In recent years, the demand for high-quality vegan products has surged, and plant-based cheese is no exception. While some may think creating a dairy-free alternative would compromise taste and texture, at Tyne Chease, we’ve perfected the art of crafting delicious, artisanal vegan cheese. Our process combines traditional techniques with innovative plant-based ingredients, resulting in a range of cheeses that even the most dedicated dairy lovers can enjoy.
A Labour of Love: The Origins of Tyne Chease
Tyne Chease was born out of a desire to offer plant-based eaters something more than the bland, processed cheese alternatives often found on supermarket shelves. Our founders set out to create a product that not only mimicked the taste and texture of traditional cheese but also stood proudly on its own as a gourmet offering. Today, Tyne Chease is known for its high-quality, organic, and ethically produced vegan cheeses, made with care and precision.
The Ingredients: All-Natural and Organic
The foundation of any great cheese is its ingredients, and Tyne Chease is no different. We use only the finest organic, non-GMO cashews as the base for our products. Cashews are the perfect ingredient for vegan cheese as they provide a rich, creamy texture that replicates dairy-based cheeses without the need for animal products.
Our commitment to using all-natural ingredients means that our cheeses are free from artificial preservatives, colours, and flavours. Instead, we let the natural flavours of the nuts, herbs, and spices shine through, creating a product that is both healthy and delicious.
Fermentation: Bringing Flavour to Life
One of the most critical steps in the Tyne Chease process is fermentation. Like traditional dairy cheese, our vegan cheese undergoes a fermentation process, which is what gives it its distinctive tangy flavour and creamy texture.
Fermentation is a natural process where beneficial bacteria break down the sugars in the cashews, creating lactic acid. This not only enhances the flavour but also makes the cheese easier to digest. By allowing the cheese to ferment over time, we develop a complexity of taste that is hard to find in other plant-based cheeses.
Our fermentation process also ensures that Tyne Chease is a living food, rich in probiotics that are beneficial for gut health. This makes it a more health-conscious choice for those looking to improve their digestive well-being without compromising on flavour.
Ageing: Crafting the Perfect Texture
Once fermented, our cheeses are aged to perfection. Ageing allows the flavours to develop even further, creating a more robust and mature taste. The length of the ageing process depends on the specific type of cheese we’re producing. Some cheeses are aged for a shorter period, resulting in a milder flavour and softer texture, while others are aged for several weeks to create a firmer, more intense cheese.
During the ageing process, we carefully monitor temperature and humidity levels to ensure optimal conditions. This attention to detail is what allows Tyne Chease to achieve the perfect balance between flavour and texture, resulting in a cheese that can be sliced, spread, or crumbled just like its dairy counterparts.
Handcrafted with Care
At Tyne Chease, we pride ourselves on the fact that each batch of cheese is made by hand. Our small team of skilled artisans carefully follows every step of the process, from blending the ingredients to shaping and packaging the finished product. This hands-on approach allows us to maintain the highest level of quality control, ensuring that every piece of Tyne Chease meets our exacting standards.
Our cheeses are moulded into rounds by hand and wrapped in eco-friendly packaging, ready to be delivered to your door. We believe that this personal touch is what sets us apart from mass-produced vegan cheeses and adds to the overall experience of enjoying Tyne Chease.
A Cheese for Every Occasion
Whether you’re looking for a soft, creamy cheese to spread on crackers or a firm, aged cheese to grate over your favourite dishes, Tyne Chease has something for everyone. Our wide range of flavours and textures means there’s a cheese for every palate and occasion. From our classic cashew-based original to more adventurous flavours like truffle, sundried tomato, or smoked, each variety is crafted with the same level of care and attention to detail.
The Ethical Choice
At Tyne Chease, we’re not just passionate about creating great-tasting cheese – we’re also committed to doing so in a way that’s kind to the planet. All of our ingredients are ethically sourced, and we use sustainable, environmentally friendly packaging. By choosing Tyne Chease, you’re not only making a healthier choice for yourself, but you’re also supporting a brand that prioritises sustainability and ethical production practices.
Conclusion
The process behind crafting the perfect vegan cheese is one that requires time, dedication, and a passion for quality. At Tyne Chease, we’re proud to offer a product that combines traditional cheesemaking methods with modern, plant-based ingredients, resulting in a range of delicious, artisanal vegan cheeses. From fermentation to ageing, every step of the process is carefully controlled to ensure that our cheese not only tastes great but is also healthy, ethical, and sustainable.
If you’re ready to experience the future of plant-based cheese, explore our range at Tyne Chease today!