July Cheese of the Month: Yorkshire Blue

July is always a special month for the Shepherds Purse team. With the Great Yorkshire Show taking place just up the road in Harrogate, we spend the week immersed in everything that makes Yorkshire so special: farming, food, community, and craftsmanship.

So, it seemed only fitting that July's Cheese of the Month should be Yorkshire Blue, a true Yorkshire icon with a story rooted in passion, provenance, and award-winning pedigree.

Launched in 1995 alongside its ewe's milk counterpart, Mrs Bell's Blue, Yorkshire Blue was not only our first blue cheese but also our very first cow's milk cheese too.

Made here on the farm with the same care and attention that had already become synonymous with our ewe's milk cheeses, Yorkshire Blue has always been crafted using the finest quality cow's milk sourced from family farms close to us here in North Yorkshire.

Crafted using the finest quality cow's milk sourced from family farms

Its launch marked the return of blue cheese production in Yorkshire for the first time in more than 35 years, and with its soft, creamy texture, mellow character, and rich blue umami notes, it quickly became a favourite with customers and cheesemongers alike.

Recognition soon followed and over the years, Yorkshire Blue has become one of our most decorated cheeses, collecting accolades both at home and abroad.

Most recently, it has been awarded two prestigious Great Taste stars, Gold medals at the Artisan Cheese Awards, Great Yorkshire Show and British Cheese Awards, as well as a Silver medal at the World Cheese Awards.

Handcrafted by our master cheesemakers here on the farm using a traditional recipe inspired by continental blue cheeses, each cheese is matured for a minimum of eight weeks under their watchful eyes.

During this time, each cheese is turned by hand weekly to allow its distinctive blue veining and signature smooth, creamy texture to evenly develop. As it matures, the flavour deepens and becomes more complex, whilst still retaining the mellow creaminess that Yorkshire Blue is known and loved for. 

Perfect for Cheeseboards & Cooking

A true cheeseboard staple and year-round fridge favourite, Yorkshire Blue pairs beautifully with artisan crackers, fruity chutneys, fresh figs, walnuts, and a drizzle of honey.

Its creamy texture and savoury depth also make it a fantastic ingredient in the kitchen, bringing rich flavour to pasta dishes, pizzas, salads, tarts, and more.

For summer entertaining, try our Yorkshire Blue Tart with fresh tomatoes and basil, or keep things simple with our Sourdough Toast with Yorkshire Blue, Figs, Walnuts & Honey, and allows the cheese's rich, creamy character to shine.

Looking for more inspiration? Explore our collection of recipes and discover even more ways to add big flavour to your summer dishes.

Whether you're discovering Yorkshire Blue for the first time or enjoying an old favourite, July is the perfect opportunity to celebrate a cheese that has proudly represented Yorkshire for three decades.