Silter facts for kids
Silter is a special kind of hard cheese from Italy. It's made in the mountain areas of Lombardy, near Province of Brescia. This cheese is usually made in summer and September. It uses milk directly from cows, which means it's unpasteurised. After it's made, it's put in salty water (this is called brined) and then left to get older for at least six months. This process is called aging.
Since 2015, Silter cheese has a special badge from the EU. It's called PDO certification. This means it can only be called Silter if it's made in a certain way and in a specific place.
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What's in a Name?
Where Does "Silter" Come From?
The name Silter has an interesting story. It comes from the word for the special room where cheeses are kept to get older. This room is called a "silter" in the Val Camonica area. So, the cheese is named after its aging home!
The Story of Silter Cheese
How Silter Began
Silter cheese has a long history in the Val Camonica region. It's a traditional cheese from this area. It's made from the milk of brown cows. These cows are very common in the mountains around Brescia. The name "Silter" comes from an old word. This word describes the special room where cheese gets older.
How Silter Cheese is Made
Where Silter is Produced
Silter cheese is made in specific towns. These towns are in the mountain areas of Val Camonica. Some are also in the Sebino Bresciano area. The best Silter cheeses often come from farms high in the mountains. These include places like Guglielmo and Maniva mountains. They are also made near the Croce Domini Pass. Other great spots are the Valleys of Case di Viso and Santa Apollonia in Ponte di Legno.
Aging Silter Cheese
For Silter cheese to be perfect, it needs to be stored correctly. It should be kept in places that are not too warm. The temperature should be between 9 and 14 degrees Celsius. The cheese must age for at least 100 days. This aging process helps it develop its unique taste and texture.
