Randy Chandler
Damson cheese is a fruit paste, typically served with cheese, and can be made with or without the addition of apples. It is a great accompaniment to a savoury course, or to partner game and cheese. The dense fruit cheese also goes well with roast meats such as pork and duck. It is made by cooking damsons, sugar, and sometimes apples, over a low heat until the mixture thickens.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Serving suggestions | Damson cheese is typically served with cheese, roast meats such as pork and duck, or a savoury course. |
| Preparation | Damsons are cooked with sugar over a low heat until the mixture thickens and then left to cool and set. |
| Storage | Damson cheese can be stored in a cool, dry larder for a year or kept indefinitely in the fridge. |
| Texture | Damson cheese is described as dense or thick. |
| Taste | Damson cheese has a rich and plummy taste with a hint of liquorice. |
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What You'll Learn
Damson cheese as a side to roast meats
Damson cheese is a delicious and unique way to enjoy roast meats. This fruit cheese is a perfect accompaniment to roast meats such as pork and duck. The dense and plummy cheese provides a wonderful contrast to the savoury, juicy meats.
To make damson cheese, you'll need to start with the fruit itself. Damsons are small, tart plums with a deep purple colour and a unique, almost liquorice-like flavour. The first step is to stone the damsons and put them in a pan with a small amount of water. Bring the fruit to a gentle simmer and cook until soft, which can take around 20-30 minutes, depending on the ripeness of the damsons. You may need to add more water during this process to prevent the fruit from drying out.
Once the damsons are soft, it's time to pass the fruit through a sieve to create a puree. This step requires a bit of effort but is crucial to achieving the desired texture for the cheese. For every 500ml of damson puree, you'll need about 350g of granulated sugar. Combine the puree and sugar in a large saucepan and heat gently, stirring regularly, until the mixture thickens. This can take up to an hour, but keep testing it—you'll know it's ready when you can drag a spoon across the base of the pan and the base stays visible for a second or two.
Finally, pour the mixture into a lightly oiled container and leave it to cool and set. The damson cheese will keep for a long time in the fridge, so you can enjoy it alongside your roast meats whenever you like! The cheese is best served in slices, and its dense texture and rich flavour will beautifully complement the roast meats. Enjoy the unique and ancient magic of damson cheese with your next roast!
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Damson cheese on a cheeseboard
Damson cheese is a delicious addition to any cheeseboard. The dense, fruit cheese pairs beautifully with a range of cheeses, offering a lovely contrast in flavours and textures.
To make damson cheese, you'll need damsons, sugar, and water. The process is simple yet time-consuming. First, wash the damsons and place them in a pan with water. Bring the fruit to a simmer, stirring and squashing it until soft. Next, sieve the fruit, discarding the stones and skin, and measure the puree. The general ratio is around 350g of sugar to 500ml of puree, though some recipes call for 450g of sugar. Return the puree to the pan, add the sugar, and stir until dissolved. Then, heat the mixture until it boils before reducing to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring regularly to prevent the mixture from catching, and cook until it becomes a thick puree. Finally, pour the mixture into moulds or jars and leave to cool and set.
When preparing your cheeseboard, consider the different types of cheese you want to include. Damson cheese complements a range of cheeses, such as ripe Brie, Wensleydale, Stilton, and even baked Camembert. The sweetness of the damson cheese also goes well with the saltiness of crackers or oatcakes. You could also include some port or a similar dessert wine to enhance the flavours.
To serve the damson cheese, turn it out of its mould or jar and slice it thickly. Arrange the slices on the cheeseboard, perhaps alongside some fresh fruit or nuts, and invite your guests to enjoy this delightful treat. Damson cheese is a wonderful way to elevate your cheeseboard and surprise your guests with something unique and delicious.
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Damson cheese with actual cheese
Damson cheese is a fruit cheese made from damson plums. It has a soft, dense consistency similar to that of quince cheese or membrillo. This fruit cheese is an excellent companion to a variety of actual cheeses, such as Wensleydale. It can be sliced and served as part of a cheeseboard or melted into sauces, especially those accompanying lamb or game dishes. Damson cheese can also be diced and added to muffin mixes for a fruity twist.
When serving damson cheese with actual cheese, consider the flavour profiles and textures of both elements to create a harmonious pairing. The sweetness and density of damson cheese go well with sharp, creamy, or salty cheeses. For example, the tanginess of a mature Cheddar or the saltiness of a blue cheese like Stilton could be delightful contrasts.
In terms of presentation, you can cut the damson cheese into elegant shapes or simple slices. It is often suggested to cut the cheese into thin pieces, as its dense texture may otherwise overwhelm the palate. Arrange the damson cheese and its accompanying cheese on a platter, perhaps with some crackers, bread, or charcuterie for a sophisticated and tasty offering.
To elevate the experience further, consider adding some accoutrements such as a chutney or pickle to cut through the richness, or fresh fruit to provide a refreshing contrast. A few sprigs of herbs or edible flowers can also add a decorative touch.
When storing damson cheese, it can keep unopened in a cool, dry larder for up to a year. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and consumed within a few weeks to ensure optimal freshness and flavour.
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Damson cheese as an edible gift
Damson cheese is a delightful edible gift that will impress your friends and family. This fruit cheese is a wonderful way to showcase the ancient magic of damsons, a fruit known to Pliny the Elder and later lauded by Janet Clarkson as "an ancient fruit [that falls] on a sweeping spectrum of plums". With its rich and plummy flavour and a hint of liquorice, damson cheese makes an elegant and unique present.
To create this special gift, you'll need to gather an abundance of damsons, around 1-1.35 kg, and follow a careful cooking process. The damsons are washed and placed in a pan with a small amount of water, simmered gently until soft, and then passed through a fine sieve. This step requires some effort but is key to achieving the ideal texture. For every 450g of sugar, you'll need 750g of the sieved fruit puree. Combine the puree and sugar in a saucepan and heat gently, stirring regularly, until the mixture thickens. The damson cheese is ready when you can drag a spoon across the base of the pan and it stays visible for a few seconds.
Once your damson cheese is ready, pour it into lightly oiled shallow containers and let it cool and set. It can be stored unopened in a cool, dry larder for up to a year, making it an excellent make-ahead gift. Imagine the delight of receiving a carefully prepared, homemade treat with a long shelf life.
Damson cheese is a versatile edible gift that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It is traditionally served with savoury dishes, such as roast meats like pork and duck, or alongside a cheeseboard. The dense and slightly sweet fruit cheese is the perfect complement to rich meats and cheeses, adding a touch of fruity elegance to the plate. It can also be enjoyed simply with biscuits, providing a delightful contrast of textures and flavours.
So, if you're looking for a thoughtful and unique edible gift, damson cheese is an excellent choice. With its rich history, unique flavour, and versatility, it will surely impress and delight your loved ones. Happy gifting and happy eating!
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Damson cheese with savoury food
Damson cheese is a unique and versatile condiment that can elevate savoury dishes to new heights. Its tangy and sweet flavour profile makes it an ideal pairing with a variety of meats, cheeses, and crackers. Here are some ways to incorporate damson cheese into your savoury food creations:
For a classic pairing, serve damson cheese alongside a charcuterie board. The sweetness of the damson cheese will contrast beautifully with the salty, cured meats. Consider offering a selection of cured salami, prosciutto, or sopressata, along with a variety of crackers and bread. The damson cheese can also be spread on crackers or used as a filling for small sandwiches. Add some cornichons, olives, and mustards to create a well-rounded board.
Create a cheese platter featuring damson cheese as the star attraction. Choose a variety of cheeses with different textures and flavours that will complement the damson cheese. Hard cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère, soft cheeses such as Brie or Camembert, and blue cheeses all work well. Arrange the cheeses on a platter with fresh and dried fruits, nuts, and crackers. The damson cheese will add a unique twist to the traditional cheese course, surprising and delighting your guests.
Use damson cheese as a condiment for grilled or roasted meats. Its tangy flavour pairs exceptionally well with pork, duck, and game meats. Spread a layer of damson cheese on a pork tenderloin before roasting, or serve it as a side condiment with grilled duck breast. The sharp flavour of damson cheese can cut through the richness of these meats, providing a refreshing contrast. You can also use damson cheese as a glaze for ham, adding a sweet and tangy twist to your holiday roast.
Add damson cheese to your sandwich or burger creations. Spread a layer of damson cheese on your bread or bun, paired with cold cuts, roasted vegetables, or fresh greens. The cheese will add moisture and a burst of flavour to your sandwich. Try it with turkey, arugula, and cranberry sauce for a festive twist, or with grilled vegetables and goat cheese for a vegetarian option. The possibilities are endless!
Finally, consider using damson cheese as a secret ingredient in your savoury sauces and dressings. It can add depth and complexity to a salad dressing, marinade, or even a gravy. Whisk it into a vinaigrette for a fruity twist, or blend it with herbs and spices to create a unique sauce for grilled meats or vegetables. The sweet and tangy flavour of damson cheese will surprise your guests and keep them guessing about your secret ingredient!
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Frequently asked questions
Damson cheese is typically served with cheese. It is also a good accompaniment to savoury food, such as roast meats like pork and duck.
Damson cheese will stay good unopened in a cool, dry larder for a year. Once opened, it can be stored in the fridge indefinitely.
Before you start, put a couple of saucers in the freezer. Take the cheese off the heat, spoon a little onto a chilled saucer, leave for a minute, then push with your finger. If it wrinkles softly, the cheese is ready.
Damson cheese is a fruit paste made from damson plums. It is not a dairy cheese, but a fruit "cheese" similar to quince cheese, blackberry cheese, or gooseberry cheese.
