Love it or hate it, Parma Violets cheese goes on sale
THE Marmite of the sweetshop world has just come up with another alternative to tickle your tastebuds – and this cheesy version is sure to split opinion once again.
For some, the floral taste of retro sweet Parma Violets conjures up fond memories of childhood, while others think that’s where the distinctive lavender sweet should remain.
But inventors at the Cheshire Cheese Company have taken the retro candy and created a Parma Violets cheese, blending the flavour, colour and crushed pieces of the 70-year-old sweet with their creamy cheese.
Richard Buxton, from the company based at Tollets Farm in Sutton, said: “I’m sure some of you will be shaking your heads at this latest mad flavour creation, but for me it’s one of our best yet. It’s best served on a sweet digestive.
“The sweet pieces in the creamy cheese is a perfect combination. Your tongue says Parma Violets but your mouth says cheese. Love it or hate it there is only one way to find out and that’s try it.”
Richard and his team were asked to come up with the unusual cheese by Stockport based sweet factory Swizzels Matlow, which is celebrating 70 years of Parma Violets.
And he is so confident in the unusual combination he has even entered it into the International Cheese Awards in Nantwich.
He added: “This is a major event for all the world’s cheese producers. Maybe Parma Violets will be a winner.”
The lilac cheese is wrapped in a distinctive purple wax to keep it fresh and it is recommended to eat either with crackers or melted on toast.
Claire Lee, product development brand manager at Swizzels, said: “To celebrate Parma Violets’ 70th birthday we wanted to give the nation something special and different.
“We know Parma Violets are a unique flavour that divides the nation and we think this cheese will do the same thing.
“The cheese has been in development for a few months to ensure we get the taste and texture just right. Parma Violets fans and cheese lovers can enjoy this on crackers or melted on toast – it has a distinct flavour which tastes great and means you can savour the Parma Violets flavour in new and exciting ways.”
The limited-edition cheese is suitable for vegetarians, contains no artificial colours and is available on Swizzels website.