Wisconsin has not always been the dairy state, but cheese is a notable
part of its heritage. Capturing the voices of farmers, milk haulers,
makers, and graders, Jerry Apps provides a rich view into the history of
cheese in the state, beginning with its humble origins in farmhouse
kitchens. As he explores the extraordinary diversity of cheese products,
he peppers his lively narrative with obscure lore.
In this updated edition of a classic, Apps examines tumultuous changes
in the business over the past twenty years, including the impacts of
corporate megafarms and the rise of artisanal producers. Vivid
historical photographs and striking portraits of modern family-operated
factories reveal the delicate balance between art and science that goes
into the process of turning ordinary milk into a wide variety of
flavors, from the ubiquitous cheddar to sublime delicacies. Through
these stories, we can come to better appreciate the remarkable farmers
and producers that shaped cheesemaking into the thriving industry it is
today.