Valtellina Casera facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Valtellina Casera |
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| Country of origin | Italy |
| Region | Lombardy, Province of Sondrio |
| Source of milk | Cows’ milk |
| Certification | European Union: Protected designation of origin (PDO) 1996 (Reg. CE n.1263/96) |
Valtellina Casera is a special kind of cheese from the northern part of Italy. It's made in the province of Sondrio in a region called Valtellina. This cheese is made from cow's milk that has had some of its fat removed, which is called semi-skimmed milk.
People have been making Valtellina Casera cheese since the 1500s! It's a very important part of the food in the Valtellina area. You'll often find it in dishes made with buckwheat flour, like pizzoccheri (a type of pasta) and sciatt. Sciatt means "toads" in the local Lombard language, but don't worry, it's just a fun name for crispy cheese fritters!
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What is Valtellina Casera Cheese?
Valtellina Casera is a semi-hard cheese. It has a mild, sweet taste when it's young. As it gets older, its flavor becomes stronger and a bit nutty. The cheese has small, scattered holes inside and a thin, yellowish rind (the outside skin).
How is Valtellina Casera Made?
This cheese is made from the milk of cows that graze in the mountains of Valtellina. After the milk is collected, some of the cream is removed, making it semi-skimmed. Then, the milk is heated, and a special ingredient called rennet is added to make it curdle. The curds are then pressed into round shapes and left to age.
Why is it a Protected Cheese?
Since 1996, Valtellina Casera has had a special status called Protected designation of origin (PDO). This means that only cheese made in the Valtellina region, following strict rules, can be called "Valtellina Casera." This rule helps protect the cheese's quality and its traditional way of making it. A special group makes sure that all the rules are followed.
Where is Valtellina Casera Used?
This cheese is a star in the local Valtellina kitchen. It melts well, which makes it perfect for many dishes.
Traditional Dishes with Valtellina Casera
- Pizzoccheri: This is a famous pasta dish from Valtellina. It's made with flat, short pasta from buckwheat flour, potatoes, cabbage, and lots of melted Valtellina Casera cheese, butter, and garlic.
- Sciatt: These are crispy, round fritters filled with melted Valtellina Casera cheese. They are often served as an appetizer.
Valtellina Casera is a delicious and historic cheese that shows off the traditions of the Italian Alps!
