Blue Jacket Dairy, an artisan cheese maker in Logan County, took home honors for two of its popular cheeses at the 2024 Ohio State Fair Cheese Competition in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 18, 2024.
Lemon Jewel Quark wowed the judges with its creamy texture and sweet, citrus flavour, winning first place in the ‘Fresh Spreadable’ cheese category. Made from pasteurised whole milk and fresh lemon zest, this delicious cheese has the perfect balance of sweetness, making it ideal for spreading on a breakfast bagel or toast, or as a delicious garnish with fresh berries.
Another win was for Arrowhead Chevre, an herb-flavored goat cheese, which took second place in the “Other Mammal Milk Open Class” category. Inspired by a family recipe for vegetable pie, this versatile cheese features a distinct tarragon flavor and is perfect paired with crusty bread and a delicious veggie dip, or as the centerpiece of any cheese board.
“We are thrilled to receive these awards and are so grateful to our loyal customers for their unwavering support and love for Ohio Cheese,” said Angel King, cheesemaker and co-owner of Blue Jacket Dairy.
Blue Jacket Dairy cheeses pay tribute to Ohio’s rich heritage. “As artisan cheesemakers, we do more than just delight the palate;
“Through the unique names of our cheeses, we can learn about the history of Logan County, Ohio and the surrounding area,” Angel King explained.
Lemon Jewel Quark is named after the original monument on the Ohio Statehouse grounds in Columbus, “These Are My Jewels,” which honors notable Ohioans including Generals Grant, Sheridan, Sherman, Presidents Garfield and Hayes.
The name “Arrowhead Chevre,” chosen through a customer contest, is a reference to the many arrowheads found in the fields of Logan County, including one found after a rain by Jim King’s grandfather, Sam C. Plank.
“As president of the Ohio Cheese Guild, I congratulate all of the cheese competition winners,” said Angel King. “The renaissance of cheesemaking in Ohio is strong and thriving, and I encourage foodies to use the Ohio Cheese Guild’s ‘Cheese Trail’ map as a guide to member locations and to explore the diversity of amazing cheeses made in Ohio. ” The map can be found on the Ohio Cheese Guild’s website at www.ohcheese.org.
Since 2008, Jim and Angel King, along with their dedicated team, have been transforming local milk into a variety of delicious, artisanal cheeses at their creamery on County Road 11 in Bellefontaine. Their cheese offerings include fresh cheese curds, Gretna Grillin, quark, chèvre, feta and aged cheeses. Blue Jacket cheeses are available at restaurants, specialty stores, cheese shops and farmers’ markets throughout Ohio.
Arrowhead Chevre
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