Veronica Steele

Veronica Steele

Veronica Steele was an influential figure in the artisan cheese movement in Ireland, renowned for her pioneering work in the production of Milleens Cheese, the first modern artisanal cheese in the country. Born in London in 1935, Steele moved to Ireland with her husband, Norman Steele, in the 1970s, settling on the Beara Peninsula in County Cork. It was here, on their small farm, that Veronica began experimenting with cheese-making, using milk from their Friesian cow. Her efforts culminated in the creation of Milleens Cheese in 1978, a soft, washed-rind cheese that garnered acclaim for its complex flavor and high quality.

Early Life and Background

Veronica Steele was born in London but found her true calling in the rural landscapes of Ireland. Her transition from city life to becoming a self-taught cheesemaker is a testament to her pioneering spirit and dedication to craft. Despite having no formal training in cheese-making, Steele's intuitive approach to the process, combined with her commitment to using natural, locally sourced ingredients, set a new standard for cheese production in Ireland.

Milleens Cheese

The creation of Milleens Cheese marked a significant milestone in the Irish artisanal food movement. Before Steele's innovation, the Irish cheese market was dominated by mass-produced cheddar. Milleens Cheese, with its distinctive taste and texture, introduced Irish palates to the possibilities of fine, locally made cheese and inspired a generation of artisan producers. The cheese is characterized by its creamy texture, orange-pink rind, and complex flavor profile that changes with the seasons.

Legacy

Veronica Steele's impact on the Irish food scene cannot be overstated. Her dedication to artisanal cheese-making helped pave the way for other small-scale producers, contributing to a renaissance in Irish cuisine that continues to this day. Steele's work has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, both in Ireland and internationally. She passed away in January 2017, but her legacy lives on through her family, who continue to produce Milleens Cheese, and through the countless artisan producers who have been inspired by her work.

See Also

• Artisan Cheese
• Irish Cuisine
• Cheese-making