La Serena cheese facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Queso de La Serena |
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| Country of origin | Spain |
| Region | Extremadura |
| Town | La Serena |
| Source of milk | sheep |
| Texture | Soft |
| Aging time | >60 days |
Queso de La Serena is a delicious cheese that comes from the Extremadura area in Spain. It's made using milk from special Merino sheep. This cheese is famous for its unique taste and how it's made.
Contents
What is Queso de La Serena?
Queso de La Serena is a traditional Spanish cheese. It gets its name from the La Serena district where it is produced. This area is in the region of Extremadura. The cheese is made only from the milk of Merino sheep.
How is it Made?
Making Queso de La Serena involves a special process. First, pure Merino sheep milk is collected. Then, a unique ingredient is added to the milk. This ingredient helps the milk turn into cheese.
The Special Ingredient: Cardoon
The special ingredient used to make Queso de La Serena comes from a plant called cardoon (Cynara cardunculus). It's taken from a part of the cardoon flower. This natural ingredient gives the cheese a slightly bitter taste. This bitterness mixes well with the cheese's mild saltiness.
Two Cheeses from One Milk!
Queso de La Serena is aged for at least 60 days. How long it ages changes its texture and name!
- If the cheese is still soft and creamy in the middle, it's called Torta de La Serena. People usually eat this by cutting off the top and scooping out the soft inside with a spoon.
- If the cheese ages for even longer, it becomes harder. It also develops a stronger flavor. At this point, it is known as Queso de La Serena.
How is it Different from Other Cheeses?
Queso de La Serena is often compared to other cheeses from the same region or nearby. But it has some key differences.
Torta de La Serena vs. Torta del Casar
Another famous cheese from Extremadura is Torta del Casar. Torta de La Serena is different because:
- It uses only Merino sheep milk. Torta del Casar uses milk from different types of sheep.
- Less of the special plant ingredient (coagulant) is used. This makes Torta de La Serena taste milder.
Torta de La Serena vs. Queijo Serra da Estrela
Across the border in Portugal, there's a cheese called Queijo Serra da Estrela. This cheese is also made from Merino sheep milk, just like Torta de La Serena. However, Queijo Serra da Estrela uses more of the plant ingredient. This gives it a stronger and more bitter taste than Torta de La Serena.
What Does PDO Mean?
Torta de La Serena has a special certification called PDO. This stands for Protected Designation of Origin. It means that the cheese can only be called "Torta de La Serena" if it is made in a specific way and in a specific area. This helps protect the quality and tradition of the cheese. It also tells you that you are getting a genuine product.
See also
In Spanish: Queso de La Serena para niños
