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List of European cheeses with protected geographical status facts for kids

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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.

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

See also

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List of European cheeses with protected geographical status Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.