But now, the Jersey Dairy cooperative of 27 farmers is to apply for Protected Designation of Origin status with the European Commission. This would mean that only cream produced on Jersey could be sold as Jersey cream.
Farmers on the island have already applied for similar protection for Jersey butter.
Christopher Journeaux, Jersey Dairy marketing director, said: “Local people are rightly proud of the Jersey cow and the products made from her milk and cream, and we’re keen to ensure that consumers can be confident that if butter claims to be Jersey butter, that it actually comes from here.
“Jersey cows are renowned for the quality of their milk, but the ones over here enjoy a longer grazing period – from February to early November – than their cousins on British mainland soil. We believe that it is this long period on grass, combined with the unique environment of Jersey with its long hours of sunshine and sea air, that makes our dairy products so sought after.
“We are already seeking Protected Designation of Origin status for our butter and now intend to make a further application for our cream.”
Nick Hall, cream buyer for Tesco, said the store supported the farmer’s bid. He said: “If you’re a real foodie and a cream fan, there’s absolutely nothing quite as good as real Jersey cream produced on the island. Unfortunately, until now, the Jersey cream most of us buy over on the British mainland is quite different to the real thing produced on the island itself.
“What gives authentic Jersey Cream its unique flavour is down to the herd actually having grazed on the island’s rich grass, resulting in a rich milk containing higher than normal levels of protein and calcium. It is this that produces real Jersey cream’s characteristic golden colour, richer flavour and creamy texture.”
Hall explained that Jersey milk had long been recognised for its rich texture and slightly yellow colour. He added: “The Jersey cow doesn’t process carotene from its food, so the colour is transferred to the butter and even gives cream a very notable hue.”
Source: MSN
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