The Cheesemonger’s Notes
An organic Welsh farmhouse Cheddar made using traditional slow methods and exceptional pasture-fed milk
Hafod Cheddar is a handcrafted organic Cheddar made at Holden Farm Dairy at Bwlchwernen Fawr in West Wales—Wales’ longest certified organic dairy farm, managed organically since 1973. Made using milk from their own herd of Ayrshire cows, Hafod represents a pure expression of land, pasture, and traditional cheesemaking.
The farm’s Ayrshire cows are ideally suited to the landscape, producing naturally sweet, rich milk that is perfect for cheesemaking. Grazing on diverse herbal pastures managed through regenerative and holistic farming practices, the cows feed on nutrient-rich grasses, legumes, and herbs that enhance both soil health and milk quality. This pasture diversity directly contributes to the cheese’s complexity and character.
Inspired by traditional early 20th-century Cheddar recipes, Hafod is made using slower, gentler methods rarely seen in modern cheesemaking. A natural yogurt starter culture is used to encourage slow acidification, allowing the curds to develop gradually and retain their moisture and silky texture. This slower process preserves the integrity of the milk and results in a more refined and complex finished cheese.
After pressing, each cheese is coated in lard to protect it during maturation while allowing it to breathe and develop its natural rind. The cheeses are then matured for around 12 months, during which they are regularly turned and carefully monitored. This long maturation allows Hafod to develop its distinctive texture and depth of flavour.
The texture is firm yet smooth and slightly supple, offering a refined mouthfeel. The flavour is rich, buttery, and deeply savoury, with notes of toasted nuts, sweet cream, and subtle grassy complexity reflecting the pasture. The finish is long, balanced, and elegant, making Hafod a truly exceptional example of traditional farmhouse Cheddar.
Made entirely on the farm using organic milk from their own herd and matured with patience and care, Hafod stands among the finest traditional Cheddars produced in Britain today.
Cut to order at The Norfolk Deli, every piece is prepared fresh to ensure optimal flavour and condition.
Perfect Pairings
• Apple chutney or traditional pickle
• Crusty sourdough or oatcakes
• Traditional farmhouse cider
• Medium-bodied red wines
Ideal Uses
• A centrepiece for cheeseboards
• Perfect for ploughman’s lunches
• Excellent grated into savoury dishes
• Enjoyed simply to appreciate its full character
Why We Stock It
Hafod Cheddar represents the pinnacle of organic farmhouse cheesemaking. Its slow, traditional production methods and exceptional pasture-fed milk create a cheese of remarkable depth, balance, and authenticity.
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