San Joaquin Gold

San Joaquin Gold. My new Costco find. It was one of those rare moments where I was alone at Costco and had a moment to spare....rather took a moment since I was too tired to move any faster. 


I was looking for some Parmesan cheese and took a gander at some of the other cheeses in the case. There are so many out there and I really try to go for the more wholesome varieties. That usually means expensive and rare to find. I was lamenting over the fact that Parmesan is so expensive when I saw this little San Joaquin Gold wedge. I had never heard of it and even from the label, I still had no idea what it was. It was hard like Parmesan and was made from cows milk but what caught my eye was the statement, "raw milk cheese". Sold. I decided to take a gamble. It came home with me and into my spaghetti and meatballs.


It did taste like Parmesan. It was delicious and fresh tasting. I fell in love. I did a little research and found out a little about this cheese. Let me share: (off itscheese.com)

San Joaquin Gold is a cow's milk cheese made by Fiscalini Farms in Modesto, Californio, in the United States. It is named after the San Joaquin Valley in central California. It is a relatively recent cheese, but has already won numerous awards, including gold medals at the World Cheese Awards in London in 2004 and 2005.

The cheese is a pale yellow that darkens to a golden color as it ages. San Joaquin Gold has a thin, natural rind, that has the shape of a cow stamped on top. The cheese is made in 32 pound wheels.

The cheese was an attempt at making a cheese like ItalianFontina. San Joaquin Gold has a harder texture and is saltier, making it a cheese of its own. The texture is firm and granular. It has been described a a cross between Cheddarand Parmigiano-Reggiano. It has a sweet, salty, buttery taste that becomes nuttier as it ages. The cheese is very flavorful, but still mellow. It is at its peak at about 16 months.

Fiscalini Farms uses unpasteurized milk from their own Holstein cattle to make the cheese.

San Joaquin Gold is a very versatile cheese. It grates well and melts easily. It is good for snacking, as a table cheese, or for a topping for soups or salads.

Are you with me? Costco has impressed me time after time with it's natural, organic and healthy choices. Definitely one of my BFF's! Take time to look deep into the shelves for new and healthy choices. Leave the kids home one time and see what treasures you can find! Please share.