It’s not what you think. It’s better!

Cheese Maker Teleme is a traditional Monterey County cheese style originally developed by Italian immigrants in California during the early 1900s. Our distributor says that they have revived this nearly extinct cheese, bringing back its distinctive square shape and delicate bloomy rind through careful attention to traditional aging techniques.

Cheese: Franklin Teleme is a soft-ripened cheese with a creamy white bloomy rind that develops over 2-3 weeks of aging. The paste transforms from firm and tangy when young to luxuriously creamy and mild as it ripens, with the characteristic square shape setting it apart from other bloomy rind varieties. Think of it like a cross between a telegio (less stinky) and mozzarella!

Tasting Notes When young, this cheese offers bright lemon-citrus notes with a pleasant mineral finish and firm, slightly crumbly texture. As it matures, it develops rich buttercream flavors with subtle mushroom earthiness from the rind and a silky, almost liquid center.

Pairing Suggestions: Try pairing with California Gewürztraminer or aged sake to complement its creamy richness.

USE: You can use this on pizza or even with a caprese salad. It’s so good!