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St Jude Dairy

St Helena

St Helena

Regular price £10.50 GBP
Regular price Sale price £10.50 GBP
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Key Facts

Region: Wheatacre, Norfolk

Milk: Cow's Milk (Montbéliarde herd)

Type: Semi-soft, washed rind

Texture: Smooth, dense, fudge-like

Pasteurisation: Raw Milk

Strength

● ● ● ● ○ Strong

Size
Quantity
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The Cheesemonger’s Notes

A semi-soft washed-rind Norfolk cheese with a fudge-like texture and beautifully balanced depth

St Helena is a semi-soft, washed rind cheese made in Norfolk by St Jude Dairy using raw cow’s milk. Inspired by traditional St Nectaire-style cheeses, it has a thin, edible rind and a dense, fudge-like texture, with rich, milky sweetness balanced by gentle savoury depth and a subtle tangy finish

Produced in Norfolk by St Jude Cheese

St Helena is a semi-soft washed-rind cheese made by Blake Bowden and Julie Cheyney at St Jude Dairy in Wheatacre, Norfolk. Crafted with exceptional care and matured to develop its full character, it is a cheese that balances richness, elegance, and complexity in equal measure.

The cheese develops a firm, thin rind that is an integral part of the experience and is intended to be eaten as a whole with the paste. Beneath this delicate washed rind lies a distinctive fudge-like interior—dense yet supple, delivering a luxuriously smooth mouthfeel that sets St Helena apart from more traditional washed-rind cheeses.

St Helena begins to reach its full expression from around four weeks of maturation, at which point the flavour profile becomes beautifully layered. It opens with fresh milk and sweet cream notes, followed by gentle nuttiness and savoury depth. As the cheese continues to mature, subtle earthy and mushroom tones emerge, balanced by a delicate tang and a lingering buttery finish. The result is a cheese of harmony and refinement, offering richness without overwhelming intensity.

The name St Helena reflects cheesemaker Blake Bowden’s personal story, honouring the town in Australia where his family lived for 25 years, near Byron Bay. This connection between place, tradition, and craft gives the cheese an added layer of meaning, bridging continents while remaining firmly rooted in Norfolk.

Handcrafted using outstanding milk and matured with precision, St Helena represents the very best of modern British artisan cheesemaking—thoughtful, expressive, and deeply satisfying.

Cut to order at The Norfolk Deli, every piece is prepared fresh to ensure optimal flavour 

Perfect Pairings

• Crusty sourdough or rustic bread
• Caramelised onion or apple chutney
• Norfolk farmhouse ales or cider
• White Burgundy or lightly oaked white wines

Ideal Uses

• A standout centrepiece for a Norfolk cheeseboard
• Served at room temperature to reveal full texture and flavour
• Enjoyed whole, rind and paste together
• Perfect for those seeking complex, washed-rind cheeses

Why We Stock It

St Helena represents the remarkable skill of cheesemakers Blake Bowden and Julie Cheyney and the exceptional milk produced at St Jude Dairy. Its unique texture, balanced flavour, and careful maturation make it one of the most distinctive cheeses produced in Norfolk today.

It is cheeses like St Helena that confirm Norfolk’s place among Britain’s most important artisan cheese regions.


 

  • 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.