13 November 2017
By Bryan Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Food News
Coolea is a type of cow’s milk cheese that consists of a smooth, Gouda-like texture with rich, sweet, caramelly flavours. Like Gouda, Coolea cheese is covered in a thick, solid wax rind which contributes to the cheese’s flavour and texture.
Coolea is made from an old Dutch Gouda recipe by the Willems family in Coolea, Ireland. It has won many awards both nationally and internationally, and this week it added another to its collection.
Dicky Willems, Coolea Farmhouse – Coolea, Co Cork winner of the Matured Cheese Award Farmstead Category receiving his award from Tom Mulvihill, Ornua and Jimmy Deenihan, Listowel Food Fair at the presentation of awards in The Listowel Arms Hotel at the weekend.
Photo: Don MacMonagle
Coolea cheese has been made by the Willems family on their farm since 1980. Coolea cheese is made from full fat cows milk sourced locally. Some of the cheeses are matured up to 18 months and this gives it its distinct toffee like flavour.
