We now carry local cheese made with water buffalo milk, courtesy of Fading D Farm in Salisbury, NC. These artisan, farmstead cheeses are from a small family farm that raises its own water buffalo on pasture.
David and Faythe DiLoreto began the farm and dairy after their first taste of authentic buffalo mozzarella. The fresh cheese is commonly made in Italy but less common in the United States, so the DiLoretos resolved to make their own. They spent time finding animals and a herd manager and learning cheese-making before officially beginning production this year.
Water buffalo can be difficult to work with, so the DiLoretos socialize the young animals with people, resulting in gentle adults. Water buffalo also produce much less milk than cows, but the milk makes delicious cheese. We’re lucky to have such a dairy located nearby. Visit them online at http://www.fadingdfarm.com/.
Look for the following cheeses in our stores:
ROCO
“Named after the location of our farm in Rowan County, this is a smooth, mild cheese. Made similar to a filata cheese, Caccio Cavalo, however instead of stretching this cheese we brine and age it for a unique smoothness that is good for eating alone or shreds well for cooking.”
BEL BUFALA
“With a name meaning ‘beautiful buffalo,’ it is made in the fashion of an Italian cheese called Bel Paese. This is a mild, creamy cheese great for eating alone or baked in other dishes.”
SAPORE
“Sapore is a stronger, sharper cheese from which it derives its name, meaning ‘flavorful.’ Sapore holds its flavor well with sauces and is great in pasta dishes.