kids encyclopedia robot

Serra da Estrela cheese facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Serra da Estrela
Queijo Serra da Estrela.jpg
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.

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.

kids search engine
Serra da Estrela cheese Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.