Metsovone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Metsovone |
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| Country of origin | Greece |
| Town | Metsovo |
| Source of milk | Cows, goats, sheep |
| Pasteurised | Traditionally not but commercially |
| Texture | Semi-hard |
| Fat content | 25.9% |
| Protein content | 26.8% |
| Aging time | >3 months |
| Certification | PDO EU |
Metsovone (Greek: Μετσοβόνε) is a special kind of smoked cheese from Greece. It's a semi-hard cheese, which means it's firm but not super hard. This delicious cheese is made in the mountain village of Metsovo, located in the Epirus area.
Metsovone is very popular and is known for its unique smoky taste. It's one of the most famous foods from Metsovo, along with another cheese called Metsovela.
Contents
What is Metsovone Cheese?
Metsovone is a type of pasta filata cheese. This means that during its making, the cheese curds are stretched and kneaded in hot water. This process gives the cheese a smooth texture and makes it melt nicely.
Where Does it Come From?
This cheese is made in the Aromanian village of Metsovo. The Tositsa Foundation Cheese Factory in Metsovo is one of the main places where Metsovone is produced.
Special Protection for Metsovone
Since 1996, Metsovone has had a special label called a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) from the European Union. This means that only cheese made in the Metsovo region, following traditional methods, can be called Metsovone. It helps protect the quality and unique origin of the cheese.
How Metsovone is Made
Metsovone cheese is usually made from cow's milk. Sometimes, a mix of cow's milk with sheep's milk or goat's milk is used.
After the cheese is shaped, it goes through a smoking process. This gives Metsovone its distinctive smoky flavor and golden-brown color. The cheese is then aged for more than three months to develop its full taste and texture.
