Tetilla, also known as Queso Tetilla, is a
cow's-milk cheese
Cheese is a type of dairy product produced in a range of flavors, textures, and forms by coagulation of the milk protein casein. It comprises proteins and fat from milk (usually the milk of cows, buffalo, goats or sheep). During prod ...
produced in
Galicia, Spain. It is traditionally molded into a peaked, conical form, which resembles a
human breast. It is a common element in
Galician cuisine, where it is often used as a dessert.
Production
Tetilla is made in Galicia, in the northwestern corner of Spain. Galicia's proximity to the cool waters of the Atlantic creates an oceanic to sub-oceanic climate, which, combined with the region's rolling topography, allows for the existence of extensive pastures and meadows; these variables allow for an ideal environment for dairy farming.
By law, tetilla cheese may only be produced from the milk of
Holstein
Holstein (; ; ; ; ) is the region between the rivers Elbe and Eider (river), Eider. It is the southern half of Schleswig-Holstein, the northernmost States of Germany, state of Germany.
Holstein once existed as the German County of Holstein (; 8 ...
,
Swiss Brown, or
Rubia Gallega cattle. The milk is fermented with ''
Lactococcus lactis'' bacteria, and coagulated with animal rennet. The curd is pressed into tetilla's characteristic conical shape, after which the cheese is lightly salted in brine and aged for a minimum of 8 days.
As of 2016, around 2 million units of tetilla cheese are produced annually, with the majority of sales occurring within Spain.
History
References to breast-shaped cheese can be found as early as the
1st century AD, in the writings of
Pliny the Elder
Gaius Plinius Secundus (AD 23/24 79), known in English as Pliny the Elder ( ), was a Roman Empire, Roman author, Natural history, naturalist, and naval and army commander of the early Roman Empire, and a friend of the Roman emperor, emperor Vesp ...
. However, the first specific mention of tetilla cheese comes from the second half of the 18th century.
Tetilla cheese has had
Denominación de Origen
In Spain and Latin America, the (; )In other languages of Spain:
* Catalan: ().
* ().
* (). is part of a regulatory geographical indication system used primarily for foodstuffs such as cheeses, condiments, honey, and meats, among others. ...
certification since 1993 and European
DOP certification since 1996.
Characteristics
The name ''tetilla'' (Spanish for ''small breast''; the word is also the official name in Galician) describes the shape of the cheese, which is conical and has a nipple-like peak on its top.
The cheese is pale yellow to ivory in color, and has a fine, thin rind, with a soft, creamy, uniform interior. Its flavor and aroma are described as buttery, lightly acidic, slightly salty, and reminiscent of the dairy from which the cheese was produced. It is traditionally served after dinner or as a dessert, but can be enjoyed in other dishes where a soft, meltable cheese is desired.
References
External links
Queixo de Tetilla– Official site of the "Queixo Tetilla – Consello regulador Denominación de Orixe protexida Queixo Tetilla" (in Galician, Spanish, French and English)
Tetilla cheese info at spanishclub.blog
Galician cuisine
Spanish cheeses
Spanish products with protected designation of origin
Cheeses with designation of origin protected in the European Union
{{Spain-cuisine-stub