It’s not all pasties and cream teas in Cornwall (although, we wouldn’t be sad if it was). No, Cornwall’s history of fishing, growing, cultivating and producing goes back centuries and these days the county is a hotbed of gastronomical innovation. Making the most of its abundant natural resources and huge amount of culinary talent, Cornwall is known far and wide for producing some of the best sweet and savoury fare in the country.
To introduce you properly, we’ve put together a list of some of the best Cornwall produce for you to sample from land and sea, including what to try and where to find it.
Camel Valley Cornwall Brut
Kicking off our list of the best Cornwall produce to try is Camel Valley’s Cornwall Brut. One of the best Cornwall vineyards to visit this summer, Camel Valley in Bodmin was first established in 1989 and today is one of the biggest vineyards in the country,producing incredible wines within its sun-kissed estate. One of their most famous creations, the Cornwall Brut sparkling white wine combines a mouth-watering blend of Seyval Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes and is recognised by a whole host of regional and international awards. Learn about how it’s made through a dedicated wine tour,before popping into the vineyard’s shop (onsite or online) to secure a bottle, or several.
Lynher Dairies Cornish Yarg
Amongst the most famous Cornish produce, the traditional Cornish Yarg has been made in the county for decades. A dreamily delicious semi-hard cheese made from grass-rich Cornish milk and wrapped in a coating of nettle leaves, this distinctive artisan treat is an absolute must-try. Head over to Lynher Dairies in Ponsanooth near Truro to find out more about Cornish Yarg and pick up a wheel or two. Depending on your tastes, you can try the original or opt for the award-winning Wild Garlic Yarg for something a little different. Or both. We wouldn’t blame you.
Trevaskis Farm Strawberries
There’s just something about a juicy, flavour-popping bowl of freshly picked strawberries to inspire timeless joy. And, it’s perhaps even more satisfying still when you have handpicked your very own strawberries for the occasion. For the best berries in the county, head over to Trevaskis Farm in Conor Downs near Hayle in West Cornwall to pick punnets of the tastiest strawberries in the county. As well as strawberries, Trevaskis also extends a range of pick-your-own Cornish produce opportunities throughout the year, with everything from blackberries to broad beans to pumpkins onsite.
Trewithen Dairy Clotted Cream
Clotted cream is synonymous with the South West, going hand in hand with all sorts of traditional favourites – most notably the famous cream tea. How ever you like to enjoy your clotted cream, the Taste of the West Gold-award-winning traditional Cornish cottage cream from Trewithen Dairy in Lostwithiel is sure to win you over. Made with the finest quality Cornish milk, this smooth, creamy heaven-in-a-pot pairs perfectly with cakes and bakes and can also be used to stir into sauces for depth and richness of flavour. Peruse the dairy’s offerings online and, if you’re feeling romantic, treat yourself to an indulgent hamper to enjoy from a beautiful beach or picnic spot near us.
Baker Tom’s Classic Sourdough
With a number of bakeries peppered around Cornwall, Baker Tom is a well-known name amongst food lovers in Cornwall. Steered by the eponymous baker Tom, whose passion for baking quickly won him a legion of followers across the county, the bakery serves up fresh bakes every day, including a range of traditional and experimental bakes. Among the best Cornwall produce, the bakery’s organic classic sourdough is one of the most highly praised, made from three flours and Baker Tom’s own sourdough starter. Full of proud, moreish flavour, this golden-crusted gem can be enjoyed as an accompaniment or simply on its own with some Cornish butter for unadulterated taste.
St Ives Brewery Slipway IPA
Quickly rising the ranks of the world of beer, St Ives Brewery has gained a die-hard following of devoted hop fans. With gift shops in St Ives and a taproom and brewery in Hayle, they offer plenty of opportunities for everyone to head over and sample their original creations and pick up some bottles to-go. Perhaps their most famous, St Ives Brewery’s Slipway is a “hoppy, tropical” IPA that packs a delicate, albeit unmistakeable, punch with juicy peach, passionfruit and herbal flavours. The ideal beer to enjoy on a balmy summer’s day, it’s a must for all beer fans.
Chocolarder Wild Gorse Flower Chocolate
Cornwall is home to an extraordinary wealth of culinary talent that extends to every corner of the menu. Offering some of the sweetest flavours to complement your foodie exploration of the county is Chocolarder, the only bean-to-bar chocolate makers in Cornwall (and one of only a few in the whole of the UK). Based in the salt-kissed, artist and sailor’s hub of Falmouth in South Cornwall, this chocolate larder of dreams offers guided chocolate factory tours so you can learn all about how they make their luxury, chocolatey creations. For an authentic taste of Cornwall, make sure you sample their famous wild gorse flower chocolate, ready to be transported to the beautiful footpaths of the Cornish coast.
Cornish Seaweed Edible Sea Salad
The Cornish Seaweed company started over a decade ago in Cornwall and has been sustainably harvesting seaweed from the county’s coastline ever since. Nurturing, growing and harvesting edible seaweeds to create truly authentic, inventive and wickedly tasty Cornish produce, the team’s founders have been recognised by the Cornish Sustainability Awards for their leading contributions to a sustainable food economy. To sea (sorry, see) what it’s all about, check out their products in Cornish delis throughout the county or head to their online shop. One of their original products, their Organic Sea Salad offers a super introduction to seaweed, combining a flavourful mix of dulse, ocean greens and nori flakes to sprinkle over salads and cooked dishes.