Cantabrian cream cheese (Spanish: ''Queso de nata de Cantabria'') is made from the milk of Friesian cows in

Cantabria Cantabria (, ; ) is an autonomous community and Provinces of Spain, province in northern Spain with Santander, Cantabria, Santander as its capital city. It is called a , a Nationalities and regions of Spain, historic community, in its current ...

, an autonomous community in northern

Spain Spain, or the Kingdom of Spain, is a country in Southern Europe, Southern and Western Europe with territories in North Africa. Featuring the Punta de Tarifa, southernmost point of continental Europe, it is the largest country in Southern Eur ...

. The cheese has a

Protected Designation of Origin The protected designation of origin (PDO) is a type of geographical indication of the European Union aimed at preserving the designations of origin of food-related products. The designation was created in 1992 and its main purpose is to designat ...

since 1985. The production of the cheese is confined to all parts of Cantabria, except the areas of Tresviso and Menor de Bejes in the western part of the region. It is presented in forms of various weights from 400 – 2,800 g (14 ounces – 6 lbs). The size of the forms varies according to the weight.

Manufacture

The milk is coagulated with an animal

enzyme An enzyme () is a protein that acts as a biological catalyst by accelerating chemical reactions. The molecules upon which enzymes may act are called substrate (chemistry), substrates, and the enzyme converts the substrates into different mol ...

, preferably from suckling calves of the “Pintas de Cantabria” breed, or with any other enzyme permitted by the regulating council. The curdling process is carried out when the milk is 30°C (86°F) and continues for 40 minutes. The curd is then cut to grains of 5mm (0.20 inches) diameter and then they are heated to 34°C (93°F). It is then placed in moulds, the size of which vary according to the weight of the finished form. The moulds are pressed for up to 24 hours and then they are salted by immersion in a brine bath for a maximum of 24 hours. The curing of this cheese takes a minimum of 7 days from the time it comes out of the brine bath. While the cheese is maturing the forms are turned over regularly and the rinds rubbed clean.

Flavour

Flavour and taste are described as characteristic, buttery with a slight acidity.

Texture

Firm but creamy, there are no cavities and the colour is cream to yellow. There are no cavities in the body of the cheese.

Rind

Creamy/beige in colour, thin and smooth.

Uses

Being a soft cheese it is utilitarian. It may be used in cooking a variety of dishes or made be eaten in slices with bread, biscuits, nuts etc.

References

External links

Translation of Spanish Professional Cheesemakers' website
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cantabrian Cream Cheese Cheeses with designation of origin protected in the European Union Spanish cheeses Cantabrian cuisine Cow's-milk cheeses Spanish products with protected designation of origin