Lymeswold cheese

Lymeswold cheese is a type of blue cheese that was first produced in the United Kingdom in the 1980s. It was the first new English cheese to be introduced for over two hundred years, and was named after the village of Lymeswold, where it was initially manufactured.

History

Lymeswold cheese was introduced to the market in 1982 by the Milk Marketing Board (MMB). The MMB had identified a surplus of milk in the UK and decided to create a new cheese to help reduce this surplus. The cheese was initially very popular, and its launch was accompanied by a large marketing campaign. However, by the late 1980s, the cheese had fallen out of favour and production ceased in 1992.

Characteristics

Lymeswold cheese is a soft, creamy blue cheese with a mild flavour. It is similar in taste and texture to Stilton cheese, but is less crumbly and has a higher moisture content. The cheese is made from pasteurised cow's milk and is typically aged for between six and eight weeks.

Legacy

Despite its relatively short lifespan, Lymeswold cheese had a significant impact on the British cheese industry. It was one of the first cheeses to be marketed as a premium product, and its success helped to pave the way for other artisanal British cheeses. Today, Lymeswold cheese is often remembered for its distinctive packaging, which featured a stylised image of a cow.

See also

• List of British cheeses
• History of cheese