Courtesy of Billings Farm & Museum
Sample Billings’ new raw milk cheddar cheese at the 6th annual Cheese & Dairy celebration May 23 and 24.
May 23-24 — WOODSTOCK — Branded Billings Farm cheese is a tangible and tasty symbol of the history and significance of the Billings Farm in Woodstock – one of the oldest continuously-operating Jersey dairy farms in the country. For the first time in over 70 years, the Billings Farm will market a Billings dairy product made exclusively from the milk of its prize-winning Jersey cows. Billings Farm Cheddar Cheese will debut at Billings Farm’s Cheese & Dairy Celebration on May 23 and 24.
Drawing upon Billings Farm’s 144-year tradition of dairy excellence, two varieties of high-quality, handmade cheddar cheese – sweet cheddar and butter cheddar – are being made from 100 percent raw milk from the Billings herd of over 40 purebred, registered Jersey cows. Billings Farm Cheddar, made at Grafton Village Cheese in Grafton, Vt., is carefully aged for at least 60 days, with no additives, preservatives, or artificial coloring.
Billings Farm Sweet Cheddar boasts a sweet, full-cream flavor. Sweet cheddar is especially popular in the United Kingdom for its firm, yet creamy texture, with a pleasant savory taste. Billings Farm Butter Cheddar, also known as Butterkäse, is mild and creamy with a slightly salty or acidic flavor reminiscent of Muenster or Gouda cheeses. Known for its delicate flavor, it literally melts in your mouth at room temperature and is equally good on the cheese tray and for cooking.
Billings Farm Cheddar will bear the coveted “Queen of Quality” label, which certifies that it is a highly nutritional, premium product made from 100 percent Jersey milk. Billings Farm is one of only 32 dairy farms nation-wide (nine in New England) that qualify for the “Queen of Quality” distinction issued by the American Jersey Cattle Association.
The 6th Annual Cheese & Dairy Celebration will be celebrated on Saturday and Sunday, May 23 and 24, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Celebrate Vermont’s rich dairy heritage during this two-day event: meet New England cheesemakers, sample their delicious artisan cheeses & dairy products, and take part in engaging dairy education programs.
The Cheese & Dairy Celebration will showcase many of New England’s artisan cheesemakers, who will offer samples, discuss their products, and have cheese on hand for purchase. Visitors can Judge Jerseys with the farm manager to improve their bovine knowledge, participate in a dairy scavenger hunt, “name the calf” contest, Inside-Out Cow (have fun learning the body parts of a cow) and Cow Make-Over (learn what it takes to groom a cow in preparation for being judged in a show). Especially for the children: cranking fresh ice cream and making dairy headbands and moo masks.
The operating dairy farm, farm life exhibits, and the restored and furnished farmhouse are included in the entrance fee.
For more info, call 802-457-2355 or visit www.billingsfarm.org.
