Discovering Organic Cheese: Natural Flavours from Sustainable Farming

If you’re anything like us, there’s nothing more satisfying than a slice of rich, creamy cheese paired with crusty bread or fresh fruit. Even better when that cheese is fresh from artisan makers using natural ingredients. Organic cheese is more than just a snack – it’s a choice that values the environment, animal welfare, and flavour. At The Cheese Shop Nantwich, we enjoy sharing cheeses that are made with care, and today we’re diving into some of the finest organic cheese selections available.

What Makes Cheese Organic?

Organic cheese is made from milk produced without synthetic chemicals, hormones or genetically modified feed. The cows, sheep or goats that produce the milk live in humane conditions, grazing on pesticide-free grass and pastures. This means fewer additives and more of the good stuff.

What we love most about organic cheese is the taste – it’s fuller, deeper, and reflects the land it comes from. When cheese is shaped by nature, each bite tells a different story.

Artisan Organic Cheese: Quality You Can Taste

Artisan cheese makers often use small-batch methods, working carefully and patiently with raw ingredients. Their focus is on quality, not quantity. They’re passionate about respecting time-honoured techniques and using traditional tools, like clothbound ageing or hand-turning wheels of cheese.

We’ve tried many types, and some of our favourites feature at The Cheese Shop Nantwich. If you explore our organic cheese section, you’ll find handcrafted cheeses with unique textures, aromas and flavours.

Let’s explore a few of these fabulous choices.

Organic Cheeses Worth Sharing

1. Wyfe of Bath

One of our top favourites is the creamy Wyfe of Bath. Made in Somerset, this semi-hard, organic cheese has a buttery richness that melts smoothly on the tongue. It’s a celebration of traditional British cheese-making, aged carefully in individual moulds and brushed regularly. With a nutty taste and golden hue, Wyfe of Bath adds depth to cheeseboards and sandwiches alike.

Pair it with apple slices or a spoonful of fig chutney. It’s so smooth and balanced, even younger palates will enjoy it.

2. Cerrón

If you’re looking for something from further afield, the Spanish Cerrón is an excellent choice. It’s an organic Manchego-style cheese made from rich sheep’s milk. With a firm texture and deep, earthy tones, Cerrón carries flavours of dried herbs and hay. A glass of Rioja is all you need to complete this Mediterranean treasure.

The care in its production reflects the strict organic standards followed by the makers, right from the pasture to the final ageing room.

3. Perl Wen

For those who enjoy a soft cheese, Perl Wen is one to try. This Welsh creation blends the style of Brie with something fresh and distinctly British. Soft and white on the rind but creamy and rich inside, Perl Wen has a citrusy finish that keeps every bite exciting.

Spread it on sourdough bread or pair it with grapes. It’s a versatile addition to picnics and family suppers alike.

Why Organic Cheese Matters

The difference between organic and non-organic cheese isn’t just the label. The benefits extend across our health, the environment and farming communities. Organic dairy farms maintain soil health without synthetic fertilisers, protect local water supplies, and encourage biodiversity. Cows and sheep on organic farms are often treated more kindly, with higher welfare standards.

When we buy organic cheese, we help support farms that treat the planet and animals with care. And if you’re sensitive to artificial ingredients, going organic can reduce the presence of additives in your food.

A Slice of the Artisan Life

At The Cheese Shop Nantwich, we love connecting with cheese makers who take pride in their craft. Many of their products are only available in small batches, which means what you see in the shop can change with the season.

We get excited when a new wheel arrives from one of our favourite creameries. Trying new cheeses, chatting with the makers, and learning where the milk came from brings us closer to the food we eat.

Our events page showcases tasting days and cheese fairs where you can meet producers and try new varieties. These gatherings are perfect for families or anyone just beginning their cheese journey.

Selecting the Right Cheese for You

Choosing a cheese can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options. Start by deciding what texture you prefer. Do you enjoy crumbly, creamy, hard, or soft cheese? Then, think about flavour – mild, sharp, nutty or sweet.

Organic cheese delivers a rounder, more honest taste, so even a small nibble can reveal complex layers. If you’re just starting with organic varieties, go for milder styles like Perl Wen or Wyfe of Bath. They’re crowd-pleasers without too much punch.

If you enjoy bolder flavours, try something like Cerrón, which gives a firmer bite and aged richness. Each of these has been chosen for its quality and character.

Care and Pairing at Home

To enjoy organic cheese to its fullest, remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before eating. Cold cheese loses much of its flavour, so give it time to soften and breathe before slicing.

Try pairing your cheese with nuts, olives, or crackers made from natural grains. Fresh fruit, like apples or grapes, helps cleanse the palate between bites. Organic cheeses also go well with natural preserves or chutneys. Just be sure those, too, are made from simple, real ingredients.

For drinks, think of simple wine, cider or ale. Avoid sugary or spiced drinks, which can cover the cheese’s flavour.

Storing your cheese is just as important. Wrap it in wax paper or cheese paper to let it breathe and keep it in the fridge’s vegetable drawer. Avoid plastic wrap where possible – it can trap moisture and affect taste.

FAQs

Is organic cheese safe for children?
Yes. Organic cheese made with natural ingredients often doesn’t contain added preservatives or artificial flavourings, which makes it a good option for children’s diets.

Does organic mean vegetarian?
Not always. Some cheeses are made with animal rennet. Look for vegetarian-friendly labels or ask your cheesemonger if you’re unsure.

Why does organic cheese cost more?
Organic farming takes more time and care. Without chemicals to speed up growth or production, natural farming leads to smaller yields but better quality. That quality often comes at a slightly higher price.

Is raw milk cheese always organic?
No. Raw milk means the milk hasn’t been pasteurised. While many organic cheeses use raw milk, not all raw milk cheeses are organic.

Choosing artisan organic cheese means enjoying something delicious while supporting responsible farming. From the creamy Perl Wen to the savoury Cerrón, each bite reflects honest methods and great care. At The Cheese Shop Nantwich, we believe that organic cheese should be easy to try and enjoy. Explore the full range in our organic cheese section and find your next favourite today.

Come visit us in-store or online to taste the difference of nature’s best – simple ingredients, full flavours, and cheese made the traditional way.