Tulum (Wisconsin Sheep Dairy Coop)
- Producer
- Wisconsin Sheep Dairy Coop
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Wisconsin
- Weight
- 40 lbs
- Website
- http://wsdccheeseshop.biz/
- Milk
- Cow
Sheep - Classification
- Firm
- Rennet
- Vegetable
- Rind
- Waxed
When the Wisconsin Sheep Dairy Cooperative was formed in the 1990s, sheep’s milk cheesemaking in America was a young and struggling industry in which small startups often fizzled out. When the cheese plant Montchevre in WI decided to start using sheep's milk, they decided to do it only if they could work with a single source that handled all of the licensing, inspections, inventory and payment. So local sheep farmers responded by forming the WSDC to organize sheep dairying into a more reliable, standardized profession. When the co-op ended up with a surplus of milk, members decided to start making their own cheese.
Milk is sourced from mostly East Friesian and Laucane Breed ewes of member farmers. During spring and summer, the sheep graze freely on pasture and are fed a limited amount of natural grain while being milked.
Tulum, which is inspired by the strong Turkish cheese by the same name, is made with a mixture of cow and sheep’s milk and is aged for 8-9 months. Wet to the touch but not greasy, it has a soft and pillowy yet slightly crumbly texture.
With an extremely sharp and tangy flavor, it is sure to please die-hard fans of sheep’s milk cheeses, aged fetas, or extra sharp cheddars (such as Hook’s 10 Year).
Pairings
Pair it with a Champagne, an IPA or an Amber Ale.
