Dr Susan Berlin B.V.SC is a qualified veterinary surgeon and a certified cheese maker, and since 1993, has developed a range of hand made cheeses that are highly regarded by consumers and are made entirely of 100% pure non-blended sheep’s milk.
Careful attention to detail and a high standard of hygiene have enabled her to produce cheeses of superb quality and these have found acceptance in leading hotels and restaurants in Australia. Whilst these products are uniquely Australian, the European names have been retained, acknowledging the country of origin and the work of earlier traditional cheese makers.
THE CHEESES
Feta: A traditional Greek cheese known throughout the world. Almost all imported feta now contains blends of sheep milk, goat milk, and/or cow's milk. Island Pure's Feta is made from 100% pure unblended sheep milk. Feta is traditionally a salty, brine cured cheese, used in salads and cooking, however in the interest of good health, Island Pure has reduced the salt in Feta, leaving it a creamy textured, varied use, tangy flavoured salad cheese, suitable also for a cheese board with drinks and nibbles.
Kefalotiri: Has been produced for centuries in Greece and the Balkans, and is a favourite of these areas. It is a creamy, smooth semi-matured cheese suitable for the cheese board and can be enjoyed with drinks and nibbles before or after dinner. This versatile “bitie” cheese can also be used in cooking, and it grills and lightly fries beautifully, and is further enhanced with a touch of lemon juice.
Haloumi: Is an old historical recipe that originated in Cyprus, but Island Pure Haloumi is now rapidly becoming known as one of Australia's favourite cheeses. Traditionally, small shredded pieces of mint are added during manufacture or when folded. It is available with or without mint. Used in salads, with a single sweet fruit, or as a tasty fruit based relish, or fried on the barbecue. It is also very tasty when cut into 2-3 cm thin slices and lightly browned in a “dry frying pan” with 2 or 3 drops of lemon juice added prior to eating.
Manchego: For centuries has been the most popular cheese in Spain. Produced in the La Mancha area of Spain, of Don Quixote fame. Production is normally consumed in Spain and it is rarely available in Australia. Island Pure Kangaroo Island made Spanish recipe Manchego, is rated very, very, favourably by connoisseurs and is much sought after. A semi-matured cheese that will complement a fruit platter, or used as an appetiser or grilled on breads. The flavour of this cheese is full and mellow and the texture drier, and is enhanced with a touch of lemon juice.
Ricotta: Is a low fat, high protein cheese. Traditionally eaten hot, immediately after manufacture in Europe. Because it contains no salt or preservatives, this highly nutritious product must be used within 14 days of manufacture. Island Pure's Ricotta is made from whey and is very low in fat. This unsalted, nutty flavoured cheese is widely used as a cooking ingredient and as a filling for pasta and pastry or in cheesecakes. It can also be used as a dessert with fruit. “Island Pure,” Ricotta is classed by connoisseurs as the smoothest and tastiest of all Ricotta's.
