Queijo Serra da Estrela
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| origin | Portugal |
| milk | sheep |
| Cheese group | |
| Fat i. Tr. | 45-60% |
| protein | 26-33% |
| Measure | Wheel shape |
| Certification | DOP |
The Queijo Serra da Estrela ( Portuguese Queijo 'cheese' ; DOP ), also called Queijo da Serra , is a Portuguese mountain cheese made from sheep's milk .
Manufacturing
The milk comes exclusively from the Bordaleira Serra da Estrela and Churra Mondegueira breeds , which are kept in the Serra da Estrela mountain region . During the production, extracts of a thistle-like plant of the species Cynara cardunculus , a plant typical of this region, are added. Production is limited to the Serra Estrela regions, although this extends beyond the statistical sub-region Serra da Estrela . The main production locations are Seia , Manteigas and Gouveia .
nature
The weight of the cylindrical cheese wheels varies between 0.7 and 1.7 kilograms. Production takes place primarily in the winter months. The inside of the cheese is creamy and thick when stored without further treatment. At lower temperatures or with special further treatment, it becomes solid. Traditionally in Portugal, the upper part of the rind is cut open in the soft version and the creamy cheese is removed with a butter knife or a spoon.
variants
- There is a variant that has a longer ripening time and is called Queijo Serra da Estrela Velho.
- There is also a Queijo Serra da Estrela made from sheep and goat milk. However, this does not bear the DOP designation of origin.
