Shropshire Blue: A Bold Classic with a Golden Glow

At De Kaasserie, we love diving into the stories behind the cheeses we share with you. Today, we’re celebrating one of Britain’s most striking blues: Shropshire Blue. With its vivid marbled orange and blue appearance, it’s a showstopper on any cheeseboard – and its story is just as colourful.

A Cheese with a Twist of History

Despite its name, Shropshire Blue doesn’t hail from the county of Shropshire. In fact, its origins are a little more modern and unconventional compared to Britain’s centuries-old blue cheese traditions.

The cheese was first created in the 1970s at a Scottish creamery, where cheesemakers sought to develop a new product alongside the famous Stilton. Originally known as “Inverness Blue,” it was later rebranded with the more traditional-sounding name “Shropshire Blue,” giving it an English countryside charm that stuck.

Since then, Shropshire Blue has been adopted by English dairies, particularly in the Midlands, and has earned its place as a respected member of the blue cheese family. Today, it is made in much the same way as Stilton, but with one crucial difference: the addition of annatto, a natural plant-based colouring, which gives the cheese its deep, burnished orange hue.

Flavour Profile: Creamy, Tangy, and Bold

Shropshire Blue is as distinctive on the palate as it is on the eye. Its flavours are often described as a bridge between Stilton and Cheshire cheeses. Here’s what you can expect in each bite:

• Texture: Smooth, rich, and slightly crumbly, with a creamy mouthfeel.

• Flavour: A complex balance of sharp blue tang and deep, nutty richness, with earthy undertones.

• Aroma: Strong but not overpowering, offering a promise of the bold taste to come.

The striking orange body threaded with blue veining makes it as much a visual delight as a culinary one. On a cheeseboard, it never fails to draw attention.

How to Enjoy Shropshire Blue

Shropshire Blue is wonderfully versatile:

• On the cheeseboard: Pair it with figs, pears, or a drizzle of honey to highlight its salty-sweet contrast.

• With drinks: A classic partner is Port, but it also pairs beautifully with robust red wines, or even a strong English ale.

• In cooking: Crumble it into a salad for a punch of flavour, or melt it into a sauce to elevate a simple steak or pasta dish.

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Why We Love It at De Kaasserie

At De Kaasserie, we treasure cheeses that tell a story and bring character to the table. Shropshire Blue does exactly that. It’s bold yet approachable, traditional yet modern – and with its fiery orange colour, it brings warmth to autumn cheeseboards and festive gatherings alike.

So next time you visit, don’t just admire it – take a wedge home. Let Shropshire Blue bring its history, its flavour, and its flair to your table.