Inspired by Brie de Meaux
Baron Bigod is a raw milk soft cheese made by Fen Farm in Suffolk, England. Actually, it is the only traditional raw milk Brie de Meaux style cheese produced in the UK.
Baron Bigod (pronounced By-god) was the Earl of Norfolk in the 12th-century and owned the land on which Fen Farm now stands.
Fen Farm Dairy
Fen Farm Dairy is an innovative 3rd generation family farm run by Jonny and Dulcie Crickmore.
It all starts with their happy herd of Montbeliarde cows. With animal welfare at the core of their processes, they allow their cows to graze freely on the fertile marshland of the Waveney River Valley.
As a result, they produce an exceptionally high quality milk with is well suited for cheese making.
How Baron Bigod is made
As soon as they receive delivery of raw milk in the morning, the cheesemakers get to work. Using fresh milk that is still warm, they add mould cultures and gently gravity feed the mixture into their small vats. Once in the vats, they add rennet to form the curds.
Consequently, they carefully hand-ladle the curds into large moulds, using traditional pelle-à-brie ladles. Finally, the young cheeses are hand salted and sent to cave-like maturation rooms for up to 8 weeks.
What Baron Bigod tastes like
At 8 weeks, the cheese develops a delicate white bloomy rind that is reminiscent of traditional French Bries. Under the nutty, mushroomy rind, Baron Bigod has a smooth, silky golden pâte that oozes at room temperature.
On the palate, you will detect notes of warm earth, farmyard and mushrooms with a citrus and truffle finish.
How to serve Baron Bigod
Serve this remarkable English soft cheese at room temperature. Furthermore, pair it with a glass of Prosecco, Champagne or Riesling.
Moreover, this Brie-style cheese is excellent sliced over roasted vegetables.
