Heckfield

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Heckfield
£9.99
250GM500GM1KGWhole (2KG)

Heckfield is a bit of a marvel. It’s big, in presence, in flavour, and in satisfaction. But don’t expect ooze and funk. This one plays it differently. The texture changes as you go: it cuts clean, crumbles gently under pressure, then somehow melts into something smooth and full once it hits the palate. You might be lucky enough to get the occasional tyrosine crunch to remind you it means business. 

Flavour-wise, it hits like a memory. That proper cheddar note, the kind your Grandad would carve thick at Christmas and make you eat whether you liked it or not. It’s savoury, full-bodied, slightly tangy, and rounded out with a clean, buttery finish. Heckfield is an honest cheese. Carefully made, loud, complex, and absolutely worth your attention.

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

  • MILK
  • LOCATION
  • CHEESEMAKER
  • NUTRITION

HERD

Guernsey

The Guernsey is a breed of dairy cattle from the island of Guernsey in the Channel Islands. It is fawn or red-and-white in colour, and is hardy and docile. The milk is rich in flavour, high in milk-fat and milk protein, and has a high content of β-carotene which gives it a golden-yellow tinge

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’.

RENNET

Suitable for vegetarians

Vegetarian rennets are either vegetable-based (made from plants such as figs, nettles and thistles), microbial (produced using moulds and fungi sources) or made using genetically modified rennet.

RISELY, BERKSHIRE, British isles

Riseley is a village in the English county of Berkshire, adjacent to the border with Hampshire. It is located around 6 miles south of Reading and 8 miles north-east of Basingstoke, and is bypassed to the west by the A33 road

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Anne Wigmore & Village Maid Cheeses

Village Maid Cheese was started by Anne Wigmore in 1986 after she had been working for the National Institute for Research in Dairying in Shinfield for 10 years, initially in the microbiological department, and then learning her craft of cheese-making in their research dairy. Today, with husband Andy, her family and hard-working staff, we continue to produce award-winning artisan cheeses.



Guernsey Pasteurised Cows Milk, Salt, Vegetarian Rennet, Starter culture. 


Energy1344kj/325kcal
Fat28.0g
of which saturates18.2g
Carbohydrates<1.0g
of which sugars<0.1g
Protein18.3g
Salt1.56g


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 HECKFIELD

Tunworth
£12.00
Driftwood
£10.50
The Duke
£13.50
Yarlington
£10.50

Frequently asked questions about Heckfield

What is Heckfield cheese?

Heckfield is a semi‑hard cheese made from pasteurised Guernsey cow’s milk. It’s produced by Village Maid, a family‑run cheesemaker in Berkshire. The cheese is named after Heckfield Park Farm, a small farm less than two miles from the dairy that supplies the milk

How is it made?

Village Maid crafts Heckfield from high‑quality Guernsey milk using vegetarian rennet. The cheeses are pressed and matured for around a year, developing their rich, buttery texture and deep flavour. The maturation typically lasts between eight and twelve months

Where does the name come from?

The cheese is named after Heckfield Park Farm, where the cows graze. The farm lies just a short distance from Village Maid’s dairy, so the milk travels a matter of minutes before it is crafted into cheese

What does it taste like?

Heckfield has a robust, savoury flavour reminiscent of a mature cheddar. It carries rich umami notes and a gentle tang, balanced by a clean, buttery finish The texture is often compared to “hard butter”: it cuts cleanly and can crumble under pressure, yet it melts smoothly in the mouth. 

Why is Heckfield so golden?

Guernsey milk contains high levels of natural carotene, which gives Heckfield its distinctive deep yellow colour. There are no added colourants – the golden hue is entirely natural.

How should I serve it?

Unlike most cheeses, Heckfield is best eaten straight from the fridge. Serving it cold preserves that firm, buttery texture. Pair slices with pickled onions, ploughman’s chutney and crusty bread for a classic British lunch.

Can I cook with it?

Yes. Heckfield melts well and adds rich flavour to hot dishes. Try grating it over a burger, using it in a Welsh rarebit or swapping it in wherever you might normally use mature cheddar. 

Is it suitable for vegetarians?

It is. Heckfield is made with vegetarian rennet and pasteurised milk