The folk at Clandeboye Estate are inordinately proud of their cows. And so they should be, as their small herd of 80 pedigree Holstein and Jersey cows has won an outrageous amount of rosettes - and it's the rich milk they make from the lush grass on this 2,000 acre estate that makes Northern Ireland's first artisan cows' milk yoghurt so special.
And then there was the personality of their colourful owner, the late Lady Dufferin, the talented artist who created the oil painting of those very cows that is used on the packaging - and brands it so effectively.
It all came about because they, like so many other farmers, needed to diversify. So they did their homework, got expert advice - and now make a product they are rightly proud of, that contains no additives or preservatives and is blended by hand, using the traditional techniques that produce a rich creamy texture without high fat content. The milk is prepared and cultured very gently over 24 hours in small batches, which helps create an exceptional flavour and texture.
The natural and Greek styles taste wonderful on their own or with fresh berries (or with Clandeboye's own granola, perhaps) and can be used as a recipe ingredient.
The yoghurt is also available in three delicious flavours - Toffee Caramel, Strawberry and Raspberry - and the products are widely available in local shops and throughout Northern Ireland (eg all Spar shops; St George's Saturday Farmers' Market in Belfast and speciality shops such as Swantons Gourmet Foods).
The Estate gardens are also of interest, and botanical tours can be arranged (+44 78 0194 9927, Fergus Thompson). Firewood and Christmas trees also on sale in winter..
