faq

What is unique about Maffra Cheese?

Maffra Cheeses are unique because they are handmade and exhibit the characteristics particular to our region. The climate, herbage and soil type all contribute toward the flavour and texture of our cheeses.

In addition, the milk used to make Maffra Cheese is sourced only from the Holstein Friesian cows on our farm, making us a Farmhouse cheese producer.

How do I store Maffra Cheese?
Cheese should be refrigerated at 2 - 4^oC and served at room temperature. To prevent drying out during storage, any cut surfaces should be covered in waxed greaseproof paper.

Why does the cheese taste different to last time?
Your Maffra cheese may not taste exactly the same each time. Differences in flavour and/or texture occur due to seasonal variations in our milk, and our cheeses being handmade. 

Unlike the highly mechanised, high volume manufacturers who are able to precisely control production conditions, making cheese by hand means we cannot replicate the exact conditions for each make. You can however be sure that each cheese you receive has been graded to the highest score.

Those in search of a unique cheese will appreciate that, like the boutique wine industry, the variations in our cheeses enhance their appeal and value.

What type of milk is Maffra cheese made from?
Maffra cheese is made from Holstein Friesian (cow) milk. We only use milk produced on our farm for cheese making. This makes us a ‘farmhouse’ producer. By having total control of our milk supply, we can ensure the highest quality product.

How is the quality of Maffra Cheeses assured?
At Maffra Cheese Company everything we do on our farm, from pasture management to animal health, is designed to produce the purest milk for our cheese. We choose our feed suppliers carefully, to ensure that no animal or genetically modified feed reaches our cows.

Additionally, we are audited through the Murray Goulburn Milk Care Program. This quality assurance program is in place to prevent agricultural, veterinary and microbiological contaminants and chemicals from entering the food chain.

Is Maffra Cheese suitable for vegetarians?
No animal rennet is used in the manufacture of Maffra Cheeses, making it suitable for vegetarians. 

Rennet is an enzyme that is used during the cheese making process to set the milk. This enzyme was traditionally extracted from calf stomachs. There is now a man-made version of this enzyme available, which we use.

Is Maffra Cheese Company open to the public?
Unfortunately, Maffra cheese factory is not open to the public. You can buy Maffra cheeses at selected farmers’ markets in Victoria and from retailers throughout Australia. Please see our where to buy section.