Bitto facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bitto |
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 Wrapped Bitto Texture of Bitto |
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| Country of origin | Italy |
| Region, town | Lombardy: province of Sondrio (from the Valle Spluga to Livigno, some comuni from the Val Brembana and the original valleys Gerola Alta and Albaredo per San Marco. Province of Bergamo: Averara, Carona, Cusio, Foppolo, Mezzoldo, Piazzatorre, Santa Brigida e Valleve |
| Source of milk | Cows (and max 10% goat milk) |
| Certification | Italy: Denominazione di Origine Protetta 1996 (Reg. CE n.1263/96) |
Bitto is a special Italian cheese from the Valtelline valley in Lombardy, Italy. It gets its name from the Bitto river. This cheese is only made in the summer months. That's when the cows eat fresh grass in the high mountain meadows.
Bitto cheese has a special label called DOP. This stands for Denominazione di Origine Protetta. It means "Protected Designation of Origin." This label makes sure the cheese is made in a specific way and place. Bitto got this important label in 1996.
There is also a very traditional type of Bitto. It used to be called Bitto Storico. This cheese is made using older, more traditional methods. In September 2016, Bitto Storico changed its name to Bitto ribelle. This name means "rebel Bitto."
Where is Bitto Cheese Made?
Bitto cheese is made in a specific part of Italy. This area includes the province of Sondrio. It stretches from the Spluga valley all the way to Livigno.
It also includes some towns from the Val Brembana. The original valleys of Gerola Alta and Albaredo per San Marco are also part of this area.
How is Bitto Cheese Made?
Bitto ribelle (the traditional version) is made from whole cow's milk. This milk comes from cows that graze in the Valtellina valley during summer. A small amount of goat's milk, usually 10% to 20%, is also added.
Adding more goat's milk helps the cheese age for a very long time. Some Bitto ribelle can age for 10 years or even more! The cheesemaker decides how long each wheel of Bitto should age. This depends on many things that can change.
For Bitto with the DOP label, adding goat's milk is not required. Also, the cows can eat different types of feed. Cheesemakers can also use powdered enzymes to help make the cheese.
See also
In Spanish: Bitto para niños
