Gran Canaria

Producer

Carr Valley Cheese Company

Country

United States

Region

Wisconsin

Size

10 ins diameter, 5 ins high

Weight

12 lbs

Website

www.carrvalleycheese.com

Milk

Sheep
Cow
Goat

Classification

Firm

Rennet

Vegetable

Rind

Plastic

Located in the rolling hills of central Wisconsin, Carr Valley Cheese remains one of Wisconsin's most traditional cheese plants, famous for its Wisconsin cheddar varieties, as well as a host of more modern cheeses. Now owned and operated by Sid Cook, Carr Valley was founded in 1902, but the Cook family has been making cheese since 1883.  

Sid is a fourth generation cheesemaker. The first cheese plant that his father operated was in Irish Valley, where Sid worked with his father for several years before taking over the business in the mid 70's.  During this time Sid also learned how to make his own cultures from his father and grandfather.   He and his brother made Wisconsin-style cheddar at that location for ten years, and Sid eventually purchased Carr Valley in 1986 and another cheesemaking facility in 1991, with a layout that would allow for more flexibility and the development of more styles of cheese.  

Carr Valley now sources cow's milk from 40 farms, all located within 20 miles of the plant, and each milking no more than 70 cows. Sheep's milk comes largely from one dairy and goat's milk from a group of eight farms in the Green Bay area. Carr Valley makes over 65 different cheeses.

Made from pasteurized milk and aged for at least two years, Gran Canaria is cured in olive oil and has won multiple awards at many cheese competitions.

The interior paste is a pale straw color and the cheese has a distinct aroma from the olive oil cure. Flavors are intensely fruity, nutty and sweet.