yarg

Yarg is a soft to semi-soft cow's milk cheese from Cornwall, England. It is best known for its edible rind, which is traditionally formed by wrapping the cheese in nettle leaves during the aging process. This wrapping produces a pale, sometimes slightly grey-tinged rind and imparts a subtle herbal note to the cheese. The interior is typically creamy and moist, with a mild, tangy flavor that can become more pronounced as the cheese matures.

Yarg was developed in the late 20th century by a Cornwall cheesemaker and has since become a well-known example of English cheese. The name is commonly cited as being "gray" spelled backward, a nod to the rind's color when the cheese is young and to the original branding.

The cheese is produced by several creameries in Cornwall and the southwest of England and is sold in wheels or wedges. It is usually enjoyed young and at room temperature, often paired with crackers, fruit, or cider. Variants include nettle-wrapped versions and seasonal or flavored adaptations offered by different producers.

Although closely associated with Cornwall, Yarg does not have a protected designation of origin (PDO) status, and production is carried out by multiple producers rather than a single protected entity. The cheese remains a notable example of regional British cheesemaking and a distinctive offering in the realm of soft cheeses.