Welsh dairy cooperative launches cheddar aged in underground slate caverns

A Welsh dairy cooperative has launched a new cheddar cheese, aged 500ft underground in a slate cavern for “a real depth of flavour”.

South Caernarfon Creameries produces Dragon cheddar using fresh milk from its member farmers. It is then matured in Llechwedd slate caverns in Blaenau Ffestiniog, North Wales, which imparts a uniquely firm body and intense flavour “with rich savoury notes and a fabulous eating quality”.

It is then packaged on site in 200g and 1.2kg formats. The cooperative also produces mild, mature, vintage and 30% reduced fat versions of the cheddar cheese. It has also developed a range of other cheeses, including vintage cheddar with leek; Welsh rarebit, which combines cheddar, mustard and Welsh beer; and a semi-hard Monterey Jack.

The company debuted its new cheddar at the International Food and Drink Event in London last month.

South Caernarfon Creameries said: “We use traditional production methods to make our cheeses – we still salt by hand on open tables to create authentic cheeses that have been made in this way for many years.

“Our key objective is to extend Dragon sales beyond Wales and to open up new sales channels within the retail and foodservice sectors. We also have an ambition to continue to grow the Dragon brand internationally. Welsh slate aged cavern cheddar has such a point of difference that we are confident there will be huge interest at the show.”