There's gold in those thar hills - Guernsey Gold!
19th September 2011
Categories: News
Speak to John and Andrew Hope of Tiresford Guernsey Gold and you will come to believe that all that glitters in their fields near Tarporley is most definitely gold. The reason for that is their prized herd of Guernsey Cows, led by Carmen11, their award winning cow, who quite simply, produce some of the finest milk tasted anywhere.
Stephen Wundke writes
When I asked John what makes the milk so special he explained it’s not just the soil that produces the amazing grass that the cows eat, it’s the combination of this with the Guernsey breed itself. I made the mistake of saying “surely milk is milk” and that was when I received one of the more enlightening 40 minutes on the subject of food that I have ever had from two people who simply love what they do.
I asked John how they came upon the idea of making yoghurt, the answer lay within the cows themselves, as John pointed out: “As milk prices became lower and lower from 2000 onwards we needed to find other ways of recognising the value of our herd. Being recognised for our outstanding cows at The Nantwich Show and The Cheshire Show, and of course Carmen winning European Super Cow at the Dairy Event, was the boost we needed to push this business on.”
“Guernsey milk is high in cream, it is sweeter than most and it has a naturally occurring protein called A2, which is more prolific in Guernseys than other breeds, all of which makes it ideal for yoghurt.”
It was for these reasons that the Hopes went to Reaseheath College at Nantwich and with the help of the Leader Plus programme and David Boyce were able to develop a quality Yoghurt product.
“We manufacture here at our farm and have a wonderful product that we control, remains consistent and of which we are incredibly proud.”
Tiresford Yoghurt was just the first product to come from this special piece of Cheshire countryside, courtesy of Carmen and her friends. Yoghurt has been followed by Tiresford Brie and John believes that the rich texture of his milk has created a flavour in the brie that is second to none. “I wanted to do a cheese and the cream content of our milk and my own love of Brie made this the natural extension to our product range.” I tried it and I tried it again and I would still be there trying it, if John had let me, it was that good, however he explained that he was due at the North West Food Lovers festival and if I kept trying it at that rate he would have nothing to sell!
Tiresford can be found at farmers markets, food and drink festivals and in some of Cheshire’s best restaurants and if you really like dairy products then take the time to talk to John and hear what really makes quality dairy products. After 50 years, the Hopes know a thing or two about it and the proof is certainly in the pudding. This was most definitely a “Taste of Cheshire” and for me yet anothergreat Cheshire discovery. Pure Gold!
www.tggcheshireyoghurt.co.uk
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