The Cheesemonger’s Notes
Iconic nettle-wrapped British cheese with delicate creaminess and distinctive natural character
Great Taste Awards 2 Star winner
Cornish Yarg is a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese made in Cornwall, wrapped in nettle leaves. It has a firm, slightly crumbly core with a fresh, creamy flavour, while the rind develops earthy, mushroomy notes as it matures.
Cornish Yarg is one of Britain’s most recognisable modern artisan cheeses, handmade at Lynher Dairies in Cornwall using a unique recipe rediscovered in the 1980s. Its name comes from cheesemaker Alan Gray, who found the original recipe in his attic — and simply spelt his surname backwards.
Each cheese is carefully wrapped by hand in fresh nettle leaves, creating its distinctive appearance and encouraging the development of natural moulds during maturation. This process helps regulate moisture loss and contributes to the cheese’s unique texture and flavour.
Matured for around 4 to 6 weeks, Cornish Yarg develops a slightly crumbly core that gradually becomes creamy beneath the rind. The flavour is fresh and lactic, with buttery richness and delicate mushroom notes balanced by a clean, complex finish.
Winner of multiple Gold Awards including the Global Cheese Awards and Great Taste Awards (3 Stars), Cornish Yarg has become a true modern classic of British cheesemaking.
Perfect Pairings
• Apple chutney or fresh apple
• Crusty bread or oatcakes
• English sparkling wine
• Light white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc
• Traditional cider
Ideal Uses
• A centrepiece cheese for British cheeseboards
• Perfect introduction to artisan cheese
• Served simply with bread and chutney
• Ideal for light, fresh cheese selections
• Excellent for special occasion cheeseboards
Why We Stock It
Cornish Yarg represents the innovation and creativity that define modern British cheesemaking. Its distinctive nettle wrapping, careful maturation, and award-winning quality make it one of the most important cheeses produced in Britain today.
At The Norfolk Deli, we champion cheeses that combine craftsmanship, provenance, and individuality. Cornish Yarg delivers all three — a cheese that is both instantly recognisable and deeply rewarding.
