Red Hawk cheese

Red Hawk Cheese is a type of cheese produced by the Cowgirl Creamery in Point Reyes Station, California, United States. It is a washed-rind cheese, which is a category of cheese that undergoes a specific process during its aging period.

History

Red Hawk Cheese was first produced in 2001 by the Cowgirl Creamery. The creamery was founded by Sue Conley and Peggy Smith in 1997, and has since become renowned for its artisanal cheeses. Red Hawk was named after the red-tailed hawks that are common in the Point Reyes area.

Production

Red Hawk Cheese is made from organic cow's milk sourced from the Straus Family Dairy, a local dairy farm in the Point Reyes area. The cheese is aged for four weeks and washed with a brine solution, which encourages the growth of Brevibacterium linens, a bacterium that gives the cheese its distinctive orange-red rind and pungent aroma.

Characteristics

Red Hawk Cheese is known for its creamy texture and robust, pungent flavor. The cheese has a distinctive orange-red rind, a result of the Brevibacterium linens used in its production. The interior of the cheese is soft and creamy, with a complex flavor profile that includes notes of mushrooms, wood, and salt.

Awards

Red Hawk Cheese has won several awards, including the Best in Show at the 2003 American Cheese Society competition.

See Also

• List of American cheeses
• List of cow's milk cheeses