A guide to Shropshire Blue — the striking orange-and-blue English cheese. How it relates to Stilton, where its color comes from, and how to enjoy it.
Shropshire Blue is one of the most visually striking cheeses on any board — a vivid orange paste shot through with dramatic blue veins. Often described as Stilton's colorful cousin, it's a rich, tangy English blue with a look as memorable as its flavor.
What Shropshire Blue Is
Despite its name, Shropshire Blue did not originate in Shropshire — it was actually first made in Scotland in the early 1970s, and is now produced by the same dairies in the English Midlands that make Stilton. It's a cow's-milk blue cheese, made by a method very similar to Stilton's, but with one striking difference: the addition of annatto, which turns the paste a deep orange.
Where the Orange Comes From
The cheese's vivid orange color comes from annatto, the natural plant-based dye used to color cheddar, Red Leicester, and other cheeses. Against this warm orange background, the blue-green veins stand out dramatically, giving Shropshire Blue its distinctive and beautiful marbled appearance. The annatto adds color but little flavor — the taste comes from the cheese and its blue mold.
Shropshire Blue vs. Stilton
Shropshire Blue is closely related to Stilton and made in much the same way, by the same producers, using Penicillium roqueforti and piercing the wheels to develop the veins. The main differences are the orange color from annatto and a flavor that many find a touch sharper and more tangy than Stilton, with a similar creamy richness. Think of it as a vibrantly colored relative of Stilton with its own slightly bolder character.
Flavor and Texture
Shropshire Blue has a firm but creamy, slightly crumbly paste, deep orange in color, marbled with blue-green veins. The flavor is rich, savory, and tangy, with a pronounced but balanced blue bite, a creamy mouthfeel, and a slightly sharper edge than Stilton. It's a flavorful, satisfying blue that's bold without being overwhelming.
How to Use Shropshire Blue
Shropshire Blue is a stunning centerpiece on a cheese board, its color drawing the eye, served with crackers, oatcakes, celery, walnuts, and fruit. Like Stilton, it pairs classically with port. It also crumbles beautifully over salads, melts into a rich sauce for steak, and adds color and flavor to dishes. Its looks make it especially welcome on a festive cheese board.
Pairings
Shropshire Blue pairs classically with port, as well as with other sweet and fortified wines and robust reds. On the plate, pears, figs, honey, walnuts, and crusty bread balance its tangy, savory flavor.
Buying and Storing
Shropshire Blue is sold in wedges showing its striking orange-and-blue paste. Choose a piece with even veining and a creamy texture. Keep it wrapped in foil in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before serving. Use it within a week or two for the best flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shropshire Blue from Shropshire?
No. Despite its name, it was first made in Scotland and is now produced in the English Midlands by Stilton makers.
Why is Shropshire Blue orange?
Its orange paste comes from annatto, a natural plant dye, which makes the blue veins stand out dramatically.
How does Shropshire Blue compare to Stilton?
It's made similarly by the same producers but is colored orange with annatto and tends to be a touch sharper and tangier than Stilton.