Cantabrian cream cheese facts for kids

Cantabrian cream cheese (in Spanish, Queso de nata de Cantabria) is a yummy cheese from Cantabria, a beautiful region in northern Spain. It's made from the milk of Friesian cows. This special cheese has a "Protected Designation of Origin" since 1985. This means it's a unique product that can only be made in certain parts of Cantabria, following specific rules, to make sure it's always top quality. You can find this cheese in different sizes, from small ones weighing about 400 grams (like a little over a pound) to bigger ones up to 2,800 grams (about 6 pounds).

How Cantabrian Cream Cheese Is Made

Making this cheese involves several careful steps.

• First, milk is gently warmed to about 30°C (86°F).
• Then, a special natural ingredient called an enzyme is added. This makes the milk thicken, a process called curdling. This takes about 40 minutes.
• The thick milk, or "curd," is then cut into tiny pieces, about 5 millimeters (0.20 inches) wide.
• These small curd pieces are heated a bit more, to 34°C (93°F).
• Next, the curds are placed into special molds. The size of the mold depends on how big the final cheese will be.
• The molds are then pressed for up to 24 hours. This helps remove extra liquid.
• After pressing, the cheese is placed in a salty water bath (called brine) for up to 24 hours. This adds flavor and helps preserve the cheese.
• Finally, the cheese needs to "cure" or age for at least 7 days after leaving the brine bath. During this time, the cheeses are turned over regularly, and their rinds (the outside skin) are cleaned. This helps them develop their perfect taste and texture.

What Does Cantabrian Cream Cheese Taste Like?

This cheese has a special taste that cheese lovers enjoy! It's often described as:

• Buttery: It has a rich, creamy flavor, like butter.
• Slightly acidic: This means it has a tiny bit of tanginess, which makes it fresh and interesting.

What Does Cantabrian Cream Cheese Feel Like?

When you touch or cut this cheese, you'll notice its texture:

• Firm but creamy: It's not too soft, but it's smooth and melts in your mouth.
• No holes: Unlike some cheeses, it doesn't have any holes or cavities inside.
• Cream to yellow color: The cheese itself is a lovely light cream color, sometimes leaning towards a pale yellow.

The Rind (Outside Skin)

The outside part of the cheese, called the rind, is:

• Creamy/beige in color: It matches the inside of the cheese.
• Thin and smooth: It's not thick or rough, but delicate.

How to Enjoy Cantabrian Cream Cheese

Since it's a soft and versatile cheese, you can use Cantabrian cream cheese in many ways!

• Cooking: It's great for adding a creamy touch to different dishes.
• Snacks: You can simply slice it and eat it with:
  • Bread
  • Biscuits
  • Nuts
  • Or any other favorite snack!

See also

In Spanish: Queso nata de Cantabria para niños