Exploring British Cheese: A Guide to Local Varieties

A Deep Dive into the World of British Cheese Varieties

Alright, cheese lovers! Let's embark on a delicious journey through the amazing world of British cheese. Forget your cheddar from the supermarket for a moment. We're talking about the real deal – artisan cheeses crafted with passion and tradition. From crumbly cheddars to creamy blues, Britain has a cheese for every palate. So, grab a cracker, pour yourself a glass of something nice, and let's get started!

Cheddar Cheese Exploring the King of British Cheeses

No British cheese conversation is complete without mentioning Cheddar. But did you know that true Cheddar comes from a specific region in Somerset? Authentic West Country Farmhouse Cheddar is protected by law, meaning it has to be made using traditional methods and from milk produced on farms within the West Country. The flavor can range from mild and creamy to sharp and tangy, depending on how long it's been aged. Look for cheddars matured in caves for an extra depth of flavor.

Product Recommendation: Montgomery's Cheddar. This is a classic example of West Country Farmhouse Cheddar. It’s aged for around 12 months and has a rich, nutty flavor with a slightly crumbly texture. You can find it in specialty cheese shops and online, usually costing around £25-£35 per kilo.

Usage Scenario: Perfect for a cheese board with apples, pears, and walnuts. Also great grated over pasta or melted into a cheese toastie.

Stilton Cheese Unveiling the Creamy Delight of Blue Cheese

Moving on to the blues, Stilton is a truly regal cheese. It’s another protected cheese, meaning it can only be made in the counties of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Nottinghamshire. Stilton is a blue veined cheese with a rich, creamy texture and a pungent aroma. It’s traditionally made from cow's milk and aged for several months.

Product Recommendation: Colston Bassett Stilton. This is often considered one of the best Stiltons available. It has a wonderfully creamy texture and a balanced flavor with a good blue bite. Expect to pay around £30-£40 per kilo.

Usage Scenario: Crumble it over a salad with pears and walnuts, or serve it with crusty bread and a glass of port. It’s also fantastic melted into a creamy sauce for steak.

Caerphilly Cheese A Taste of Wales

Let's hop over to Wales for a taste of Caerphilly. This is a crumbly, white cheese with a slightly acidic, lemony flavor. It's traditionally made from cow's milk and is relatively young, meaning it has a fresh, clean taste. It's a great cheese for beginners, as it's not too strong or overpowering.

Product Recommendation: Gorwydd Caerphilly. This is a modern take on the classic Caerphilly. It's made with unpasteurized milk and has a slightly more complex flavor than traditional versions. It costs around £20-£30 per kilo.

Usage Scenario: Perfect for a ploughman's lunch with crusty bread, pickles, and ham. Also great crumbled over a salad or used in a sandwich.

Wensleydale Cheese Exploring the Distinctive Texture and Flavor

Hailing from Yorkshire, Wensleydale is a crumbly, moist cheese with a slightly sweet, honeyed flavor. It's often mixed with cranberries or other fruits to add a festive touch. Traditionally made from cow's milk, it has a unique texture that sets it apart from other British cheeses.

Product Recommendation: Yorkshire Wensleydale. This is the classic version of Wensleydale. It's crumbly and moist with a slightly tangy flavor. Expect to pay around £15-£25 per kilo.

Usage Scenario: Enjoy it with fruitcake, apple pie, or a slice of Christmas pudding. It's also great crumbled over a salad or used in a cheese board.

Comparing British Cheeses A Guide to Taste and Texture

So, how do these cheeses stack up against each other? Cheddar is known for its firm texture and sharp flavor, while Stilton is creamy and pungent. Caerphilly is crumbly and lemony, while Wensleydale is moist and slightly sweet. The best cheese for you depends on your personal preferences. If you like a strong, bold flavor, go for Stilton or a mature Cheddar. If you prefer something milder, try Caerphilly or Wensleydale. Ultimately, the best way to find your favorite British cheese is to try them all!

Serving British Cheese Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Cheese Board

Creating a cheese board is an art! Here are a few tips to help you create the perfect spread:

• Variety is key: Choose a selection of cheeses with different textures and flavors.
• Temperature matters: Take your cheeses out of the fridge about an hour before serving to allow them to come to room temperature.
• Pair with accompaniments: Offer a selection of crackers, breads, fruits, nuts, and pickles to complement the cheeses.
• Presentation is important: Arrange the cheeses on a board in an attractive way.
• Don't forget the knives: Provide separate knives for each cheese to prevent the flavors from mixing.

Where to Buy British Cheese Finding the Best Local and Online Retailers

You can find British cheese at specialty cheese shops, farmers' markets, and some supermarkets. Online retailers also offer a wide selection of British cheeses, often with next-day delivery. Look for cheeses made with unpasteurized milk for the most authentic flavor.

Here are a few online retailers to check out:

• Neal's Yard Dairy: A London-based cheese shop with a fantastic selection of British and Irish cheeses.
• Paxton & Whitfield: Another well-known cheese shop with a long history.
• The Fine Cheese Co.: Offers a wide range of artisan cheeses from around the world.

The Price of British Cheese Understanding Value and Affordability

The price of British cheese can vary depending on the type of cheese, the quality, and the retailer. Generally speaking, artisan cheeses will be more expensive than supermarket cheeses. However, the extra cost is often worth it for the superior flavor and quality. Expect to pay anywhere from £10 to £40 per kilo for British cheese.

Here's a rough guide to the prices of the cheeses we've discussed:

• Cheddar: £15-£35 per kilo
• Stilton: £25-£40 per kilo
• Caerphilly: £20-£30 per kilo
• Wensleydale: £15-£25 per kilo

Enjoying British Cheese Pairings with Drinks and Food

British cheese pairs beautifully with a variety of drinks and foods. Cheddar goes well with apples, pears, and walnuts, while Stilton is fantastic with port and crusty bread. Caerphilly is perfect for a ploughman's lunch, and Wensleydale is delicious with fruitcake.

Here are a few more pairing ideas:

• Cheddar: Red wine, beer, cider
• Stilton: Port, dessert wine, walnuts
• Caerphilly: White wine, beer, pickles
• Wensleydale: Sweet wine, fruitcake, apple pie

So there you have it! A glimpse into the wonderful world of British cheese. Hopefully, this has inspired you to try some new varieties and discover your own favorites. Happy cheese eating!