A recent survey by the British Cheese Board in the lead up to British Cheese Week this September, has revealed that over 55% of British people name cheddar as their favourite cheese, and this is certainly backed up by sales figures, which put cheddar way out ahead of its competitors. However, there are also more than 700 named cheeses made on British soil. The survey also indicates that half of the people questioned would be more inclined to try a new cheese if they knew it tasted like one they already liked.

With this in mind, the British Cheese Board has created a brand new app, the cheese flavour map, to help people to be more adventurous with their choice of cheese, and to try one or more new varieties next time they visit the supermarket, delicatessen, market or farm shop. This will be launched in time for British Cheese Week, which runs from 24 September to 2 October, and will help to promote the huge variety of cheeses available in the UK.

The cheese flavour map is designed to act as a guide to the strength and flavor combinations of a wide variety of British cheeses, from Brie to Red Leicester. By identifying where one’s favourite cheddar sits on the flavor map and selecting an alternative cheese from the same area of a different cheese group, the app should help consumers to find a new cheese that they will love. It also provides information on the many different varieties, plus tips on how to use them in cooking and a suggestion of a similar cheese that the person may like to try.

Nigel White, secretary of the British Cheese Board says “The cheese flavour map is designed to help people try something new, based on the flavours of the cheeses they know they like. We know that the majority of people like cheddar, but there are so many different flavour strengths and styles, the app will help people to differentiate between the various types. It will also demonstrate the wide variety of other types of cheese available in Britain, from regional cheeses such as Cheshire, Wensleydale and Cornish Yarg, to blue cheeses such as Stilton and Blue Cheshire.”

The app will be featured on the British Cheese Board website and facebook page from the start of British Cheese Week.