Piesek P is on the lookout for GREAT British Cheese in Poland – as he finds it he’ll let you know – just smile,
Say Cheese from the Scottish Highlands – Say Crowdie
Beautiful lochs and massive mountains, a pleasant summer and a harsh winter. Cheese making in Scotland belongs to the clans and the crofters. While the Romans influenced the English cheese board, the Vikings played a big part in the development of Scottish cheese. Today there are some 20 artisan Scottish cheeses, all different and all making the most of their great country, its climate and the characters which create its cultural tapestry. Today we met a Minister and talked Crowdie.
Crowdie is a low-fat, vegetarian Scottish cheese made from cow’s milk. The cheese is made by curdling skimmed milk with rennet. Sometimes, it is also flavored with herbs. It is said that Crowdie has been introduced into Scotland by the Vikings in the eighth century. Crowdie has traditionally been made by the Crofters of Scotland for centuries. In Gaelic it is known as Gruth.
It is a sour tasting cheese with a fresh lemon acidity and the taste of crushed almonds on the top of the palate, very similar to cottage cheese. A fresh cheese by nature, its texture is very creamy and crumbly. Crowdie versions are available as Black Crowdie, Gruth Dhu, Crannog and Hramsa. Often they are accentuated with flavors of toasted oats and crushed black peppercorns. The cheese develops a grey colored rind on aging.
Say Cheese would encourage you to make place for Crowdie together with Caboc next to Lanark Blue on the after dinner cheese board. Crowdie is a great alternative to double cream in the famous Scottish desert Cranachan or is charming spread on a Scottish oatcake adorned with Scottish Highland Salmon. Some people crumble it on their porridge – an acquired taste which you can grow to love. For those going to a ceilidh take some before you go – people say it can alleviate the effects of whisky drinking. Alternatively try it with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Crowdie can be partnered with an Ardbeg or Talisker.
Say Cheese – Say Crowdie – Only from Scotland – Taste some for yourself today