List of European cheeses with protected geographical status facts for kids
European cheeses have special rules to protect their unique names and traditions! This means that some cheeses can only be called by their name if they come from a specific place and are made in a certain way. It's like a special badge of honor for cheese!
This idea started in 1992 in the European Union (EU). It helps make sure that foods from certain regions, like a special cheese from a particular valley, keep their original quality and reputation. Even after Brexit, cheeses that were protected in the EU in 2020 are still protected in the United Kingdom.
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What is Protected Cheese?
When a cheese gets a "protected" status, it means its name is legally guarded. This stops other cheeses from using the same name if they are not made in the right place or with the traditional methods. There are three main types of protection:
- Protected Designation of Origin (PDO): This is for cheeses that are completely made, processed, and prepared in a specific area. Think of it like a cheese that's born and raised in one special place.
- Protected Geographical Indication (PGI): This is for cheeses where at least one part of the production (like making the milk into cheese, or aging it) happens in a specific area.
- Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG): This protects the traditional way a cheese is made, no matter where it comes from. It's about the recipe and method, not the place.
These rules help you know you're getting the real deal when you buy a protected cheese!
Famous Protected Cheeses by Country
Many countries in Europe have cheeses with these special protections. Here are a few examples of some well-known ones:
France
France is famous for its many cheeses, and a lot of them have special protection!
Designation | Type | Registration year |
---|---|---|
Brie de Meaux | PDO | 1996 |
Camembert de Normandie | PDO | 1996 |
Comté | PDO | 1996 |
Roquefort | PDO | 2008 |
Saint-Nectaire | PDO | 1996 |
Germany
Germany also has some delicious protected cheeses, often from specific regions.
Designation | Type | Registration year |
---|---|---|
Allgäuer Emmentaler | PDO | 1997 |
Hessischer Handkäse / Hessischer Handkäs | PGI | 2010 |
Greece
Greece is known for its unique cheeses, including the very popular Feta.
Designation | Latin | Type | Registration year |
---|---|---|---|
Φέτα | Feta | PDO | 2002 |
Γραβιέρα Κρήτης | Graviera Kritis | PDO | 1996 |
Italy
Italy has a huge variety of cheeses, and many are protected to keep their traditions alive.
Designation | Type | Registration year |
---|---|---|
Gorgonzola | PDO | 1996 |
Grana Padano | PDO | 1996 |
Mozzarella di Bufala Campana | PDO | 1996 |
Parmigiano Reggiano | PDO | 1996 |
Pecorino Romano | PDO | 1996 |
Netherlands
The Netherlands is famous for its large, round cheeses, and some have special protection.
Designation | Type | Registration year |
---|---|---|
Edam Holland | PGI | 2010 |
Gouda Holland | PGI | 2010 |
Spain
Spain offers a wide range of protected cheeses, from soft to hard.
Designation | Type | Registration year |
---|---|---|
Cabrales | PDO | 1996 |
Idiazábal | PDO | 1996 |
Queso Manchego | PDO | 1996 |
United Kingdom
The UK also has many traditional cheeses that are protected.
Designation | Type | Registration year |
---|---|---|
West Country farmhouse Cheddar cheese | PDO | 1996 |
White Stilton cheese ; Blue Stilton cheese | PDO | 1996 |
Yorkshire Wensleydale | PGI | 2013 |