Brovettos Dairy and Harpersfield Cheese
Tucked away in the northern Catskills of Delaware County, Harpersfield Cheese is a hidden gem beloved by cheese enthusiasts across New York State and beyond. They are dedicated to crafting artisanal cheeses that capture the essence of the region's rich dairy tradition.
At the heart of this venture is Brovettos Dairy, a family-owned farm that takes pride in its commitment to sustainable and ethical farming practices. Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Jefferson, NY, Brovettos Dairy is home to a herd of 40 cows that play a crucial role in producing high-quality milk, the foundation of Harpersfield Cheese.
Unlike most commercial dairy farms, which generally raise one breed of cow, Brovettos Dairy has four: Holsteins, Jerseys, Holstein/Jersey Crosses, and an Ayrshire. This diversity helps their milk to be high in components like butterfat and protein, giving their cheese a creamy texture and rich flavor. Another factor contributing to their cheese's delicious taste is grazing their cows on pasture from May to October.
The farm was established in 1972 by Ron and Corrine Brovetto. After moving upstate from Long Island, they started the farm and ran it while both working full-time jobs: Ron, an engineer, and Corrine, a nurse. Ron and his son Russell attended cheese-making courses, and soon, Harperfield Cheese was born in 2000. Most recently, Russell's daughter, Rachel, received a degree in Dairy Production and Management in 2019 and has become the third generation to take care of the farm.
Harpersfield Cheese offers a diverse range of artisanal cheeses, each with its own distinct flavor profile. From rosemary to basil & tomato and flavorful lavender, there's a cheese to suit every palate. The cheesemakers at Harpersfield prioritize quality over quantity, ensuring that each wheel of cheese is crafted with precision and care.
Their cheese is aged naturally and crafted by hand using simple ingredients: farm-fresh cow's milk, natural cultures, and salt. Their cheese is aged in small batches on-site in a cheese cave for 3 to 9 months. This is an underground room where the temperature and humidity are controlled until each cheese wheel's full flavor is developed. When it is done aging, each piece of cheese is individually vacuum-sealed to preserve freshness.
Stay connected with Brovettos Dairy and Harpersfield Cheese on their website, where you can learn more about the farm and shop their selection of cheeses. You can also purchase their cheese at their farm stand, which is open daily from 11 am- 4 pm, and at several stores and markets throughout New York state.
Next time you're looking for some farm-fresh, hand-crafted cheese, try Harpersfield Cheese! Support a local New York dairy farming family while indulging in some delicious, artisanal cheese.
