Britain produces 'world's smelliest cheese' using same bacteria as pongy feet

13 January 2024 , 07:32

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Asda have signed an exclusive deal to stock the Minger cheese (Image: Stuart MacDonald )

The UK has produced the 'world's smelliest cheese' with the same bacteria as pongy feet.

Called 'The Minger' the new arrival hails from Scotland and has even put off some cheesemakers who are afraid to try the soft cheese which is being stocked in Asda and is said to be similar to a Camembert. Producers claim it has an 'oozy inside' which they claim is "pure pleasure on the palate" The stinky cheese has been kept mist by a briny solution during its two-month maturation process. This is said to encourage the growth of Brevibacterium linens a 'microbe' which makes feet smell and attracts insects.

Highland Fine Cheeses, which makes The Minger at Blarliath Farm near Tain, has been involved with Myconeos, a University of Nottingham plan to create new moulds for new products. Rory Stone of Highland Fine Cheeses said the stinky creation is "hellish on the nose", but is not sure why. It is not the first washed-rind cheese to have Brevibacterium linens microbe and Mr Stone admitted: "We do seem to be good at making things go mouldy".

Rory Stone of Highland Fine Cheeses which makes The Minger

Scotland's damp climate he said helps to create yeasts and penicilliums used by the cheese-making firm. The Minger is not eaten by Mr Stone himself, who said it was up to the consumer to decide how long it is kept out of the fridge before eating or using in other dishes.

The potent cheese comes wrapped in a heavy-duty silver packing in a bid to reduce the pong. And stockists aren't taking any risks putting The Minger dubbed 'the world's smelliest cheese' on social media on their shelves. It is said to come wrapped in wax paper before the rind is seen with 'gnarled bumps and a bright orange colour'. This is because annatto, a natural orange colouring, is added to the brine solution when it is moistened during the maturation process.

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The Minger has been dubbed the 'world's smelliest cheese' (The Cheese Shop Nottingham)

A person tasting The Minger feared they would have to spit it out, But they said it is nothing like other British smelly cheeses, He said: "This is nowhere near the stinky British cheeses I've tasted in the past that my father gifts me every Christmas, like Tunworth from Hampshire, the 'English Camembert good enough to make a Frenchman weep"

But the sampler was nothing compared to the famous Stinking Bishop from Gloucestershire, which he said made The Minger taste like a dessert. They also insisted it does not take the crown as the "world's smelliest cheese", but was enjoyable.

The Minger can be bought from Scottish Asda stores at £3 for a 125g triangle, but the supermarket is reportedly interested in stocking it further south starting in some supermarkets in England before it appears elsewhere for those interested with a strong stomach.

Graeme Murray