What is Devon Blue? The Blue Jewel of Britain

Devon Blue, often referred to as the ‘Blue Jewel of Britain,’ is a distinguished and exquisite cheese hailing from the rolling hills and lush pastures of Devonshire, England. Infused with a robust yet creamy flavor profile, this cheese is a testament to the region’s rich dairy heritage. Made using vegetarian rennet, and available in both pasteurized and unpasteurized versions, Devon Blue offers a unique sensory journey.

Quick Facts About Devon Blue

Quick Facts	Details
Origin	Devon, England
Producer	Ticklemore Cheese Company
Cheese Type	Blue cheese
Milk Source	Cow’s milk
Texture	Firm and crumbly
Flavor Profile	Rich, buttery, slightly sweet with a sharp finish
Aging Time	Minimum of 3 months
Appearance	Ivory-colored paste with blue-green veining
Pairings	Port, Riesling, full-bodied red wines, figs, pears, honey
Best Used In	Cheese platters, salads, melted-on steaks
Production Method	Handmade
Vegetarian?	Yes, made with vegetarian rennet
Protected Designation	Not protected by PDO or PGI
Shelf Life	Approximately 2-3 weeks once cut

What is Devon Blue?

Devon Blue, a creamy, crumbly wonder from the heart of Britain, is an artisanal blue cheese that stands as a testament to traditional cheesemaking. Produced by the renowned Ticklemore Cheese Company in Devon, England, this cheese is a celebration of local flavors and techniques handed down through generations.

Crafted from the milk of cows grazing on the lush, green pastures of Devon, this blue cheese boasts a unique flavor profile. Its firm and crumbly texture gives way to a rich, buttery taste that is slightly sweet yet ends with a sharp finish. The ivory-colored paste is beautifully marred by blue-green veins, a result of the aging process that takes a minimum of three months.

But Devon Blue isn’t just about taste and appearance. It’s about an experience. When paired with Port, Riesling, or a full-bodied red wine, its flavors truly come alive. Add it to a cheese platter, toss it in a salad, or melt it over a steak and you’ll understand why this cheese has won the hearts of gourmands worldwide.

Handmade and vegetarian-friendly, Devon Blue showcases the passion and dedication of its makers. It may not have a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) or a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), but its quality and flavor are undeniable. Just remember, once cut, its shelf life is approximately 2-3 weeks, so savor every bite of this British blue cheese wonder.

What Does Devon Blue Taste Like?

Devon Blue cheese is a sensory delight with a complex flavor profile. It is characterized by a rich, buttery taste that is somewhat different from other blue cheeses. Its initial flavor is mellow and slightly sweet, which gradually gives way to a sharper, more pronounced tang, typical of blue cheeses.

The cheese also has an earthy undertone, thanks to the natural flora of Devon where the milk-producing cows graze. The blue-green veins running through the cheese add a hint of spiciness and a slight mineral note, enhancing the overall complexity of its flavor.

The texture of Devon Blue also plays a part in its taste experience. Its firm and crumbly body allows for a slow release of flavors, making each bite a journey from sweet to savory to sharp. Despite its robust flavor, Devon Blue finishes smoothly, leaving a lingering creaminess on the palate.

Devon Blue Tasting Notes

Origin: Devon, England, made by the Ticklemore Cheese Company
Type: Blue cheese made from cow’s milk
Texture: Firm and crumbly
Color: Ivory with blue-green veining
Taste: Starts off rich and buttery, slightly sweet
Flavor Development: Gradually evolves into a sharper, more pronounced tang
Additional Notes: Earthy undertones with a hint of spiciness from the blue veins
Finish: Smooth and creamy, leaving a lingering taste on the palate

How to Eat Devon Blue?

Cheese Board: Due to its unique flavor profile, Devon Blue can be the star of your cheese board. Pair it with a variety of crackers, fresh fruits like grapes and figs, and a dollop of sweet honey for a perfect balance.
Perfect Pairing: Try pairing Devon Blue with wines that can complement its rich, tangy flavor. Port, Riesling, or a full-bodied red wine are excellent choices.
Culinary Delight: Melt Devon Blue over a juicy steak or a gourmet burger for an elevated dining experience. The cheese’s creamy texture and sharp flavor adds a luxurious touch.
Salad Booster: Crumble Devon Blue into your salads. It pairs well with fresh greens, walnuts, and a sweet balsamic reduction.
Bake It: Incorporate Devon Blue into your baking. It’s delicious in a savory tart or quiche, adding depth and a creamy, tangy note.
Pasta Upgrade: Stir chunks of Devon Blue into warm pasta. Its richness enhances the dish, especially when paired with earthy ingredients like mushrooms.
Breakfast Champion: Spread it on a warm piece of toast or bagel for a hearty breakfast. It’s a great way to start the day with a punch of flavor.
Sweet Pairing: For a dessert option, pair Devon Blue with sweet pears or apples. The contrast between the tangy cheese and sweet fruit is a delightful palate-pleaser.

10 Best Devon Blue Substitutes

Substitute	Origin	Short Description
Stilton	England	Known as “The King of Cheeses”, Stilton is crumbly, rich, and has a strong, tangy flavor. It’s a good alternative for Devon Blue.
Bath Blue	England	An organic, creamy blue cheese with a mild flavor and moist texture. It’s similar to Devon Blue but less spicy.
Rebel Nun	England	A semi-soft cheese with a unique, tangy flavor and a hint of citrus. It’s an interesting substitute to the traditional Devon Blue.
Beenleigh Blue	England	A sheep’s milk blue cheese, it has a crumbly texture and sweet, nutty flavor. The taste is milder than Devon Blue.
Cornish Blue	England	Unlike most blue cheeses, Cornish Blue is designed to be enjoyed as a young cheese. It has a mild, gentle flavor with a creamy texture.
Roquefort	France	Known for its tangy, salty flavors with a hint of sweetness. This sheep milk cheese could work as a substitute for Devon Blue.
Gorgonzola	Italy	Creamy with a distinct, sharp flavor. Gorgonzola can serve as a stronger, more pungent alternative to Devon Blue.
Cambozola	Germany	A hybrid of French soft-ripened triple cream cheese and Italian Gorgonzola. It’s milder and creamier than Devon Blue.
Danish Blue	Denmark	Known for its sharp, salty flavor and creamy texture. It’s a good alternative if you prefer a less intense blue cheese.
Bleu d’Auvergne	France	With a strong, pungent flavor and moist, creamy texture, it can be a good substitute for Devon Blue.

What Pairs Well With Devon Blue?

Food that goes well with Devon Blue:

Category	Food Pairing
Cheese	Smokey Blue from Rogue Creamery, Ticklemore Goat from Sharpham Cheese
Meat	Bacon (pairs well with smokey blue cheeses)
Fish	Blue cheese often pairs well with oily fish like salmon or mackerel
Fruit	Apples, grapes, pears
Nuts	Walnuts
Sweet Spreads	Honey, fruit compotes, chutneys
Savory Dishes	Salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas
Other Cheeses	Beenleigh Blue, Cornish Blue, Bath Blue

Also read: 11 Best Crackers that Pair Well with Cheese

Beverage that goes well with Devon Blue:

Category	Beverage Pairing
Wine	Port, Riesling, full-bodied Red Wine
Beer	Stout, Belgian-style Ales, IPA
Whiskey	Bourbon, Single Malt Scotch
Non-Alcoholic	Sparkling Water, Apple Cider
Tea	Earl Grey, Darjeeling
Coffee	Espresso, French Press

Also read: Best Wine and Cheese Pairings: The Ultimate Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Devon blue cheese vegetarian?

Yes, Devon Blue cheese is vegetarian. It is made using vegetarian rennet.

2. How to store Devon blue cheese?

Storing Devon Blue cheese correctly is important to maintain its quality and flavor. Here are 5 steps on how to store it:

Wrap It Properly: Use cheese paper, parchment paper, or wax paper to wrap the cheese. Avoid using plastic wrap as it can suffocate the cheese and promote bacterial growth.
Refrigerate: Store your wrapped cheese in the vegetable crisper of your refrigerator, which tends to maintain a consistent temperature while providing some humidity.
Avoid Cross-Contamination: Store your cheese separately from other strong-smelling foods. The cheese can absorb the flavors of these foods, altering its taste.
Check Regularly: Check your cheese regularly to make sure it’s not drying out or developing mold. If it is, trim off the moldy part and rewrap the cheese in fresh paper.
Bring to Room Temperature Before Serving: For the best flavor, take the cheese out of the fridge an hour before you plan to eat it.

Remember, cheese is a living product and continues to mature. Proper storage helps control the maturing process.

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