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Queijo de Nisa facts for kids

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Queijo de Nisa
Queijo de Nisa
Country of origin Portugal
Region Alto Alentejo
Town Nisa
Source of milk Sheep
Pasteurized No
Texture semi-hard
Weight 200 g to 400 g (small) or 800 g to 1300 g (normal)
Certification PDO 1996

Queijo de Nisa is a special type of cheese from Portugal. It comes from the town of Nisa, which is in the Alto Alentejo region. This cheese is made from the fresh, unheated milk of sheep. It's known for being a "semi-hard" cheese, meaning it's not too soft or too firm.

About Queijo de Nisa

Queijo de Nisa has a yellowish-white color. It has a strong taste that's a bit tangy or sour. To make this cheese solid, cheesemakers use a special plant called thistle instead of animal rennet. This gives it its unique flavor and texture.

Special Protection for Queijo de Nisa

Since 1996, Queijo de Nisa has had a special protection called "Protected Designation of Origin" (PDO). This means that only cheese made in the Nisa region of Portugal, following traditional methods, can be called "Queijo de Nisa." This rule helps to keep the cheese authentic and ensures its quality. The European Commission officially recognizes this protection.

This cheese is so good that a famous magazine called Wine Spectator even named it one of the "100 Great Cheeses" in the world!

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