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WELCOME TO THE WEST COAST SWING CURDBOX!
Stretching from the sun-drenched beaches of California to the forests of the Pacific Northwest— the West Coast is a collection of stunning natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and talented artisanal cheesemakers. From the picturesque coastline of California to the verdant hills of Oregon and the misty landscape of Washington State, these passionate craftsmen draw inspiration from their diverse environments— crafting cheeses that capture the unique essence of their regions. These creations reveal the rich stories, time-honored traditions, and innovative techniques that make the West Coast a paradise for cheese lovers and curd connoisseurs.
So, let’s take a look at what we have in this month’s box...
Toma by Point Reyes
In 1959 Bob and Dean Giacomini started operating their own dairy farm on their 700-acre property in Point Reyes, California. After their three daughters took over the business in 2000, they switched gears and began their journey into cheesemaking, releasing their first cheese—the Point Reyes Original Blue, which was the only blue cheese produced in California at that time. The company initially produced only blue cheeses until 2010, when they introduced their Toma. This simple yet refined table cheese captures the essence of its environment. By washing the curds before aging to remove some of the tangy whey, the cheese develops a sweeter profile and softer texture. Its luxurious, supple paste offers a buttery and creamy flavor with a hint of tang, embodying both simplicity and excellence.
Toma by Point Reyes with the Crispy Pineapple Slices w/Chili Tajin by Dardimans
Flagship Reserve by Beecher's
In 2003, Kurt Beecher Dammeier, a passionate cheese aficionado, established Beecher’s Handmade Cheese in Seattle’s famed Pike Place Market. Among his masterpieces, Flagship Reserve emerges as a unique rendition of his beloved Flagship cheese. This cheese is produced only on days when the milk composition is ideal, using the final curds of these batches to form a cheese with slightly lower moisture and higher salt content. This process yields a richer taste and texture, while preserving a clean, creamy finish. Beecher’s partners with local family-run farms to source fresh milk, blending the sweetness of Holstein milk with the high butterfat content of Jersey milk. Their cheeses incorporate a mix of Cheddar and Gruyère cultures, creating a sharp, nutty flavor that deepens and becomes more intricate over time. The cheddaring process, enhanced by the addition of Gruyère cultures, gives Flagship Reserve its distinctive and nuanced character, reflecting the dedication and craftsmanship of this West Coast artisan cheesemaker.
The Flagship Reserve by Beechers and the Alaskan Spruce Tip Jelly by Barnacle Foods
Extra Sharp Cheddar by Tillamook
Tillamook's Extra Sharp Cheddar from Oregon is a robust and bold cheese that boasts a rich, creamy texture. Aged for over 15 months, this cheddar develops a complex flavor profile that includes hints of lemon, warm French custard, and toasted nuts. The extended aging process enhances the cheese's depth and intensity, resulting in a creamy texture that delivers a powerful, long-lasting cheddar flavor. This flavor journey is characterized by funky, bright acidic notes and a satisfying nuttiness, culminating in a delightful umami finish. This Extra Sharp Cheddar embodies the 110 year old brand's commitment to producing cheeses with a bright, old-world rustic charm that continues to captivate all of us cheese fans.
The Extra Sharp Cheddar by Tillamook with the Salt & Pepper Toasted Corn Nuts by Albina City Nuts
And here are the pairing items that go along with these amazing cheeses…
Salt & Pepper Toasted Corn Nuts by Albina City Nuts
Founded in 2008, Albina City Nuts draws inspiration from the abundance of local foods flourishing around the state of Oregon. Committed to wholesome and sustaining eating, they prioritize simplicity in their approach. Avoiding excessive sweeteners or added oils, they meticulously source high-quality ingredients and handcraft their recipes to oversee every step of production, ensuring only the finest ingredients are used. Their Salt & Pepper Toasted Corn epitomizes their philosophy: salty-sweet savory flavors blend harmoniously with the gentle crunch of their meticulously toasted corn, offering a delectable treat that celebrates the natural bounty of the Pacific Northwest.
Alaskan Spruce Tip Jelly by Barnacle Foods
Based in Juneau, Alaska (which technically is the West Coast), Barnacle Foods is driven by a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability, community, and the rich natural resources of the southeast Alaskan coast. Founded by lifelong residents Matt and Lia— Barnacle Foods draws inspiration from the local edibles found in coastal waters and surrounding landscapes. Their innovative products showcase ingredients unique to Alaska's marine environment. Among these, the Alaskan Spruce Tip Jelly stands out, crafted from Sitka spruce tips and sugar to create a citrusy spread enriched with delicate floral and lime notes. Spruce tips, known for their antiseptic properties and high vitamin C content, also impart a fresh, lemony flavor after the long winter months. Barnacle Foods' dedication to celebrating and preserving Alaska's natural flavors shines through in every spoonful of their distinctive creations.
Crispy Pineapple Slices w/Chili Tajin by Dardimans
Annie Babayan, the founder of Dardimans, embarked on her journey by crafting dried citrus slices at her kitchen table. Inspired by the unparalleled quality and flavor of California citrus fruits, she sought to transform these sun-soaked treasures into crunchy, nutritious delights. Dardimans meticulously selects each batch of fresh fruit from local growers, thinly slices them, and employs a slow dehydration process that preserves the fruits' vitamins, vibrant colors, and natural flavors—without any added sugars or preservatives. This method, distinct from freeze-drying or sun-drying, ensures that Dardimans' dried fruits maintain the integrity of fresh fruit, embodying their original color, aroma, flavor, and nutritional composition. The final touch is a dusting of chili Tajin seasoning, which adds a hint of spice— enhancing the natural flavors of the delicious pineapple.
And with that- we wrap up this month’s box.
From coast to coast, the selection of magnificent cheese seems endless. But this month— the West Coast is our winner. We’ll see you next month.
Did you take some photos while enjoying this box that you were thinking of adding to Instagram? Please tag us @curdbox along with our cheese and pairing- partners: @tillamook, @beecherscheese, @pointreyescheese, @dardimans, @barnaclefoods, and @albinacitynuts.
We love to see our cheese lovers enjoying their boxes!
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