Oxford's Harvest

Producer:

Gunn's Hill Artisan Cheese

Style:

Washed rind

Milk type:

Pasteurized cow's milk.

Region:

Woodstock, Ontario (Southwestern Ontario)

Photo credit: cheesehound.ca

Context:

Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese is a small facility located in the gentle hills of Oxford County, an area in Southwestern Ontario known for its dairy, cheese and maple syrup production. The nearby city of Woodstock promotes itself as the Dairy Capital of Canada. Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese is owned and operated by Shep Ysselstein. Shep grew up on the family dairy farm, earned a degree in business, and then set out on a pilgrimage to the U.S., British Columbia and Switzerland to learn the art of making hand-crafted cheese. Oxford’s Harvest is fashioned after a Mutchli, a Swiss cheese that Shep encountered  during his travels. The name Oxford’s Harvest is a tip of the hat to the plentiful harvest produced by the rich farmland of Oxford Country. Before taking on the Oxford’s Harvest handle, this cheese was known simply as Gunn’s Hill Soft. The milk used to make Oxford’s Harvest and other Gunn’s Hill cheeses comes from the neigbouring family farm, Friesvale Farms. 

Appearance of rind:

Washed rind. Golden brown with an orangish hue; fine ribbed impression top and bottom. 

Appearance of paste:

Pale yellow with very small, sporadic holes.

Nose:

Rind has slight notes of barnstall; paste has a fruity aroma with a slight acidic catch.  

Primary taste:

Salty.

Flavour:

 Mild flavour. Hints of fruit with nutty notes and a buttery, lactic finish.

Texture:

Creamy and smooth.  

Pairing opportunities:

This cheese has excellent melting properties -- making it ideal for grilled cheese, pasta and mac 'n cheese. Like many washed rind cheeses it will pair well with a light beer. Other pairing options include green grapes and unsalted cashews. 

Other comments:

Gunn’s Hill has an onsite store with a large viewing window that looks out onto the production floor. Visitors are welcome to stop by, sample
cheese and take a tour.