Cornish Yarg | England | Pasteurised Cow's Milk | Cornish Nettle-Wrapped Cheese, 2-3 Weeks Aged
205 Gram Wedge
This is the cheese that put modern Cornish cheesemaking on the map—wrapped in wild nettle leaves that create those distinctive grey-green patterns whilst developing subtle herbaceous flavours. Fresh, lemony, and gently tangy with a unique texture that's both creamy and slightly crumbly.
Flavour: Clean and bright with citrus notes, gentle saltiness, and that distinctive tang that develops from the inside out. The nettle wrapping adds earthy, herbal undertones that complement rather than overwhelm.
Best for: Summer cheese boards, picnics, or when you want something that looks as interesting as it tastes. Perfect with Cornish wines or just enjoyed with crusty bread and fresh tomatoes.
Created by Gray family using a recipe found in the 1600s, perfected by Lynher Dairies since the 1980s.
205 Gram Wedge
This is the cheese that put modern Cornish cheesemaking on the map—wrapped in wild nettle leaves that create those distinctive grey-green patterns whilst developing subtle herbaceous flavours. Fresh, lemony, and gently tangy with a unique texture that's both creamy and slightly crumbly.
Flavour: Clean and bright with citrus notes, gentle saltiness, and that distinctive tang that develops from the inside out. The nettle wrapping adds earthy, herbal undertones that complement rather than overwhelm.
Best for: Summer cheese boards, picnics, or when you want something that looks as interesting as it tastes. Perfect with Cornish wines or just enjoyed with crusty bread and fresh tomatoes.
Created by Gray family using a recipe found in the 1600s, perfected by Lynher Dairies since the 1980s.
205 Gram Wedge
This is the cheese that put modern Cornish cheesemaking on the map—wrapped in wild nettle leaves that create those distinctive grey-green patterns whilst developing subtle herbaceous flavours. Fresh, lemony, and gently tangy with a unique texture that's both creamy and slightly crumbly.
Flavour: Clean and bright with citrus notes, gentle saltiness, and that distinctive tang that develops from the inside out. The nettle wrapping adds earthy, herbal undertones that complement rather than overwhelm.
Best for: Summer cheese boards, picnics, or when you want something that looks as interesting as it tastes. Perfect with Cornish wines or just enjoyed with crusty bread and fresh tomatoes.
Created by Gray family using a recipe found in the 1600s, perfected by Lynher Dairies since the 1980s.
The Cornish Revival Story
Cornish Yarg represents one of British cheesemaking's greatest comeback stories. The Gray family (Yarg is Gray backwards) discovered a 17th-century recipe and brought it to Lynher Dairies, who've been perfecting it since the 1980s.
This isn't just historical recreation—it's proof that traditional techniques can create something genuinely unique. The nettle wrapping isn't cosmetic; it's integral to flavour development and preservation.
What Makes It Special
Nettle Leaf Wrapping: Fresh wild nettles are hand-picked from Cornish hedgerows, then carefully applied to each wheel. As they dry, they create natural antibacterial properties whilst adding subtle herbal notes.
Young and Fresh: Unlike aged cheeses, Yarg is meant to be enjoyed young—2-3 weeks when the contrast between the citrus-bright interior and earthy nettle exterior is at its peak.
Unique Texture: The high moisture content and gentle lactic acid development create texture that's both creamy and slightly crumbly—perfect for spreading or crumbling.
Pasteurised Excellence: Controlled starter cultures ensure consistent quality whilst maintaining the bright, clean flavours that define proper Yarg.
Traditional Innovation
The 17th-century recipe used nettle wrapping for preservation before refrigeration existed. Lynher Dairies refined the technique, using pasteurised milk for safety whilst preserving the traditional flavour profile.
Fresh milk from local Cornish farms goes into every batch. The quick make process and minimal ageing means you're tasting milk transformed, not time-developed complexity.
The Science Behind the Wrapping
Nettle leaves contain natural antimicrobial compounds that protect the cheese whilst allowing controlled moisture exchange. As they dry, they shrink slightly, creating those distinctive grey-green patterns across the surface.
The pH development happens quickly—lactic acid bacteria create that characteristic tang whilst the high moisture keeps the paste creamy. 2-3 weeks is the sweet spot before the acidity becomes too sharp.
Controlled environment ageing ensures the nettles dry at the right rate whilst the cheese develops its signature texture and flavour balance.
Taste and Texture
Paste: Bright white, smooth and creamy with a slightly granular texture that spreads beautifully.
Rind: Distinctive nettle leaf covering in shades of grey-green, completely edible though most people remove it.
Flavour Profile:
Fresh citrus brightness (lemon, lime)
Clean, gentle saltiness
Subtle herbaceous notes from the nettle wrapping
Light tang that builds on the palate
Fresh milk sweetness in the finish
The young age means clean, bright flavours rather than complex aged characteristics.
Pairing Logic
Yarg's freshness and acidity call for partners that either echo its lightness or provide gentle contrast. Think spring and summer flavours.
Wine Pairings:
Cornish White Wine: Local pairing that works beautifully
Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp acidity matches the cheese's brightness
Pinot Grigio: Light, fresh wines that don't compete
Modern Approaches:
Gin & Tonic: The herbal notes complement gin botanicals
Crisp Lager: Clean, refreshing beer for summer eating
Elderflower Cordial: Floral notes echo the nettle wrapping
Traditional Accompaniments:
Fresh tomatoes—classic Cornish combination
Cornish honey—local sweetness balances the tang
Crusty sourdough—proper bread for proper cheese
Fresh herbs—chives, dill, or parsley complement the herbaceous character
Serving Suggestions
Temperature: Serve cool but not cold—15-20 minutes out of the fridge lets the flavours brighten without losing the fresh character.
Presentation: Leave the nettle wrapping on for visual impact, or remove to show the contrast between wrapper and paste.
Seasonal Perfect: Summer cheese boards where the fresh, bright character complements warm weather eating.
Cornish Style: Serve with Cornish crackers, local honey, and perhaps a glass of Cornish wine for the full regional experience.
Storage & Handling
Keep cool: This is a fresh cheese that needs proper refrigeration—vegetable crisper is ideal.
Breathable wrapping: The nettle leaves need air circulation—cheese paper or loose plastic wrap.
Eat fresh: Best within 5-7 days of cutting when the texture and tang are perfectly balanced.
Don't age it: Unlike hard cheeses, Yarg is meant to be enjoyed young and fresh.
Why It's Worth It
You're supporting Cornish agricultural revival and traditional techniques adapted for modern production. The hand-application of nettle leaves requires skilled workers who understand the traditional process.
Fresh milk processing and minimal ageing means higher turnover costs but ensures optimal quality. The nettle harvesting from wild Cornish hedgerows adds labour costs that mass producers can't justify.
Unique product that can't be replicated elsewhere—you're paying for genuine Cornish terroir and traditional knowledge preserved through modern techniques.
The Cornwall Connection
Every wheel tells the story of Cornish food renaissance—taking historical knowledge and creating something uniquely local. The Gray family's discovery and Lynher Dairies' perfection represent British cheesemaking innovation at its best.
This cheese represents what's possible when traditional wisdom meets modern standards—Cornwall's hedgerows providing the wrapper for milk transformed using centuries-old techniques. It's not just cheese; it's edible Cornish heritage.