Tupí facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tupí
Country of origin	Catalonia, Spain
Region	Pallars, Alt Urgell, Cerdanya
Source of milk	Cows, sheep
Texture	Soft

Tupí is a special kind of cheese from the Pyrenees mountains in Spain. It's also called formatge de tupí. This cheese is made from milk, usually from cows or sheep. It's a "fermented" cheese, which means it's left to change and develop its unique flavor over time.

People traditionally make Tupí cheese in the mountain areas of Pallars, Cerdanya, and Alt Urgell. It's one of the few cheeses that truly comes from Catalonia. Another similar cheese from the same area is called llenguat.

What is Tupí Cheese Like?

Tupí cheese used to be made at home by families in the countryside. It's known for being very soft and creamy. It also has a strong, rich taste.

Because of its strong flavor, people often eat Tupí cheese with simple farmer-style bread. Sometimes, they pair it with a strong wine. You can also use this cheese to make tasty sauces for cooking.

How is Tupí Cheese Made?

Making Tupí cheese involves a few interesting steps.

Ingredients for Tupí

The main ingredients are sheep's or cow's milk. A strong alcoholic drink, like aiguardent, is also added.

Preparing the Cheese

First, fresh cheese is pressed by hand. This helps to shape it into a ball and squeeze out any extra liquid. Then, the cheese ball is placed inside a special glazed ceramic jar called a tupí. The strong liquor is then poured into the jar with the cheese.

For the first four or five days, the mixture is stirred regularly. This helps everything mix together well.

Aging the Cheese

After the initial mixing, the jar is covered. It's then stored in a cool, dry place for at least two months. During this time, the cheese ferments. This process gives the cheese its final taste and texture. Some families like to add olive oil to the cheese in the jar after it has finished fermenting.

See also

In Spanish: Queso de tupí para niños