What is a Truckle Of Cheese?

Cheese comes in all shapes, sizes, and flavours – sometimes it’s hard to keep track of! Truckles are just one of the names given to a particular shape and style of cheese, and in this article, we share what makes trucks so unique, our favourite flavours, and more. But first, what is a truckle of cheese?

A ‘truckle’ doesn’t refer to a particular variety of cheese, but rather a specific shape of cheese. A cheese truckle is a small, cylindrical shape of hard cheese, which is coated in a layer of wax.

Read on to find out more about cheese truckles, how long they last in the fridge and our cheese favourites!

 

What is a Truckle Of Cheese?

The word “truckle” comes from Old English and means small cylinder. A truckle of cheese refers to a traditional cylindrical or barrel-shaped wheel of cheese, which is usually covered with a wax coating. 

A truckle refers to a specific shape, rather than a particular variety, such as cheddar or blue cheese. The term is commonly used in the context of British cheeses, and you might encounter it when referring to regional or farmhouse cheeses.

What Does the Wax Do On a Cheese Truckle?

The wax is one of the signature parts of a cheese truckle. It creates a seal around the cheese inside, helping to keep the cheese from drying out, ensuring it retains its crumbly texture. The wax seal also helps prevent the growth of unwanted mould.

How Big is a Truckle Of Cheese?

The size of a truckle of cheese can vary, and it’s often associated with smaller, handmade cheeses rather than large commercial varieties. Mini truckles, such as those seen in supermarkets, weight around 200g and are usually around 10cm in diameter.

 

How To Open a Truckle Of Cheese

If the truckle is covered in wax, use a clean, sharp knife to carefully cut away the wax. Start by making a small incision, and then peel or cut away the wax from the cheese. Be cautious not to remove any edible rind along with the wax.

Once the wax is removed, you can begin cutting the cheese. For a truckle, you can cut it into wedges or slices, depending on your preference. Use a clean, sharp knife to make smooth cuts. Serve on a cheese board with your favourite dried meats and chutneys!

If you’d like to find out more about creating the perfect cheese board, read this helpful blog: What To Put On a Cheese Board + Styling Tips!

How Long Can Cheese Truckles Stay Out Of the Fridge?

Cheese is a perishable product, and its freshness and safety can be compromised if it’s exposed to warm temperatures for too long. As truckles are usually a hard cheese (such as cheddar) they can typically be left out of the refrigerator for longer than creamy cheeses, around 4 hours or so, but it’s still best to keep them chilled.

As a truckle of cheese is covered in wax, the wax provides an additional layer of protection against bacteria. However, it’s still advisable to refrigerate the cheese whenever possible. If you’d like to find out how to store your cheese truckles, read one of our recent blogs: How To Wrap & Store Your Cheese

Can You Freeze a Cheddar Truckle?

Yes, you can freeze a cheddar truckle, but it’s important to note that freezing can alter the texture of the cheese. Cheddar, being a hard cheese with lower moisture content, tends to freeze more successfully than softer cheeses.

To freeze, simply wrap tightly in cling film (or use an airtight container), and pop into the freezer. When you want to eat your cheese, defrost it in the fridge the night before and enjoy at room temperature.

 

Our Favourite Cheese Truckles

There are hundreds of cheese truckles available on the market today, so why not start by trying the ones that we’ve listed below? 

Arran Cheese Chilli Wax Truckle

This cheese truckle is a favourite amongst dads and goes down nicely with a crisp pint of beer. Try pairing this chilli cheese with berries or a fruity jam to balance out the spicy notes. If you live life on the spicy side, pair this spicy cheese with a homemade chilli jam. 

Rock-Star Cave-Aged Cheddar Truckle

This Rock Star cheese truckle get’s its rich flavour profile by being aged in the Welsh slate caverns in the heart of Snowdonia. Pair with a classic onion or fig chutney with a slice of your favourite prosciutto ham on top. The crunchy crystals found within this cheese adds something interesting to every bite!

Munchies Mighty Mature Heart Cheddar

This Lincolnshire cheese is perfect on a romantic date night or Valentine’s Day cheeseboard. Because of it’s fairly neutral flavour profile, this heart-shaped cheddar pairs well with almost any chutney. Layer with a sprig of fresh thyme and a drizzle of honey for the perfect cracker stack.

Botanist Gin & Tonic Cheddar Truckle

This gin & tonic cheddar offers sweet and citrusy notes, which can be enjoyed nicely on their own or paired with a sharp chutney or fresh herbs like rosemary. If you’re the adventurous type, try this gin & tonic cheese on a digestive biscuit with a thin spread of lemon curd. 

Ale & Mustard Cheddar Truckle

This ale and mustard is such a good place to start if you are new to the world of uniquely-flavoured cheeses. This cheese goes great with sliced ham or beef and a caramelised onion chutney. Enhance the mustard notes in this cheese by layering it on a cracker of your choice with a dollop of your favourite wholegrain mustard.

Learn how to pair cheese and chutney like an pro in this handy guide from our experts: How To Pair Cheese & Chutney

 

 

All Things Cheese With Savery Grazing

If you’re looking for more cheese tips, tricks, and industry updates, be sure to keep up to date with our blog. Alternatively, you can follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Here at Savery Grazing, we offer grazing boards and tables for those in the Sheffield & Derbyshire area. If you have an event coming up that you’d like us to cater for, get in touch!

 

Related Questions

Is It OK to Eat the Wax On Cheese?

No, it’s generally not recommended to eat the wax on cheese. The wax is used only as a protective coating to preserve the cheese during storage and transportation. It is not intended for consumption and may contain additives or substances that are not suitable for eating. Before enjoying the cheese truckle, carefully remove the wax layer and discard it before digging in!

Is Cheese Wax Compostable?

No, cheese wax is not compostable in a traditional garden compost pile. Most cheese wax is made from a blend of paraffin or microcrystalline wax, and sometimes natural or synthetic polymers. These materials are not easily broken down in a garden compost pile.

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