Description
Tracklements Gooseberry Fruit Cheese
Add a bit of oomph to your cheeseboard!
If you’re looking for something a little bit different on your cheeseboard, Tracklements Gooseberry Fruit Cheese fits the bill perfectly. Its tart-sweet balance commands attention, and British gooseberries add a zingy brightness unlike typical preserves. It livens up any cheese and gives you instant cheeseboard credibility.
Flavour Profile
If you should ever eat gooseberries on their own, you can have a bit of a shock; think tart green apple. But a gentle simmer with sugar transforms them: still zingy, but now in an inviting way. Tracklements nails it, letting the gooseberries shine without excess sugar. It’s a classic British flavour that feels fresh on a cheeseboard.
It looks the part too; rustic, a bit old-school, with a pale green-gold showing its real fruit. The texture is softer than most fruit cheeses, with gooseberry bits in glossy syrup. Dollop or spread it easily; it complements everything on the plate.
Take a sniff, and you’ll get fresh citrus, lemon zest, maybe green apple notes, and then a hint of floral. It’s lighter than most dark, sticky preserves, and its aroma promises something refreshing.
Taste-wise, it’s a proper wake-up call for your taste buds. First, you get that tart gooseberry zap, then the sweetness sidles in to keep things friendly. If you’re really concentrating (or just showing off), you might spot a bit of plum, apple, or even a whisper of elderflower. What really does it for me is the acidity. I really love how fresh it makes everything taste. Where damson or quince are all about richness and depth, gooseberry is the one doing star jumps in the corner, brightening things up (which, to be honest, is a bit like me too!).
Cheese Pairing Ideas
Here are my favourite cheese pairings:
- Goat Cheese (Brightwell Ash): The goat cheese’s tang and acidity match the gooseberry’s brightness. The two amplify each other, resulting in a lively pairing. Add fresh thyme or mint to boost green notes.
- Waterloo (Brie-style): The preserve’s tart notes balance the Waterloo’s buttery richness, cutting creaminess and enlivening each bite.
- Single Gloucester PDO: This smooth, mild cheese pairs well with the zing of gooseberries. The preserve adds brightness and complexity, making a gentle cheese more engaging.
- Blue Cheese (Strathdon Blue): The bold, salty flavours of the blue are balanced by the gooseberry’s tart-sweet profile. Acidity tempers richness, while sweetness provides the necessary contrast for a bold, balanced experience.
Jen’s Note: It’s not just for cheese. The acidity cuts through richness when tried with smoked mackerel or salmon. Use it as a glaze for chicken, stir into salad dressing, or dollop next to pâté if you’re feeling fancy. It gives a lively touch to many dishes.
Buying Gooseberry Fruit Cheese
Ingredients (Allergens are listed in capitals)
Raw Cane Sugar, Gooseberries (39%), Bramley Apples, Lemon Juice.
Nutritional Values (per 100g):
Energy: 1116kJ/263kcal
Fat: 0.2g
of which saturates: 0.2g
Carbohydrate: 65g
of which sugars: 65g
Protein: <0.5g
Salt: 0.03g
Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans
