St. Cera is a small, soft, washed-rind cheese made from raw Montbéliarde cow’s milk. Created by Julie Cheyney and Blake Bowden of St. Jude Cheese, St. Cera is known for its bold, farmyard flavours and a creamy, almost spoonable texture, which develops through a special brine-washing process.
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Frequently asked questions about St Jude
What is St. Cera cheese?
How is St. Cera made?
St. Cera begins as a young St. Jude cheese. At about 5–7 days old, it undergoes a brine-washing process, which changes its flavour and texture, giving it a pinkish hue and developing its signature bold, earthy taste.
What type of milk is used in St. Cera cheese?
St. Cera is made from raw Montbéliarde cow’s milk sourced from Fen Farm Dairy. This herd, also known for providing milk for Baron Bigod cheese, produces rich milk that is ideal for the creamy, bold flavour profile of St. Cera.
Where is St. Cera cheese made?
St. Cera is crafted at Fen Farm in Suffolk, England. It combines the quality of raw Montbéliarde milk with traditional cheesemaking techniques by Julie Cheyney and Blake Bowden, ensuring a cheese that is both unique and expressive of its origin.
What does St. Cera cheese taste like?
St. Cera has an earthy, farmyardy taste with nutty and slightly meaty notes. Its flavour is robust, yet balanced, with the creamy, spoonable paste offering an unctuous mouthfeel.
How should I store St. Cera cheese?
St. Cera should be stored in the refrigerator, ideally wrapped in wax paper or its original packaging, and kept at a temperature below 8°C. Always check the packaging for specific storage instructions.
Is St. Cera cheese suitable for vegetarians?
No, St. Cera is made using traditional animal rennet, making it unsuitable for vegetarians. Always check the packaging for dietary information.
What are the best pairings for St. Cera cheese
St. Cera pairs well with crusty bread or crackers, fresh figs, and a drizzle of honey to balance its pungent flavours. For beverages, try pairing it with an off-dry Alsatian white wine or a light red to enhance its rich and creamy qualities.
Can St. Cera cheese be used in cooking?
Due to its soft, spoonable texture, St. Cera is best enjoyed fresh rather than in cooked dishes. It shines as a centrepiece on a cheeseboard or served as a decadent, spreadable cheese alongside accompaniments.
What allergens are present in St. Cera cheese?
St. Cera contains milk. It is free from gluten and nuts, but always check the packaging for full allergen information.
How should I serve St. Cera cheese?
For the best flavour, serve St. Cera at room temperature. Its spoonable texture makes it ideal as a centrepiece on a cheeseboard, where it can be enjoyed with bread or fruit. Always check the packaging for specific serving suggestions.
Where can I buy St. Cera cheese?
St. Cera is available for purchase through artisanal cheese retailers, specialty cheese shops, and select online vendors across the UK.
What makes St. Cera cheese unique?
St. Cera is unique due to its transformation from St. Jude cheese through a meticulous brine-washing process. This washing process intensifies the cheese’s flavour, creating a spoonable texture and a rich, pungent taste that sets it apart from other washed-rind cheeses.
What is the aging process for St. Cera cheese?
St. Cera is aged through a carefully monitored brine-washing process, which begins when the cheese is 5–7 days old. This process encourages the development of its washed rind, adding a pinkish hue and enhancing the cheese’s earthy, farmyard flavours. The aging typically continues for a few more weeks to reach its optimal creamy, spoonable texture.
What is the ideal season to enjoy St. Cera?
St. Cera’s flavour is influenced by the cows’ diet, which changes with the seasons. In spring and summer, the cheese has fresher, lighter notes, while autumn and winter bring out richer, more robust flavours. St. Cera can be enjoyed year-round, but some people find it particularly delicious during late summer and autumn when the milk is richest. Perry perfers the Winter milk.