Yes folks, one of Canada’s top cheesy events is coming up, the Canadian Cheese Grand Prix.
This year judging takes place February 21-22, with winners announced at the Gala of Champions on April 22nd, in Toronto, Ontario
Every two years the Dairy Farmers of Canada organizes the event for cheese producers across the country using 100% cow’s milk.
The eighth edition in 2013 saw some 225 entries in 19 categories.
“Canadian cheese makers from coast to coast are producing top-quality, impressive cheeses,” said Phil Bélanger in 2013, Canadian Cheese Grand Prix jury chairman
The overall Grand of the 2013 Canadian Cheese Grand Prix is the Ricotta from Quality Cheese in Vaughan, Ontario.
Other winners included in the gouda category; Grizzly Gouda, Sylvan Star Cheese Ltd., Alberta
In aged cheddar 1-3 years; Avonlea Clothbound Cheddar, Cows Creamery, PEI
In aged cheddar 3 + years; The Black River Cheese Company Ltd., ON
And in blue cheese (various rinds, with or without veining);
Bleu d’Élizabeth, Fromagerie du Presbytère, QC
Competing competition?
However, there is competition between competitions. Producers of cheeses other than cow’s milk have fought back with The Canadian Cheese awards. Their first national event for cheeses of “all” milks, was held last year.
The inaugural event saw some 291 entries from 76 producers across the country.
It also has a number of categories such as best soft cheese, aged cheddar, gouda, blue, etc, along with categories for best cow cheese, best goat cheese, best sheep cheese, best water buffalo cheese, which was won by Buffalo Paneer Natural Pastures Cheese in Courtenay, British Columbia
The best overall cheese at the Canadian Cheese Awards, was Le Baluchon Fromagerie FX Pichet Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade, Québec
This awards are also held every two years, with the 2016 awards to be held in Montreal.
For reasons beyond our control, and for an undetermined period of time, our comment section is now closed. However, our social networks remain open to your contributions.