We’re excited to share a recent feature from the Vancouver Guardian that gives a behind-the-scenes look at what we do at Natural Pastures Cheese Company — and more importantly, how we do it as a team.
While Anyssa was the one interviewed, the story really belongs to the people who make Natural Pastures what it is every single day: the early-morning cheesemakers, the detail-obsessed packaging crew, and the admin team that keeps everything moving from orders to logistics to customer support. The article captures something we talk about a lot internally — that our business works because three teams collaborate tightly, day in and day out, to get great cheese from our Courtenay production floor to tables across Canada.
It also touches on what we’re proud of: being an award-winning, family-owned Vancouver Island company that makes both cow-milk and water buffalo-milk cheeses, and operating our on-site Artisan Cheese Shop so you can visit the place where the cheese is actually made.
If you’ve ever wondered what “behind the scenes” really looks like in an artisan cheese company — from the 4:30 a.m. starts, to wrapping and smoking, to the coordination that gets products into delis and specialty shops — this one’s for you.
In Canada we take hockey, lacrosse and cheese very seriously!
We’re celebrating Canada’s big hockey win this past week with something truly special—a new limited-edition mozzarella made with 100% Canadian water buffalo milk, rich in A2 protein!
On February 18, 2025, at 6:30 PM PST, Team Canada defeated Team USA 3-2 in overtime to win the 4 Nations Face-Off Championship. The game was a rematch of their intense preliminary-round battle, where Canada fell 3-1 to the Americans. This time, with gold on the line, Canada rose to the challenge, delivering a thrilling finish in overtime.
With the legendary rivalry between Canada and the USA intensified by both history and national pride, this game carried significance beyond sport. Fans on both sides were deeply invested, and the excitement extended beyond the rink—the CN Tower and Montreal’s Olympic Stadium glowed in red and white ahead of the final, while the Empire State Building was illuminated in red, white, and blue. Though the championship took place at TD Garden in Boston, a wave of Canadian fans made their presence felt, creating an electric atmosphere.
To honour this incredible victory, we’ve crafted McDavid Mozzarella—a cheese that embodies the same dedication and excellence that led Team Canada to gold.
Just like in hockey, making great cheese takes commitment and a strong team. From the farmers at McClintock’s Farm and Coleman Meadow Farms who supply our rich, creamy water buffalo milk, to our expert cheesemakers who carefully craft and age each wheel, and our packaging team who ensures every piece is perfect—this cheese is a true team effort.
McDavid Mozzarella is the ultimate cheese for pizza, lasagna, and breaded mozzarella sticks. Its creamy, stretchy texture and rich flavour make it the perfect addition to your favourite comfort foods. Whether melted over a bubbling homemade lasagna, topping a crispy, golden pizza, or coated and fried for the perfect crispy, gooey bite, this cheese delivers winning results every time.
While Connor McDavid’s leadership helped guide Team Canada to victory, he wouldn’t be where he is without his teammates. The same goes for cheesemaking—exceptional cheese comes from farmers, cheesemakers, aging specialists, and packaging experts all working together to bring out the best in every wheel.
Join us in celebrating Canada’s win with McDavid Mozzarella, a smooth, creamy cheese that’s as exciting as a game-winning overtime goal.
Available for a limited time only in our Artisan Cheese Shop at Natural Pastures Cheese Company—crafted with passion, teamwork, and the finest Vancouver Island water buffalo milk.
A Guide to Balanced Flavors and Pairings – by Anyssa Jane
When crafting the ultimate cheese board, achieving a harmonious balance of flavors, textures, and visual appeal is key. A well-thought-out selection can elevate any gathering, delighting your guests with each bite. Our suggested lineup of 7 cheeses, perfectly packaged in a catering pack, includes a mix of aged, creamy, smoky, and spicy options that cater to a variety of palates. And to top it all off, we’ll add a velvety Camembert for that extra touch of indulgence. Paired with local artisan jam, pickled grapes, and gourmet crackers, this board is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details. (Order your 8 pack to pick up in THE Artisan Cheese Shop in Courtenay!)
The Perfect Cheese Selection
Aged Farmhouse – With its nutty, complex flavors and crumbly texture, this cheese provides pair wonderfully with artisan jam. pair wonderfully with artisan jam. This Bourenkaas style cheese has been aged for 2 years to compete with the flavor crystals and stone fruit finish of a similar aged cheddar. Strong, sweet and crumbly it is perfect with wine or whiskey.
Boerenkaas – Dutch for ‘Farmer’s Cheese,’ award-winning Boerenkaas has a sweet nutty flavor and bold, tangy finish. A ripened cheese, it is superb in soups, salads, omelettes, and it also shines on a cheese board alongside pickled grapes.
Smoked Boerenkaas – A smoky twist on the classic Boerenkaas, this cheese offers a bold, savory flavor that contrasts beautifully with the delicate creaminess of Camembert. Smoked from local apple trees right here in the Comox Valley it pair with honey, beer and coffee easily.
Courtenay Cheddar – The ‘terroir’ is the sense of place of a cheese or a wine that is conveyed by the distinctive flavors of its geographical location and the environment in which it is ‘grown.’ Salty ocean air. Our cheddar embodies the essence of the lush Comox Valley. It’s creamy texture and a balanced tanginess, making it perfect for melting or adding depth to sandwiches and casseroles. Pair it with crisp crackers for a satisfying crunch.
Pacific Pepper Verdelait – Vibrant, sassy cheese with the inferno finish of local Paper Lantern habañero peppers and premium, black pepper. Brilliant on it’s own, but it also shines on nachos, grilled on soup and great with a robust red wine or full-bodied beer.
Amsterdammer – A favorite with Comox Valley locals. A perfect cheese for cooking, melting and sandwiches. It has a buttery creamy, mild, and fights with no one. Good on a sandwich, with a glass of wine, whisky or coffee.
Camembert – Soft and creamy, with a bloomy rind and earthy undertones, Camembert adds an element of indulgence. Serve it warmed slightly, with a dollop of jam or a sprinkling of fresh herbs. We also make a triple cream camembert at Christmas and Mothers day!
Building the Perfect Pairings
To complement the cheeses, we love to quote Brenda from 40 Knots Winery, “What grows together – Goes together”
Somethings to include!
Local Artisan Jam – The sweet and tangy flavors enhance the creamy and sharp profiles of the cheeses. Look for seasonal options like blackberry or fig.
Pickled Grapes – These provide a unique burst of tangy sweetness that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
Gourmet Crackers – A mix of plain, seeded, and flavored crackers adds texture and variety to your board.
Charcuterie from Powell River’s Brut Charcuterie – The rich, savory flavors of artisan meats from Brut Charcuterie complement the cheeses perfectly, adding an additional layer of indulgence and variety to your board.
Balancing and Contrasting Flavors
Each cheese brings something unique to the board, creating a delightful balance. The sharpness of Courtenay Cheddar plays against the creaminess of Camembert, while the smoky notes of Smoked Boerenkaas enhance the nutty undertones of Aged Farmhouse. Pacific Pepper Verdelait’s subtle heat is tamed by the sweetness of artisan jam.
Presentation Tips
Arrange cheeses in a clockwise pattern, starting from mild to bold.
Add small bowls of jam, local honey, mustard, and pickled grapes for easy serving.
Scatter crackers around the board for a cohesive and accessible display.
Include Natural Pastures Water Buffalo Cream Cheese for spreading or create a “Butter Board” with Natural Pastures Cultured Churned Butter to delight your guests with unique options.
This carefully curated selection, complete with thoughtful pairings, transforms any gathering into an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether it’s a cozy dinner party or a grand celebration, these eight cheeses and their accompaniments promise to impress every guest. So, grab a catering pack, add a Camembert, and let the feasting begin!
In recent years, the traditional wedding cake has met its match: the charcuterie wedding cake. This delightful trend is capturing the hearts (and taste buds) of couples looking to make their big day uniquely memorable. At the forefront of this delicious movement are Toni and Katie, the dynamic duo behind Spoon & Spade, a small female-owned charcuterie business based in Victoria, Vancouver Island. Their commitment to “farm to table” principles ensures that each charcuterie board not only tastes amazing but also supports local producers and promotes sustainability.
Gone are the days when a multi-tiered, sugar-laden cake was the only option for a wedding centerpiece. Today, many couples are opting for charcuterie wedding cakes, which offer a delectable array of aged and fresh cheeses, cured meats, and gourmet accompaniments. This trend reflects a broader cultural shift towards celebrating food that is both artisanal and aesthetically pleasing.
One of the primary benefits of a charcuterie wedding cake is its versatility. Unlike traditional cakes, which cater to those with a sweet tooth, charcuterie cakes can appeal to a wide range of palates. They can be customized to include a variety of flavors, from creamy Natural Pastures Comox Brie, as found beside other local artisanal delights in the cake above, to spicy salami and savory prosciutto. This ensures that every guest finds something they love. Additionally, these cakes are perfect for pairing with wine, adding an extra layer of sophistication to the celebration.
Founded in 2020 by Toni and Katie, Spoon & Spade has quickly become the go-to gourmet charcuterie company in Victoria, Vancouver Island. This female-owned business prides itself on creating beautifully crafted charcuterie boards that elevate any occasion, from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations. They each bring unique skills to the business: Toni with her Culinary Arts diploma and Katie with her artistic touch and a joint passion for florals and design, making them stand out in the event business.
At Spoon & Spade, the belief is that food brings people together. Their gourmet grazes and event tables include custom-made spreads, jams, jellies, and mustards, all made with the finest ingredients. As more couples embrace the charcuterie wedding cake trend, businesses like Spoon & Spade are at the forefront, offering delicious and visually stunning alternatives to traditional wedding cakes. Toni and Katie’s dedication to quality, sustainability, and local products makes their charcuterie creations a perfect reflection of today’s cultural values.
This Thanksgiving, savor the exquisite flavors of Natural Pastures Cheese products, knowing that your holiday feast would lack its essential touch without a sumptuous platter showcasing the likes of Bourenkaas, Aged Farmhouse, Courtenay Cheddar, Amsterdammer, and Cracked Pepper cheeses and Brie!
Its our pleasure is to curate an opulent selection of artisanal cheeses and complementary condiments for you, your beloved family, and cherished friends.
Our cheese selection encompasses a delightful diversity of options, but do note that some, such as Cracked Pepper, are available in limited quantities. Therefore, we recommend making your choice promptly to ensure you secure these rare treasures.
When your Thanksgiving day arrives, all that remains is for you to plate up your delightful cheese assortment on a beautiful board. Display them elegantly at your holiday table, and let the festivities begin!
This Thanksgiving, let the star of your feast be a captivating cheese platter that brings family and friends together. Secure your order today, and we have it ready for pick up in Courtenay for you Thanksgiving celebration.
Your Thanksgiving Sampler promises an extraordinary culinary journey: $145 – pick up price ( shipping is extra )
A generous selection of 5 cheeses, featuring the rich flavors of Bourenkaas, the rustic charm of Aged Farmhouse, the bold character of Courtenay Cheddar, the nuanced sophistication of Amsterdammer, and, if you’re lucky, the limited edition delight of Cracked Pepper. -+200 grams
2 Jars of Saltspring Kitchen Co. Candied Jalapeno Relish and Apple Fig & Fennel.
As YOU Like It – Mango Chutney 125 ml
Ladjager bites from Grimm’s 125G
2 bags of Jenny Marie’s Crackers 100 g each
1 tin of Wild Spring Salmon 160 g
1 Bulb of Garston’s Garlic ( we recommend roasting to have with Brie on crackers)
Big D’s 50 grams of charcuterie honey
Cheese Knife
Additionally, you’ll receive a fact sheet detailing the cheese descriptions and suggested pairings with 40 Knots Wine.
You may upgrade and add on as needed recommended addon’s 200 G Natural Pastures Butter , Natural Pastures Fondue, Cheese Flight 6 mixed cheese rolls
Please bear in mind that we dispatch wedges of cheese approx 200g and while the exact cheese selections in your Sampler sizes may vary, rest assured that we will make every effort to include Bourenkaas, Aged Farmhouse, Courtenay Cheddar, Amsterdammer, and, Cracked Pepper. In the event of limited availability, we reserve the right to substitute any item with a product of equal or greater value. Your Thanksgiving celebration is our priority, and we want it to be a cheese-filled success! This offer expires November 1, 2023 call for updates.
The holiday season looks a little different again this year, but whether you’re entertaining two or a few, we’re serving up a helping of inspiration.
Retro or just plain rad? We’re bringing back fondue
What could be better than this classic winter warmer? Add a little pizzazz to a night in with a bubbly pot of cheese fondue. It adds just the right amount of fancy but with minimal fuss. You just need a few ingredients, a stovetop, and a willingness to stir. We love using a creamy combo of Natural Pastures Amsterdammer, Boerenkaas, and Aged Farmhouse. Find our full recipe here. Your dipping possibilities are endless!
You’ll want to act fast on this one
Our Triple Cream Camembert is available now – but only for the holiday season! Indulge in a decadent, smooth, richer version of our award-winning Camembert. A creamy finish complements a delicate note of mushroom. Find it in our store and at Thrifty locations throughout BC.
Camembert is delicious served on its own or topped with chutney or tart jam. For optimal flavour, serve at room temperature. Get melt-in-your-mouth cheese by baking in the oven at 325°F for 10 minutes. Considering a wine pairing? Try a dry Rosé, Gamay, Pinot Noir, or Merlot. 40 Knots Winery has you covered!
Graze board, charcuterie, cheese platter – delicious by any name
Speaking of melty, rich Camembert, it’s a star for any cheese board. You can also substitute our Comox Brie for a more traditional taste, or our Buffalo Brie for something a little more unique. Add grapes, berries, a variety of nuts, and cured meats – the only limit to the combination is your imagination. Would you rather order a ready-made board to save time and present your guests with a little added oomph? Our friends at The Local Picnic in Victoria can add some sparkle to your holiday table or some dazzle to a date night.
We’d love seeing your cheesy creations on Instagram, so follow us and tag us in your photos: @naturalpasturescheese. To get more recipes and pairings, follow us on Facebook!
We’re all finding new ways to enjoy our loved ones from a safer distance. With a little technology and some ingenuity, why don’t you try hosting a virtual cheese tasting this holiday season? If you’ve got an internet connection with a laptop, a tablet, or a smartphone, you’re in luck!
Follow these 4 simple steps
Step 1: Acquire the cheese.
Choose between 3 & 5 cheeses and try a variety of tastes and textures to add more interest to your plate for your virtual cheese tasiting. Here’s a nice selection to consider…
Comox Brie – a soft cheese is a must for every cheese plate. Try our award winning brie or camembert to add a creamy buttery texture. Check the best-before date. A soft cheese with two weeks or less on the best-before date will be getting softer and stronger. If you want a gentler, tangier taste, look for a younger soft cheese with 4 weeks or more left on its best-before date. You can also test the soft cheese by GENTLY squeezing the sides. The more give, the stronger the flavour.
Amsterdammer – this popular cheese has a mild flavour and buttery texture. But don’t be deceived, mild doesn’t mean bland. Let it warm up on your plate to release the full flavours.
Boerenkaas – this is a great cheese-plate choice as it is strong enough to stand up to a beer or red wine, but versatile enough to pair with any of the fruits and nuts on the plate.
Pacific Wildfire Verdelait – it’s always a good idea to include a cheese that everyone can talk about. This adventurous cheese combines locally grown habanero peppers with fresh cracked black pepper to add a little fire to the gathering.
Aged Farmhouse – our most popular variety, this cheese is loaded with rich, bold flavour. Its hearty nature will pair well with clean flavours like apple and pear. Let it warm on your tongue and enjoy the depth of flavours that are released.
What should you pair with your cheeses?
The choices are endless! Here are some ideas to try…
Fresh or dried apples, pears and figs.
Nuts such as cashews, walnuts and almonds.
Fresh preserves or even simple honey make a fabulous pairing for soft cheese.
And it’s always fun to experiment with new combinations – try something sourced locally like an artisanal mustard or a smooth, dark chocolate from a shop around the corner. Most importantly, play and have fun!
Have each virtual cheese tasting invitee acquire the same cheeses and pairings, whichever ones you choose. You can procure our cheeses at any Thrifty’s, online through spud.ca, or if you’re local to Courtenay, head over to our Artisan Cheese Shop at 635 McPhee Ave, open from 9-4, M-F. We also have a list of independent grocers and other retailers on our “Where to Find Us” page.
Step 2: Choose your guests & video chat tech of choice.
Pick a video chat app that you’re most comfortable with – if you’re familiar with Zoom, go for it, others may find that a Facebook Messenger chat is easier to handle. Set up a meeting, send out your invites, and you’re good to go.
Tech tips for you to include in your invite:
Wear a headset to improve audio quality for everyone.
Mute your mic if you have a lot of background noise in your space, unmute when you want to speak.
Have a light shining towards your face rather than behind you to avoid being backlit.
Position yourself in a spot with a strong internet signal.
Prop your device (phone, tablet, laptop) somewhere stable so that you can be hands-free. That leads us to step 3…
Step 3: Setup your device.
You’ll want to set your laptop, tablet, or phone in such a way where you can be hands free, with a good view of your place setting. A tabletop setup works well, with your device’s camera pointing toward you. You may need some books piled behind the tablet to hold it up. A damp dish cloth can prevent slipping.
Make sure your wireless internet is on and working. Close down any applications or tv’s that may be using your internet signal. Unmute, and turn your volume up to 50–80% of max. Make a test call to one friend to make sure everything is working. Have everyone agree on a landscape or vertical orientation of their device, which will maximize your screen real estate.
Step 4: Go!
You’ll inevitably spend the first 15 minutes either waiting on your guests, or troubleshooting the technology. It’s best to have a tech-savvy person on hand to help smooth the way. Also wine.
Once everyone is on (we recommend no more than 6 people total) you’re good to go. Establish an order for the tasting and get rolling.
Tasting Glossary
Here’s a vocabulary of cheese tasting words that may help you describe what you’re tasting:
Grassy
Pungent
Earthy
Citric
Sweet
Gamey
Lactic
Lingering
Sharp
Lemony
Buttery
Nutty
Herbaceous
Toasty
Spicy
Everyone will detect flavours in their own unique way, which makes for interesting conversation. Maybe you’ll get some ideas on wine pairings, or recipes that would work with these flavours? Like a book club, a cheese tasting is meant to create conversation, which will of course take on its own life.
A virtual cheese tasting is a great way to connect with your friends or relatives this holiday season. It’s also a great gift idea: choose your people, send them the cheese, and get ready for an awesome time.
Back in the day, the Food Network taught a legion of would-be BBQ masters to grill salmon on a plank of cedar.
Cool! So what’s next? Time to up your grilling game using our favourite ingredient: cheese!
Grilling Cheese on a BBQ or Cedar Plank: Camembert (or Brie)
The cool part about grilling cheese on a cedar plank is this: as the cheese melts, the moisture pulls out the flavour of the cedar and imbues it into your protein.
First, brush your Camembert / Brie with olive oil and place on your cedar plank in a 450 degree BBQ, or place directly on the grill to give it the signature singe marks. Put the lid down and leave for 2 mins.
Brush the other side and gently flip, grilling for another 2 minutes.
Before you grill, make sure to check the rind for any holes – if there are holes, the cheese will melt out. If your rind is solid – you’re good to go.
We like topping a grilled Camembert / Brie with a balsamic reduction drizzled over chopped nectarines, cherries, plums, or your favourite stone fruit.
Simply pour a half a cup of balsamic into a pot, and boil until it reduces by half and coats the back of a spoon. All set for drizzling!
More Ideas
Pacific Wildfire Burgers.
Our hot and spicy verdelait was meant for grilled burgers! Top your burger with grilled red onion, jalapenoes, and melted Pacfic Wildfire. Be sure to add a nice stout of your choosing to wash everything down.
Grilled Buffalo Paneer Kebabs
Using cubed paneer, beefsteak tomatoes, red onions, bell pepper, and a generous shake of Montreal Steak Spice for seasoning. Heck yes!
Cheese Hats – for burgers or sandwiches. What is a cheese hat? Grate a saucer sized amount of our Courtenay Cheddar onto hot non-stick skillet. Leave it to cook until the cheese is all melted and bubbly, and slightly browned underneath. Then gently flip with a spatula and do the same to the other side. you can make it super crispy, or more gooey. Great for kids who require a jaunty cheese hat on their burger or sammy.
So what say you? Have you got the chops to grill cheese? Tag us on instagram @naturalpasturescheese and show us your grilled cheese creations!
Picnic season is here! Whether you’re walking, cycling, or driving, you need a good plan of attack to make your picnic run deliciously smooth.
The Gear
A classic wicker hamper (basket) to hold everything is a fun thing to have, but you can use anything to transport your goods. A cooler with wheels works great, but if you have kids and a ton of stuff, a large folding wagon is your best bet. Load up with cooler, a blanket, and all the food, and plop baby (human and/or fur-baby) down in the back.
Food storage is crucial, and you need to keep your food at 4 degrees C or below for food safety. Reusable ice packs in a variety of sizes help you customize cooling to your payload. Place these at the bottom of your cooler. We use glass when we can (mason jars or saved containers from grocery items) and spill-proof Glad-type containers when needed.
Pro-Tip: refreeze and reuse those gel-filled ice packs from food delivery services.
We also grab some utensils from home; tongs, spoons for serving, a cutting board, and cloth napkins for each person. If we can bear the weight, we take small serving plates from home, but if not, compostable paper plates are light and convenient.
A large blanket or a lightweight tarp is great for carving out space on the beach or in the park.
The Food
If your style is to simply arrive, plop your basket down, and crack a cold one, we suggest making ahead of time: a frittata (made with any of our cheeses), roasted chicken drumsticks, or a pressed sandwich (see recipe below!). These items are finger friendly, less mess, and easy to deal with. Supplement with a chopped salad, a potato salad, or a pasta salad and you’re done.
If you like to settle in and do some assembly on-site, we always love a classic French baguette with a wheel of Buffalo Brie or Comox Camembert – or a good cheese board filled with a mix of cheeses, like Aged Farmhouse, Smoked Boerenkaas, Mozzarella di Bufala, and Pacific Wildfire Verdelait
For the true Picnic Pro: bring a portable grill. The sky’s the limit: grilled marinated kebabs are fantastic (try with cubes of Buffalo Paneer!), as are fresh-made sausages from your local butcher, little steak fillets, and you can also grill our Buffalo Paneer in the style of Halloumi.
Some other easy to-bring items: Caprese skewers, homemade soup, empanadas, quiches, and savoury tarts.
Here’s a very nice pressed sandwich that you can make and refrigerate the night before:
The Drinks
If you’re in North Vancouver this summer you can pack your craft brew growler to be openly consumed at a variety of public parks LIST HERE.
For virgin drinks, we love making a homemade iced tea, lemonade, or iced coffee. Flavoured soda water is nice, especially with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime.
Think Local
Don’t forget your local small businesses serving up picnic baskets, take away food, and food truck vendors. It saves a lot of prep to pick something up along the stroll to the park or beach.
Get out there! Practice social distancing but enjoy being out in nature on your luncheon in the sunlight.
You’ve tried our Comox Brie on your cheese board, and baked a few in the oven topped with dried fruit, honey, and nuts. Awesome! You are a cheese fan!
But how about something a little more adventurous?
Buffalo Paneer
Never cooked with a Paneer cheese before? No worries, it’s easy and delicious! A protein-rich staple in South East Asia, and with good reason. Paneer is a firmer cheese that holds up well to grilling and pan-frying. If you’ve ever had haloumi in the greek dish saganaki, paneer has a similar hearty quality. With grill season well on its way, it’s a great time to try this out. You are actually looking for grill marks on this cheese. It won’t melt into your grill!
Marinated Bocconcini
Have you avoided Bocconcini because of the too-mild flavour? Amp up the texture and flavour by breading and frying: you’ll get a crunchy, savoury exterior and a smooth, delicious centre. We love treating our bocconcini the traditional Italian way, by marinating with herbs and olive oil. You’ll find this dish all over Italy with good reason, it brings out the flavour in the mild cheese and serves as a great accompanyment to summery BBQ’s and picnic meals on the patio.
Pacific Wildfire
How about turning up the heat? But how spicy is spicy? Don’t fear, our Pacific Wildfire cheese won’t melt your face off – but it will melt perfectly into egg dishes, nachos, or your BBQ’d pizza. We’re talking about a perfectly balanced warm hum blended with a smokiness that mellows your soul. All the more excuse to pair with beer or a nice chilled white!
Try this nice beer dip using our smoky favourite, Pacific Wildfire.
Stay tuned for more recipes and pairings as the sunny season gets underway. And stay safe out there everybody.
