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Highlands Blue Distinctive Features
Highlands Blue cheese typically forms wheels weighing between 2 and 3 kilograms. Its rind is natural and often shows a dusty, bluish-gray mold. The paste inside is ivory to pale yellow, crisscrossed with striking blue-green veins.
The texture of Highlands Blue is semi-soft and slightly crumbly yet creamy when served at room temperature. It has a moisture content of about 45 to 50 percent, which contributes to its smooth mouthfeel. The cheese offers a balanced saltiness and a piquant, earthy flavor with hints of spice and grass.
Highlands Blue Varieties
Highlands Blue cheese has several local adaptations within Papua New Guinea. One variety uses milk from grass-fed cows in the Eastern Highlands, resulting in a milder, creamier cheese. Another version from the Western Highlands incorporates longer aging, which intensifies the blue mold and sharpness.
Some producers create a smoked Highlands Blue by exposing the cheese to local wood smoke. This process adds a smoky aroma and deeper color to the rind. Artisanal makers also experiment with different aging times, from 2 months for a younger cheese to over 6 months for a more robust product.
Highlands Blue History and Traditions
Highlands Blue cheese originated in the Papua New Guinea highlands during the mid-20th century. Dairy farming expanded with introduced cattle breeds, and settlers adapted European blue cheese techniques. The cool, humid highland climate proved ideal for developing the characteristic blue molds.
Local communities integrated Highlands Blue into festive meals and ceremonial gatherings. The region is also famous for its sweet potatoes, coffee, and tropical fruits. Highlands Blue cheese became a symbol of culinary innovation, blending indigenous ingredients with imported methods.
Production Process and Producers
Highlands Blue cheese uses fresh cow’s milk from highland farms, often with a fat content of about 50 percent in dry matter. The milk is pasteurized and inoculated with Penicillium roqueforti cultures. Curds form after rennet addition and are hand-ladled into molds.
Workers pierce the cheese wheels to encourage air circulation and blue mold growth. Aging occurs in humid cellars for 3 to 6 months at 10 to 12 degrees Celsius. Main producers include Highlands Creamery, Goroka Dairy Co-op, and Lae Artisan Cheesemakers, all located in Papua New Guinea.
Quality Labels and Certifications
As to our current knowledge, Highlands Blue cheese may carry the “Made in PNG” assurance label, which verifies local production. Some artisanal batches also receive organic certifications from Pacific Organic standards. These labels help consumers identify authentic and sustainably produced cheese.
No protected geographical indication exists for Highlands Blue at this time. Producers often adhere to internal quality controls for consistency. Artisanal labels highlight small-batch production and traditional methods.
Wine or Beverage Pairings
Highlands Blue cheese pairs excellently with sweet white wines like Riesling or Sauternes. The wine’s acidity and fruitiness balance the cheese’s saltiness and piquancy. Local Papua New Guinean options include fruity palm wine or light lagers.
Full-bodied red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon can also complement aged Highlands Blue. Fortified wines like Port enhance the cheese’s rich, complex flavors. Non-alcoholic pairings include sparkling apple cider or strong black tea.
Suitable Fruit and Vegetables
Highlands Blue cheese matches well with sweet tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and papaya. The fruit’s natural sugars contrast with the cheese’s savory notes. Fresh figs and pears also provide a pleasant textural and flavor balance.
Vegetables such as crisp celery, radishes, and endive leaves serve as perfect vehicles for the cheese. Roasted beetroot or caramelized onions bring out its earthy undertones. These pairings work beautifully on cheese boards or in salads.
Suitable Meat and Fish Dishes
Highlands Blue cheese enhances grilled meats like pork chops or lamb steaks. Crumble it over the meat just before serving to add a creamy, tangy element. It also melts beautifully into beef burgers or meatloaf for extra depth.
For fish, try Highlands Blue in sauces for baked salmon or grilled barramundi. The cheese’s bold flavor stands up to oily fish without overpowering it. Incorporate it into seafood pasta or stuffed mushrooms for a gourmet touch.
Highlands Blue Presentation
Present Highlands Blue cheese on a wooden or slate board to highlight its rustic appeal. Remove it from the refrigerator at least one hour before serving. The ideal serving temperature is 18 to 20 degrees Celsius to maximize flavor and texture.
Arrange the cheese in wedges or chunks alongside accompaniments like crackers and fruits. Use a cheese plane or sharp knife for slicing. Provide small spreaders or forks for easy serving and eating.
Highlands Blue Questions and Answers
What is Highlands Blue cheese?
Highlands Blue cheese is a blue-veined cheese from Papua New Guinea made from cow’s milk. It features a creamy texture and a tangy, earthy flavor. Highlands Blue cheese is aged for several months to develop its characteristic blue molds.
How should I store Highlands Blue cheese?
Store Highlands Blue cheese in the refrigerator wrapped in wax paper or parchment. Keep it in the vegetable drawer to maintain humidity. Highlands Blue cheese should be consumed within two weeks of opening for best quality.
Where can I buy Highlands Blue cheese?
You can buy Highlands Blue cheese at specialty cheese shops in Papua New Guinea or through online gourmet retailers. Some international markets may stock Highlands Blue cheese, especially in regions with strong Pacific trade links.
What is the shelf life of Highlands Blue cheese?
Highlands Blue cheese has a shelf life of about 3 to 4 weeks when properly stored unopened. Once opened, enjoy Highlands Blue cheese within 1 to 2 weeks. Always check for off odors or excessive mold before consuming Highlands Blue cheese.
How do I cut Highlands Blue cheese?
Cut Highlands Blue cheese with a sharp knife to preserve its crumbly texture. Slice it into wedges from the center outward. For serving, cut Highlands Blue cheese into small cubes or thin slices.
Can I use Highlands Blue cheese in cooking?
Yes, you can use Highlands Blue cheese in various cooked dishes. It melts well in sauces, soups, and gratins. Crumble Highlands Blue cheese over pizzas or into pasta for a bold flavor boost.
What type of milk is used in Highlands Blue cheese?
Highlands Blue cheese uses pasteurized cow’s milk from highland farms. The milk has a high butterfat content, around 50 percent in dry matter. This gives Highlands Blue cheese its rich and creamy consistency.
Is Highlands Blue cheese pasteurized?
Yes, Highlands Blue cheese is typically made from pasteurized milk for food safety. The pasteurization process does not diminish the complex flavors of Highlands Blue cheese. Always verify the label when purchasing Highlands Blue cheese.
What are the health benefits of Highlands Blue cheese?
Highlands Blue cheese provides calcium, protein, and vitamins like B12. Moderate consumption of Highlands Blue cheese supports bone health and metabolism. The blue molds in Highlands Blue cheese may also contain beneficial probiotics.
How does Highlands Blue cheese compare to other blue cheeses?
Highlands Blue cheese is milder than Roquefort but sharper than some Danish blues. Its unique highland terroir gives Highlands Blue cheese distinct grassy and spicy notes. Highlands Blue cheese offers a balanced profile that appeals to both novices and experts.
Recipe Ideas
Highlands Blue and Mango Salad
This refreshing salad combines the tangy punch of Highlands Blue cheese with sweet, ripe mango. The contrast in flavors and textures makes it a perfect starter or light meal. It showcases the versatility of Highlands Blue cheese in fresh, vibrant dishes.
Use fresh ingredients to let the cheese shine alongside crisp greens and tropical fruit. The salad dressing enhances the cheese’s creaminess without overwhelming it. Serve immediately to maintain the crispness of the components.
- 150 grams Highlands Blue cheese, crumbled
- 1 large ripe mango, diced
- 100 grams mixed salad greens
- 50 grams walnuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wash and dry the salad greens, then place them in a large bowl.
- Add the diced mango and toasted walnuts to the greens.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Sprinkle the crumbled Highlands Blue cheese on top just before serving.
Highlands Blue Stuffed Chicken Breast
This elegant main course features chicken breasts stuffed with creamy Highlands Blue cheese. The cheese melts into a rich, savory filling that keeps the chicken moist. It pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a simple grain side.
The recipe highlights how Highlands Blue cheese can elevate everyday proteins. Its bold flavor infuses the chicken with depth and complexity. This dish is sure to impress at dinner parties or family meals.
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 100 grams Highlands Blue cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
- Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing horizontally, but not all the way through.
- Mix the Highlands Blue cheese, breadcrumbs, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Spread the cheese mixture inside each chicken breast, then fold to seal.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet and sear the chicken for 2 minutes per side.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
Similar Cheeses and Alternatives
Highlands Blue cheese shares similarities with other blue-veined cheeses like Gorgonzola Dolce and Danish Blue. Gorgonzola offers a creamier texture, while Danish Blue is saltier and more crumbly. If unavailable, Roquefort or Stilton can serve as substitutes, though they have stronger, more pungent profiles.
For a local alternative, consider other Papua New Guinean cheeses or regional blue varieties from Australia and New Zealand. These cheeses often use similar production methods and milk types. Each alternative brings its own unique terroir and aging characteristics to the table.