As a rural area, Devon has a rich history of dairy farming.  This, of course, makes for one element of our most famous export, the classic Devonshire cream tea.  However, what you may not know is that Devon also produces some fantastic cheeses with the milk produced from the nourished dairy herds that call this lush, green and pleasant land home.

We are very enthusiastic about our produce, and our range of artisan cheeses is no different.  So, to celebrate it properly, let’s look into the world of cheese production in Devon…

Curworthy Cheese

Curworthy cheese is based in Okehampton to the north of Dartmoor.  In fact, Stockbeare dairy farm even has a particularly picturesque view with the tors of the moor as its backdrop.

Curworthy has a unique taste with a light buttery texture, and it is unadulterated with absolutely no artificial colourings or preservatives added.  Just a natural good taste as it has been for many years.  So good is the reputation of these truckles, three of the local Waitrose shops in the area stock this cheese!

Sharpham Cheese

Sharpham Vineyard and Dairy Farm is based on the Sharpham Estate in Totnes.  Taking advantage of its location in the English Riviera to grow and nurture grapes and provide fields of green for the cows to have a happy and healthy life as they produce the milk to be made into Sharpham’s range of fine cheeses.

With over 30 years experience in taking the milk from the Jersey herd and tending it to produce award winning cheese, Sharpham are proud of their traditionally-made and hand-produced cheese, even offering tours of the facility to see it being made.  It is the perfect accompaniment to one of the fine wines that Sharpham also produce on site!

Quickes Traditional

In the village of Newton St Cyres is the farm of the Quicke Family, which has stood on this spot for 450 years!  The cheese produced here is made with the most fantastic deference to the process, with most traditional methods still being used.  The end result is the key; a fine mature cheddar that is sharp and full of bite.  Such a unique taste can only be produced with plenty of care and attention to detail.  In fact, each cheese can be matured for up to 24 months.

The cheese has such a reputation that the family business now employs nine skilled cheesemakers to ensure that supply keeps up with demand, but without skimping on that famous quality of course.  Every truckle is handmade and wrapped in muslin to mature into the delightful cheese we know and love.

Vulscombe

This artisan cheese is produced by Graham and Jo Townsend, near Tiverton in Devon.  Fresh and light, this pasteurised goat’s cheese comes from their happy herd of goats that spend their days wandering and grazing the ExeValley.

The milk produced is whisked up into a fabulous handmade cheese that looks every bit as amazing as it tastes.  It is also crafted with vegetarian rennet, making it suitable for even more of your guests at your next dinner party.

Hillside Foods

So Hillside does not actually produce cheese!  However, we felt they simple had to be included with our Devonshire cheese as Hillside have worked with chefs that were born and bred right here in Devon, to create a range of accompaniments specifically for our local cheese.

Fruit pastes and biscuits to sit on the cheeseboard and complement the cheese to perfection, really bringing out every nuance of taste and texture, this is a real labour of love.  The way to really enjoy cheese from Devon is with additions from Hillside!

Have we inspired you to try our delicious Devonshire cheese?  Why not order one of our cheese hampers today to get a great selection to try for yourself?

cheese


Post By Sadie

Sadie Woolcock

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