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Tyrolean grey cheese facts for kids

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Tyrolean grey cheese
Tyrolean grey cheese Loaf Cut.jpg
Other names Tiroler Graukäse
Country of origin Austria, Italy
Region Tyrol
Source of milk Cows
Fat content low fat
Weight 1 to 4kg
Certification Tiroler Graukäse PDO, PAT

Tyrolean grey cheese (also known as Tiroler Graukäse) is a special kind of cheese. It comes from the Tyrolean Alp valleys in Austria. This cheese is famous for its strong flavor.

It gets its name from the grey mold that often grows on its outside. This cheese is very low in fat, with only about 0.5%. It also has a very strong smell that you can notice easily.

What is Tyrolean Grey Cheese?

Tyrolean grey cheese is made from cow's milk. It's an acid-curd cheese. This means it's made by letting the milk get sour naturally. This process makes the milk curdle, or thicken. It does not use rennet, which is a common ingredient in many other cheeses.

Where Does It Come From?

This cheese is a traditional food in the Tyrol region. This area is found in both Austria and Italy. For hundreds of years, making Graukäse has been an important part of life for farmers there.

Special Protection for the Cheese

In Austria, Tyrolean grey cheese has a special status. It is registered as a protected designation of origin (PDO). This means only cheese made in the Tyrol region of Austria, following specific rules, can be called Tiroler Graukäse. This protection helps keep the cheese's quality and tradition.

In Italy, Graukäse also has a special protection. It is called a prodotto agroalimentare tradizionale (PAT). This label recognizes it as a traditional food product from that area.

Why Was It Popular?

Making Graukäse became very popular on farms a long time ago. It was easy to make. Also, it used milk that had already had its fat removed. This fat was used to make butter. So, farmers could use the leftover low-fat milk to make this tasty cheese.

See also

In Spanish: Tiroler Graukäse para niños

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