The Dorset Dairy Co is a new venture based in Stalbridge, set up by Dan Miller and Alex Rawe to process the milk from Crib House Farm’s herd of Fresian-Holstein cows.
Dan started working on the family dairy farm full-time when he was 16 and is the third generation to do so.
Alex worked in the City and, after meeting Dan, did not take much convincing to move to Dorset.
Their Dorset strained yoghurt contains only two ingredients – milk and live bio cultures. There are no added thickeners or concentrate, nor is it homogenised, meaning each batch is unique.
Alex said: “For every litre of yoghurt, we start with three litres of milk and after adding our carefully selected cultures, it is strained using cloth bags to create a thick, creamy texture packed with dairy goodness and low in sugar.
“Strained yoghurt is more widely known as Greek yoghurt, when it is imported from Greece as it is a Protected Designation of Origin. We like to think of ourselves as Dorset’s answer to Greek yoghurt. The majority of UK comparable products, known as “Greek-style”, contain stiffeners and sugar, the former reducing the protein content and the latter, as consumers are increasingly aware, being very unhealthy.
“Dorset strained yoghurt is intended for the health conscious consumer that is willing to pay a premium for a healthier product with a clear provenance”.
Dan and Alex gave their Dorset strained yoghurt to Margot Dimmer of Thyme after Time CafΠΒ© at Spire Hill Farm, Thornhill to come up with some recipes.
Margot said: “I used it to make a pizza topping and was really chuffed with the way the yoghurt stayed stable on top and did not curdle. The pizza I did with Dorset Blue Vinny was great – I love the idea of using Stur Mill flour, Dorset Blue Vinny and Dorset Dairy Co yoghurt, all ingredients from within what must be a only a four mile radius.
“I will definitely be using the yoghurt in the cafe, I absolutely love it,” said Margot. “We will be using at Spirefest Dorset, served with goat curry with jacket potatoes.”
Dorset Strained Yoghurt is being launched on Friday 23rd September at Dike & Son, Stalbridge – do go along and have a sample.
You can also catch Dan and Alex at The Udder Farm Shop, East Stour next Friday 30th September, and you can buy Dorset Dairy Co yoghurt at Holebrook Fine Foods, Sturminster Newton, from Friday 23rd September.
For further information contact alex@thedorsetdairyco.com. The Dorset Dairy Co Ltd, Cribhouse Farm, Stalbridge, DT10 2RT.
