Trefle du Perche is a relatively ‘new’ cheese from the Loire valley. Created by 7 cheese making goat farmers just after the turn of the century it has the shape of a four leaf clover and was inspired by an ancient mould they found referenced in the local archives. It was first commercialised in 2005.
Today there are more than a dozen producers of this mild creamy goat’s cheese. The taste is similar to other goat’s cheeses from the Loire and is best eaten young to preserve the creamy texture and light flavour. It weighs 130g and is aged for a minimum of 10 days after being salted and rolled in ash (giving it the classic grey colour).
Perche is a former province of north west France and is best known for Percheron horses. Initially bred for use as war horses they later pulled stage coaches and did heavy farm work.
