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Lynher Dairies

Cornish Kern

Cornish Kern

Regular price £9.50 GBP
Regular price Sale price £9.50 GBP
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Key Facts

Region: Cornwall, England

Milk: Cow's Milk

Type: Hard (Alpine-style)

Texture: Firm, dense, and slightly crystalline

Pasteurisation: Pasteurised

Strength

● ● ● ● ○ Strong

Option
Quantity

Cheese Delivery & Freshness

Whilst we always aim for prompt delivery, courier delivery dates cannot be guaranteed, and occasional delays do occur. The good news is that cheese is far more resilient than many people realise. Most traditional cheeses can comfortably withstand short transit delays and, in the vast majority of cases, delayed parcels arrive in excellent condition. If your parcel is delayed, simply refrigerate your cheese on arrival and allow it to come back to room temperature before serving. For more information, please see our Cheese Care Guide

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The Cheesemonger’s Notes

World Champion British Alpine-style cheese with rich caramel depth and exceptional refinement

Cornish Kern is a hard cow’s milk cheese made in Cornwall, inspired by Alpine-style cheeses. It has a firm, dense texture and a rich, nutty, slightly sweet flavour, with a long, savoury finish.

Cornish Kern is one of Britain’s most celebrated modern cheeses, created by Catherine Mead OBE and her team at Lynher Dairies in Cornwall. Crowned Supreme Champion at the World Cheese Awards 2017, Kern achieved global recognition as the finest cheese in the world — a remarkable achievement for British cheesemaking.

Inspired by Alpine traditions yet firmly rooted in Cornwall, Cornish Kern is made using cow’s milk and matured for around 16 months. During this time, the cheese develops a dense, slightly crystalline texture and exceptional depth of flavour. Alpine starter cultures contribute to its complexity, creating a cheese that balances richness with elegance.

The flavour is layered and refined, offering notes of sweet cream, toasted almonds, and deep caramel, complemented by gentle nuttiness and a long, savoury finish. Its firm yet creamy texture enhances the eating experience, delivering both structure and smoothness.

Encased in its distinctive black wax rind, Cornish Kern is a cheese of true distinction — combining craftsmanship, innovation, and world-class recognition.

Perfect Pairings

• Caramelised onion chutney
• Crusty sourdough or oatcakes
• Fresh pear or apple
• Full-bodied white wines such as Chardonnay
• Traditional cider or amber ale

Ideal Uses

• A centrepiece cheese for serious cheeseboards
• Perfect after-dinner cheese
• Excellent grated into savoury dishes
• Served simply to appreciate its complexity
• Ideal for lovers of Alpine-style cheeses

Why We Stock It

Cornish Kern represents the very pinnacle of British cheesemaking. Its World Champion status reflects the extraordinary skill, patience, and innovation behind its creation.

At The Norfolk Deli, we select cheeses that define excellence. Cornish Kern delivers exceptional flavour, texture, and pedigree — a cheese that stands proudly among the finest in the world.

Not sure if this is the right cheese for you?
Read our Hard Cheese Guide or learn how to talk to your cheesemonger


  • Cheese Delivery Delayed?

    Cheese is a living, matured food. It is considerably more resilient than many people assume and was enjoyed for centuries before refrigerated transport existed.

    Read our Guide on what you need to know about Cheese delivery delays Click Here

  • Trusted Cheesemonger

    For over 12 years, The Norfolk Deli has been immersed in cheese, recognised nationally as one of the country’s inspirational independent cheesemongers. Every cheese is selected and cut with care

  • Serving Guide

    As part of a cheeseboard, 250g typically serves 2–4 people. For gatherings of 4–6, a selection of three to five cheeses creates a more generous and varied board

The Norfolk Deli

Answering your everyday cheese questions

How long will this cheese last?

All cheeses are cut fresh at the counter and dispatched in insulated packaging.

For the best flavour, we recommend enjoying within 5–7 days of delivery. Hard cheeses may last longer if stored correctly.

How should I store this cheese?

Keep refrigerated in its original wrapping or waxed paper. Avoid airtight plastic containers. Always bring to room temperature 30–45 minutes before serving for the best flavour and texture.

Is this cheese suitable for freezing?

We don’t recommend freezing soft or blue cheeses as it can affect texture. Hard cheeses may be frozen for cooking purposes, but flavour is best when enjoyed fresh.

What if my cheese has mould on it?

Mould is a natural part of many artisan cheeses.

If the cheese is meant to have a white rind, blue veining or natural mould, this is completely normal and part of its character.

If you notice surface mould on a hard cheese, it can usually be trimmed away safely — simply cut at least 1cm around and beneath the mould.

If mould appears on a soft cheese that is not intended to have mould, or if you are unsure, please contact us and we will advise.

We only dispatch cheeses in excellent condition, selected at peak maturity.

Is this cheese safe during pregnancy?

Pasteurised cheeses are generally considered safe. If a cheese is unpasteurised, this will be clearly stated in the Key Facts section. If unsure, please consult current NHS guidance

Can I request a specific size?

Weights are approximate to ensure fairness and quality. If you require a specific size for an event, please contact us before ordering.

Can this cheese be included in a hamper or cheeseboard selection?

Yes. Many of our cheeses are available in curated cheeseboards, gift hampers or our Cheesemonger’s Selection.