, as it prevents the cheese from breathing. Take it out of the fridge half an hour before serving so the flavors can come into their own. Find more tips in our article on storing cheese.
Discover other blue-veined cheeses
If you’re a fan of Shropshire Blue, these blue-veined cheeses are well worth trying too:
- Stilton: the classic British blue-veined cheese, drier and more pungent
- Blu’61: a Dutch blue-veined cheese with a creamy flavor
- Roquefort: the famous French sheep’s milk blue-veined cheese
Want to try it yourself?
At Cheese In A Box we carry these blue-veined cheeses, freshly cut and ready to order:
Or let us surprise you with our cheese subscription, delivering 4 special cheeses to your door every month.
