Friday, November 14, 2008
Foods Cheese Cans! Get Your Washington State University Creamery Cougar Cheese Cans!
Posted by Nicki Wood on Fri, Nov 14, 2008 at 5:00 AM
Washington State University Creamery is one of just a handful of state school cheesemakers still in operation. Their cheeses make an unusual gift that's a conversation starter.
Cougar Cheese is stored in cans, where it can remain fresh for...well, I don't know for certain, because we usually finish it in a couple of months. Unopened, they continue aging in the refrigerator.
Also not sure why it's in cans. One story was that it was canned for the Second World War, and the other involves lab experiments with different storage techniques, and the only one still in use is canning.
We've tried Cougar Gold, American Cheddar, Smoky Cheddar and Viking, and all are well-made, all-purpose eating cheeses that are also good for cooking. We haven't tried any of the flavored varieties like jalapeno or dill-garlic.
Cans are $18 for 30 ounces. They continue aging in your refrigerator, awaiting the right occasion, or a surprise guest, or an instant gifting opportunity. Visit here.
Comments (11)
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Mississippi State University produces some fine cheeses, especially the Edam. Not canned, of course. http://msucheese.com/
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My parents both went to WSU and this stuff is such a treat for them. I grew up eating it around the holidays when friends would send cans of this stuff to my parents. The creamery on campus is pretty cool. And I should know because they took me visit. Until you pointed it out that it was stored in cans I never thought there was anything odd about.
Thanks for the feedback, Sarah. Did you get to visit Ferdinand's ice cream shop on the campus?
Yes, they took me to the ice cream shop. Pretty good ice cream. Apparently it wasn't the original one they went to while they were in school, but they still got all nostalgic about it. There really isn't much else to do in Pullman...
The "Seahawks" used to have training camp in Cheney, WA. They have moved it to Renton - southeast of Seattle.
As for the cheese - I also grew up with it as a special treat as my grandparents both went to Wazzu. The best part is its sharpness. Thanks for reminding me of this childhood favorite (and I second the fact that there is really nothing else to do in Pullman).
With us Washington natives not having much to be proud about this year sports-wise, thank God for Cougar cheese! So sharp and flavoful and delicious, I know WA is not exactly known as "cheese country" but this stuff is worth the price of flying it out from Pullman. My grandfather only breaks out his personal stash for "special company".
