• St Cera Cheese - Norfolk Deli
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St Jude Dairy

St Cera Cheese

St Cera Cheese

£8.95 GBP
£8.95 GBP
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Key Facts

Region: Wheatacre, Norfolk

Milk: Cow's Milk (Montbéliarde herd)

Type: Soft, washed rind

Texture: Soft, creamy, becoming softer with age

Pasteurisation: Raw Milk

Strength

● ● ● ● ○ Strong
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The Cheesemonger’s Notes

A washed-rind Norfolk cheese with warmth, depth, and beautifully developed character

Produced in Norfolk by St Jude Cheese →

St Cera is a washed-rind lactic cheese made by Julie Cheyney at Fen Farm Dairy in Bungay, Norfolk. Created using rich milk from their Montbéliarde cows, it represents both technical precision and a deep understanding of how milk quality shapes flavour and texture.

Julie moved from Hampshire specifically to work with Fen Farm’s Montbéliarde herd—a breed still rare in the UK but renowned for producing richer, more complex milk than typical British dairy cows. This exceptional milk provides the foundation for St Cera’s distinctive depth and luxurious mouthfeel.

The cheesemaking process begins with delicately coagulated curd, set slowly over 18 hours. This careful handling preserves the fragile structure of the curd, allowing the finished cheese to develop its signature soft, mousse-like texture. The result is a cheese that feels light yet indulgent, with a remarkable smoothness and refinement.

At around one week old, selected cheeses are washed in a brine solution and transferred to a high-humidity maturation room. This washing process encourages the development of St Cera’s distinctive pinkish-orange rind, transforming both its appearance and flavour. As the rind develops, it begins to influence the interior, adding warmth, savoury depth, and increasing complexity.

The flavour profile is rich and expressive. Initial notes of sweet cream and cultured butter give way to deeper savoury characteristics—often likened to creamy carbonara, with gentle smoky bacon warmth. As the cheese matures further, more complex wine-like and barrique notes emerge, creating a layered and evolving flavour that lingers beautifully on the palate.

Despite this complexity, St Cera retains balance and elegance, making it both distinctive and highly approachable.

Made with extraordinary care at Fen Farm Dairy and matured to develop its full character, St Cera stands as one of Norfolk’s most refined and technically accomplished cheeses.

Perfect Pairings

• Crusty sourdough or rustic bread
• Caramelised onion chutney
• Norfolk ales or farmhouse cider
• Dry white wines or light reds

Ideal Uses

• A standout addition to a Norfolk cheeseboard
• Served at room temperature for full flavour
• Enjoyed simply with bread and chutney
• Paired with savoury accompaniments

Why We Stock It

St Cera represents the natural evolution of farmhouse cheesemaking, showing how careful maturation can transform a cheese into something deeper and more expressive. Made using milk from St Jude Dairy’s own herd, it reflects both the quality of Norfolk milk and the skill of its makers.

It is cheeses like St Cera that demonstrate Norfolk’s ability to produce washed-rind cheeses of genuine depth and character.

  • Cut Fresh, Just for You

    Every cheese is hand-cut at our counter on the day your order is prepared. Because we cut by hand, weights are as accurate as possible but remain approximate — think artisan precision, not factory uniformity

  • 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.