Cheese
Cheese is a guilty pleasure for many, but choosing organic, artisan, and local varieties can help lighten the load.
Organic cheeses are made without the use of pesticides, antibiotics, or growth hormones. They are also free from genetically modified organisms, artificial flavours, and colours. As with organic milk, organic cheese has been shown to have more Omega-3, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and antioxidants than conventional cheese, and fewer chemical residues.
There are many dairies near the Toronto area that produce superior organic and artisan cheeses. Some of the cheeses in our selection are certified as Authentic Artisanal Canadian Cheese. This means the cheese is made from 100 per cent Canadian milk and contains no modified milk ingredients, additives, or artificial colouring. The cheese is made in small batches and the farmers practices “sustainable farming.” The Artisanal designation and displays are in stores now.
Canada permits the sale of raw milk cheeses that are aged over 60 days—after 60 days, the acids and salts in raw milk cheese naturally protect against listeria, salmonella, and E. coli. And, you’ll notice none of the goat cheeses in our selection are organic. That’s because there are no organic certified sheep or goat farms in Ontario. This is likely because current organic standards are more for cows’ milk, says Petra Cooper at Fifth Town Cheese. Soy cheese is an option for those looking to eat vegan, but purveyors of these delicious varieties will tell the taste and texture just ain’t the same.
Organic Meadow Cheddar
May 2011
This organic cheese is produced by a cooperative of Ontario farmers that practices organic farming. It’s widely available in most major stores. Unfortunately, its packaging cannot be recycled and must be disposed of in the garbage. Organic Meadow also offers a wide variety of other dairy products. Tasting Notes: A smooth, creamy texture with a More >
Fifth Town Artisan Cheese Co. Cape Vessey
Oct 2010
While this goat cheese is not organic, no Ontario goat farms are organic certified. The cheese contains no artificial flavours or colours and is made in Prince Edward County. The company uses a bio-wetland to dispose of its whey, and uses geothermal, wind and solar energy to power its operations, supplemented with Bullfrog Power when More >
Fromagerie de la Table Ronde, Le Fleuron Blue Cheese
Oct 2010
Made in Sainte-Sophie, Quebec, this family business, claims environmentally-friendly practices are a large part of the production of this organic cheese, but does not mention any specific practices. The cheese is only available at a few specialty shops in Toronto. Tasting Notes: Creamy, odourous, strong but delicate, the result of an unusual “bluing” method makes More >
Fromagerie de Presbytere, Bleu d’Elizabeth
Oct 2010
This organic cheese is made by a family business that says it is committed to environmentally-friendly practices, but does not mention any specific initiatives. The cheese is made in Sainte-Elizabeth de Warwick, Quebec and is only available at specialty shops in the GTA. Tasting Notes: A strong earthy finish, ultra-blue, and smokey, this cheese makes More >
Fifth Town Artisan Black River, Mild Goat Cheddar
Oct 2010
While this goat cheese is not organic, no Ontario goat farms are organic certified. The cheese contains no artificial flavours or colours and is made in Prince Edward County. The company uses a bio-wetland to dispose of its whey, and uses geothermal, wind and solar energy to power its operations, supplemented with Bullfrog Power when More >
Fromagerie FX Pichet, Le Baluchon
Oct 2010
This Authentic Artisanal Canadian Cheese is also organic and made of raw milk. It is available in Loblaws, Leslieville Cheese Market, several independent shops, and in the St. Lawrence Market. While the Quebec-based company says it is committed to sustainable development, it does not mention any specific environmental initiatives. Tasting Notes: Sweet, nutty, mildly bitter, and More >