Cerne Abbas Cheddar Cheese

Description

Cerne Abbas Cheddar cheese is our block cheddar of choice in the shop. This cheddar cheese is matured for a minimum of 18 months, during which it develops a rich, intense flavour. As you eat the cheese its flavour becomes fuller in your mouth and it finishes with a lovely sweetness.

One characteristic of this cheese is its fabulous crunch! This is due to the crystals that appear in it. These form naturally during the maturation period of the cheese. Water is lost from the cheese during the ageing process which causes the calcium lactate to become more concentrated. These crystals are a natural by-product of cheesemaking and are totally harmless when eaten.

Cerne Abbas Cheddar is named after the Cerne Giant. Standing at 180ft tall the Cerne Giant is Britain’s largest chalk hill figure and perhaps the best known. Many theories have surrounded the giant’s identity and origins. These include an ancient symbol of spirituality, and a fertility aid! In 2021 the National Trusts archaeologists concluded the giant was probably first constructed in the late Saxon period.

Above the giant is a rectangular earthwork enclosure, known as the Trendle. This is believed to date back to the Iron Age. It is still used today by local Morris Dancers as a site for May Day celebrations. The chalk grassland where the giant lies is of national importance for the many rare chalk downland plants and invertebrates that thrive there.

The giant was given to the National Trust in 1920. Part of conserving the giant means leaving it alone as much as possible! The more the ground is disturbed, the quicker the giant erodes away. The chalk is replaced every 10 years or so but otherwise it is left to nature.

Try pairing it with a traditional West Country cider or if you’re leaning towards a wine then a fruity red from the Languedoc Region is a perfect match.

Ingredients (Allergens are listed in capitals)

MILK, starter cultures, vegetarian rennet, salt.