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Cornish Kern - Rennet & Rind British Artisan Cheese
£10.13
250GM500GM1KG1/2 (2KG)Whole (4KG)

Made by Catherine Mead OBE and her team at Lynher Dairies, Cornish Kern is a beautifully refined, Comté-style cheese with a distinctly British identity. Aged for 16 months, its firm, flinty texture gives way to a complex yet delicate flavour profile. Expect aromas of sweet cream and white wine, followed by notes of toasted almonds, caramel, and a gentle nuttiness that lingers long on the palate.

Its black-waxed rind encases a cheese that is both rich and moreish, balancing savoury depth with a subtle sweetness. No surprise, then, that it was crowned Supreme Champion at the World Cheese Awards in 2017. A truly exceptional cheese.

Available Online, In Our Stamford Store and via Rennet & Rind Wholesale

  • MILK
  • MATURATION NOTES
  • LOCATION
  • CHEESEMAKER
  • REVIEWS
  • NUTRITION

HERD

Ayrshires

Ayrshire cattle are a breed of dairy cattle from Ayrshire in southwest Scotland. The adult Ayrshire cow weighs from 450 to 600 kilograms. Ayrshires typically have red and white markings; the red can range from a shade of orange to a dark brown

MILK

Pasteurised

The process of pasteurisation involves heating milk to 71.7°C for at least 15 seconds (and no more than 25 seconds). Because of the nature of the heat treatment it sometimes referred to as the ‘High Temperature Short Time’ (HTST) process. Once the milk has been heated, it is then cooled very quickly to less than 3°C. The equipment which is used to heat and cool the milk is called a ‘heat exchanger’.

A Word on Rennet & Rind Maturing

"Kern has a sturdy rind. Humidity is key to ensure the cheese doesn't dry out, if it does, then you'll be left with a simliar texture to manchego. Losing it's creaminess. "


Perry James WakemanCheese Guy & Maturer

Ponsanooth, Truro, West Cornwall

Ponsanooth is a village in Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. It is about four miles southeast of Redruth and two and a half miles northwest of Penryn on the A393 road Redruth to Falmouth road. The church of St Michael and All Angels is now part of a larger benefice, sharing a single vicar with Mabe.

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Catherine Mead

Catherine Mead (OBE)

Pasteurised Cow's MILK, Salt, Cheese Cultures, Animal Rennet, Calcium Chloride
Energy1569kj/378kcal
Fat30g
of which saturates21g
Carbohydrates0.0g
of which sugars0.0g
Protein27.0g
Salt2.0g


Disclaimer

Allergens, Ingredients and Nutritional Information Disclaimer
These details have been carefully prepared and are provided for information only. Whilst every effort, care and attention to detail has been taken to provide accurate details, we strongly recommend that you refer to the product label and packaging prior to consumption. Rennet & Rind is unable to accept liability for any errors and omissions or information that may be incorrect. If you require further information, please contact us on 01480 831 112 or email hello@rennetandrind.co.uk

THINGS THAT WE SELL THAT COMPLIMENT CORNISH KERN

Tunworth
£10.00
The Duke
£9.75

Customer Reviews

Frequently asked questions about Cornish Kern

What is Cornish Kern cheese?

Cornish Kern is a hard, farmhouse cheese made by Lynher Dairies in Cornwall, England. It is an aged version of Cornish Yarg, matured for 20 months, giving it a flaky yet dense texture and rich, nutty, and caramelised flavours.

How is Cornish Kern made?

Cornish Kern starts with Ayrshire cow’s milk, which provides a naturally rich and creamy base. The cheese is floated in a briny bath, then coated in breathable black wax, which allows it to mature while developing its signature complex flavour and slightly crystalline texture.

What does Cornish Kern taste like?

Cornish Kern has a deep, nutty, and savoury flavour, with hints of toasted hazelnuts, caramel, and a touch of smokiness. The long aging process enhances its intensity while maintaining a smooth, slightly flaky texture.

What makes Cornish Kern unique?

Cornish Kern is inspired by Gouda-style/Mountain Style cheeses but uses Alpine starter cultures, giving it a distinctive depth of flavour. Its unique black wax coating and long maturation process set it apart from other British cheeses.

Why is Cornish Kern coated in black wax?

The breathable black wax coating protects the cheese while allowing it to mature slowly over 20 months. This results in a concentrated flavour and firm texture, similar to aged Gouda or Comté.

What awards has Cornish Kern won?

Cornish Kern was crowned World Champion Cheese at the 2017 World Cheese Awards, beating over 3,000 other cheeses from around the world. Its smooth, nutty flavour and distinctive aging process earned it global recognition.

How should Cornish Kern be served?

Cornish Kern is best enjoyed at room temperature. It pairs well with:

Toasted nuts and dried fruits to enhance its caramelised notes.
Full-bodied white wines like Chardonnay or a well-aged red wine.
Honey or fig chutney to balance its savoury depth. 

Always read the label for storage instructions

What is the meaning of ‘Kern’?

"Kern" means "round" in Cornish, a reference to the cheese’s smooth, circular shape. This name also reflects its strong connection to Cornwall’s heritage and artisan cheesemaking traditions.

Is Cornish Kern suitable for vegetarians?

No, Cornish Kern is not suitable for vegetarians.

How should Cornish Kern be stored?

No, Baron Bigod is not suitable for vegetarians as it is made using traditional animal rennet. For more information on rennet and dietary considerations, please refer to the NHS website or consult a dietary specialist.