Humboldt Fog and I first made each other’s acquaintance sometime in 2005, I believe. I think it was at Colleen’s house during one of our TV-watching parties. (“The Apprentice” season premiere? Help me out, C.) We hit it off right away, and soon we were seeing each other regularly. In fact, if you sent my husband to a cheese shop to have him pick out a cheese for me, this is one he’d likely choose because he’s heard me talk about it so much.
One of my favorites.
Humboldt Fog is part of the California-based Cypress Grove family of fine goat-milk cheeses, and it’s distinguished by the layer of vegetable ash (edible, of course) in the middle. It’s soft and surface-ripened and oh-so-good. The creamy, crumbly cheese coats the mouth nicely, but the flavor isn’t so strong that you’ll need to cleanse your palate after a few bites. On the contrary – it’s really hard to stop eating it once you’ve started!
I guess this is what Humboldt Fog on crackers would look like to an ant.
I often spread room-temperature Humboldt Fog on Carr’s whole wheat crackers, and Cypress Grove recommends serving it with pears and honey and a glass of crisp white wine (such as a Chenin Blanc or Pinot Grigio), on top of a spinach salad or with a mushroomy dish. But I also like to just stand at the counter and cut myself little slabs to eat solo. Why should Humboldt Fog share its glory with another food? It easily shines on its own.
The Cypress Grove Web site is also one of the best cheesemaker sites I’ve seen yet, with a day-by-day guide on the cheesemaking process, nutritional information and fun cheese trivia. For example, did you know that Americans, on average, eat more than a half-pound of cheese each week? I think I’m above-average in that category.
You can order Cypress Grove cheeses directly from the Web site or at most fine cheese shops and well-stocked grocery-store cheese counters.
{ 12 comments }
Thanks for the wonderful review of our cheese! Can we use the picture you took of the Humboldt Fog? It’s nicely done.
Thanks
Bob McCall
Cypress Grove
bobmccall@cypressgrovechevre.com
This cheese was delicious!
It was so tasty, but not with that strong punch that other cheeses can sometimes give you. All I want to do now is eat more and more.
I can see why it is your favorite (or at least one of your favorite).
Thanks for sharing!
Sara
I discovered this cheese thanks to a knowledgeable cheese guy at Whole Foods. It’s always on my cheese tray for special occasions…and sometimes I grab some just for myself, it’s so good!
Jen
Thanks, everyone! Sara, always happy to share. You’ll be getting some Epoisses later this week. Jen, thanks for pointing out that Humboldt Fog is available at Whole Foods – it’s a cheese that can often be found at upscale grocery stores as well as dedicated cheese shops.
I love Humboldt Fog — their Truffle Tremor is also amazing! It’s hard to find, though.
Ooh, I haven’t tried the Truffle Tremor yet. Thanks for the recommendation!
Check out http://www.matthewcarden.com “Small World” see the Humbolt Fog!
Trudy – I love the Truffle Tremor too. Just saw it on sale at Whole Foods today!
Jen – That’s a gorgeous picture of the “mountains” of Humboldt. Your husband is quite talented.
I would LOVE to hike in the mountains of Humboldt Fog. Great pictures, Jen!
I must admit to really wanting to have some of the softer cheeses. Like this Humboldt Fog here. But I must also admit that the softer portions scare me a bit.
Is the best way to eat it is on crackers?
I enjoy Humboldt Fog on crackers – Carr’s makes a great whole wheat cracker that stands up well to HF. It would also be good crumbled on a green salad, but I usually eat it as a snack, so I go with crackers.
Thank you, mncheese, for the suggestion!
=-)
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