Serra da Estrela cheese facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Serra da Estrela |
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| Other names | Queijo da Serra |
| Country of origin | Portugal |
| Region | Serra da Estrela |
| Source of milk | Ewes |
| Texture | Soft to Semi-hard |
| Certification | PDO 1996 |
Serra da Estrela cheese (called Queijo Serra da Estrela in Portuguese) is a special kind of cheese made in the mountains of Serra da Estrela in Portugal. This cheese is so unique that it has a special status called "Protected Designation of Origin" (PDO). This means it can only be made in this specific region, following strict rules.
The area where Serra da Estrela cheese can be made is about 3,143 square kilometers. This includes several towns like Celorico da Beira, Gouveia, and Seia.
Contents
How Serra da Estrela Cheese Is Made
Making this cheese follows very strict rules. It is made from sheep's milk, usually collected between November and March. The cheese needs to age for at least 30 days.
From Milk to Cheese
The texture of the cheese changes as it gets older. When it's young, it can be very soft, almost like a liquid. As it ages, it becomes soft but firm enough to slice. This cheese is made by skilled artisans. It has a white or light yellow color and is smooth and creamy. You might see a few tiny holes in it.
Special Ingredients
What makes this cheese so special is how it's curdled. Instead of using animal rennet, makers use a local plant called Cynara cadunculus thistle. This plant helps the milk turn into curds slowly.
The Shape of the Cheese
Serra da Estrela cheese usually looks like a slightly uneven wheel. Its sides and top are a bit rounded. It has a smooth, thin rind (the outer skin) that is a uniform straw-yellow color. Traditionally, the cheese is wrapped in a cloth.
Serra da Estrela Cheese in the Ark of Taste
In 2014, Serra da Estrela cheese was added to an international list called the Ark of Taste. This list includes special heritage foods that are in danger of disappearing. The list is kept by a worldwide group called Slow Food. This group works to protect traditional foods and how they are made.
