Serra da Estrela cheese PDO
Serra da Estrela PDO cheese
The origins of Serra da Estrela cheese date back to the Roman occupation, and its laborious process is described in what is considered the first Treaty on Agriculture.
Over the centuries, Portuguese kings have recognised this artisanal jewel, presenting distinguished guests with the product that has become a national reference.
Semi-soft Serra da Estrela cheese is made with milk from the Bordaleira Serra da Estrela and Churra Mondegueira breeds. Hand milking precedes heating, salting and coagulation with thistle extract, revealing the ancestral art behind its production.
With a creamy, yellowish-white interior, Serra da Estrela cheese has a clean, sweet and slightly acidic flavour, making it Portugal's oldest and most traditional food, with international recognition.
Today, it continues to win over palates in Portugal and beyond, and is enjoyed by cheese lovers all over the world.
Traditionally eaten as an appetiser or dessert, Serra da Estrela cheese pairs perfectly with the regional wines of Dão and the local corn bread. This product, rich in tradition and culture, is the pride of the region and a true gastronomic heritage that transcends time.
Curiosities
It is the oldest of all Portuguese cheeses
Serra da Estrela cheese was introduced to Portugal by the Romans, and during the Middle Ages it was already mentioned in the works of the poet Gil Vicente. In 1287, King Diniz established the first cheese factory in the municipality of Celorico da Beira, located in the Serra da Estrela region.
With a rich tradition and cultural value, Serra da Estrela PDO cheese is a symbol of pride for the Dão region, revered as the leader of all sheep's cheeses in Portugal.
It has distinctive production characteristics
The milk used in the production of Serra da Estrela PDO cheese comes from sheep raised on the mountain range that gives the cheese its name, ensuring that the animals have access to natural pastures with minimal human intervention.
The taste of Serra da Estrela cheese changes according to how long it has been matured
Serra da Estrela cheese has a minimum ageing period of 30 days, but when this process extends to at least 120 days, it is categorized as Queijo Serra da Estrela Velho. This variety has a pleasant, persistent, clean aroma and flavor, ranging from strong to slightly strong, as well as a light touch of spiciness and saltiness.
