A taste of NORTHERN IRELAND

From handcrafted blue cheese and chutneys inspired by nature’s larder to delicacies that will elevate every charcuterie board, we delve into the very best of Northern Ireland’s produce

The cheesemakers of Northern Ireland have been working hard to perfect their craft. Unmatched flavours rely on provenance, after all, and this artisan industry has quickly gained global recognition for a product nurtured by the land, one where superb-quality milk – from cows that roam freely on family-owned pastures – meets short, traceable supply chains and knowledge that has been passed down for generations. To savour it all, start in Co Armagh, renowned for lush apple orchards and some of the creamiest milk in the world. Fresh each day, the milk is in the cheese mould by lunchtime, ready to be transformed into Ballylisk’s award-winning Triple Rose Triple Cream, refined Triple Rose Smoked or decadent Single Rose Brie. Cider produced in Armagh features in some of the family-run farm’s cheeses, too, elevating the taste with a gentle note of apple. In Co Down, don’t miss Farmview Dairies’ handcrafted Kearney Blue – with a rustic texture inspired by the surrounding Ards Peninsula, it’s piquant yet luxuriously creamy, perfect for pairing with a glass of fruity red. Age-old traditions are crucial, but innovation plays a big role here, too. Dale Farm, a cooperative owned by farmers in Northern Ireland, England and Scotland, have unveiled a 15ha solar farm as part of their efforts to lead the sector when it comes to sustainability. Dart Mountain, whose prized cheeses channel the wild Sperrin Mountains, have just launched a range of artisan chutneys, relishes and spreads to complete your cheeseboards. Locally grown ingredients take the fore in the tangy Beetroot Pickle, Irish Kölsch Style Drizzle and spicy Farmhouse Chutney – make sure to pick up a jar of each alongside their Banagher Bold, Alpine-style Kilcreen and Sperrin Blue cheeses on a tasting tour. And, if you’re looking to broaden the scope of your summer get-togethers, serve a charcuterie board featuring fragrant fennel salami and spicy-sweet ‘nduja from Corndale Farm, purveyor of top-quality, rare-breed pork. Find out more and discover more about Northern Ireland’s producers on buynifood.com