CHEESE F.A.Q.'S

Is this sheep, cow or goat cheese?

All of our cheeses are labeled sheep, cow or goat. Often our cheeses are displayed by milk type.

I want to make cheese. Do you have supplies?

We usually have a vegetarian rennet, a cheesemaking kit and a few books on the process.

I'm lactose intolerant, do you have a cheese for me?

Connie, our cheese buyer, says cheese aged over 60 days might work for you. In these cheeses the lactose structures have broken down enough to not cause you any upset. Also, the smaller proteins structures in goat and sheep milk cheeses are easier for those that suffer from lactose intolerance to digest. Try these cheeses in small portions if you are unsure if you will be affected.

Frisian Farms
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Oskaloosa, IA

Miles to the Co-op: 86.5

Mike and Jason Bandstra’s years of on-farm experience combined with formal agricultural education backgrounds have been critical to the success of their business. They produce an outstanding farmstead cheese that is complex yet retains its rustic essence while using Dutch cheese-making techniques.  They milk 80 Holstein cows that are grass fed throughout the spring and summer.

In addition to Frisian Farms, Jason owns and operates a grain farm which supplies much of their feed. This allows them to control the quality of the milk at the outset by controlling the quality of the cow’s feed. Prior to joining Frisian Farms, Mike spent several years managing an organic dairy for Horizon Organic Dairy in Maryland. During this time, Mike came to appreciate the importance of herd health without the use of growth hormones or antibiotics.


Frisian Farmstead Gouda is a washed-rind cow's milk farmstead cheese that is nutty and sweet with a hint of fruitiness.  When young, its texture is firm but creamy.  As it matures, Frisian Farmstead Gouda develops mellow notes of butterscotch and honey, turns a deep amber color and becomes firm and crumbly in texture.


Visit their website and facebook profile.

 

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT


Kalona Organics

Kalona, IA
Miles to the Co-op: 150

The Kalona Organics brand was launched in 2010, but its origins began five years earlier as the brainchild of owner Bill Evans. In 2005, Bill and his wife, and six children, moved to Kalona, Iowa - a community that is largely comprised of Amish and Mennonite farmers. read more