South Tyrol is not only known for its breathtaking landscapes, but also for its culinary specialties. One of the outstanding delicacies that every gourmet should try is the cheese from this region. With more than 90 types of cheese produced in South Tyrol, and a variety of dairies and farm dairies, South Tyrol offers an impressive variety of cheese.
South Tyrolean Cheese: A Tradition of Quality
Best Milk and Traditional Methods
South Tyrolean cheese is only made from the best milk and in many places still using traditional methods. Cheese has been produced for a long time, especially in the Hochpustertal. In the past, cheese, cream, and butter were made on the farm itself, but today the milk is collected and then taken to dairies where it is processed into delicious products.
Variety of Cheese Types
There are now over 90 different types of cheese in South Tyrol. Ten dairies and more than 70 farm dairies ensure that every cheese lover will find what they are looking for here.
Well-Known Cheese Type: The Gray Cheese
Unique Characteristics of Gray Cheese
The Gray Cheese is one of the most well-known types of cheese from South Tyrol. With its slimy surface, grayish-yellow outer color, and very distinctive smell, it is certainly not everyone's cup of tea. But those who dare to try it will quickly appreciate its intense aromatic flavor.
Historical Significance
In the past, Gray Cheese was mainly a food for the poor. The production of this cheese has been documented since the 14th century.
Production of Gray Cheese
Gray Cheese is made from skimmed milk, which is usually a by-product that is often discarded. No rennet is used for the production, and the so-called "Tschotten" are obtained by adding whey or sour milk. The coagulated curd is filled into molds and aged for several weeks, during which green-gray mold cultures form on the surface.
Mountain Cheese from South Tyrol
The Stilfser g. U. Cheese
Also very well-known is the Stilfser g. U. cheese, a designation given only to products whose characteristics depend on the region in which they are produced and promise unadulterated authenticity. The Stilfser is a mountain cheese, whose milk comes from mountain farms located at over 1000 meters above sea level. After a ripening period of 60 days, a spicy cheese is obtained, which is perfect for a South Tyrolean snack.
Cheese Events in South Tyrol
The Cheese Festival in Tauferer Ahrntal
Once a year, the Cheese Festival takes place in Tauferer Ahrntal, where visitors have the opportunity to try different types of cheese and learn more about cheese production.
Show Dairies and Experience Dairies
Companies like the Drei Zinnen Show Dairy or the Capriz Experience Dairy offer tours where visitors can learn interesting facts about cheese production.
FAQs
What is the most famous cheese from South Tyrol? The Gray Cheese is one of the most famous types of cheese from South Tyrol.
How is Gray Cheese made? Gray Cheese is made from skimmed milk, which coagulates by adding whey or sour milk. The coagulated curd is filled into molds and aged for several weeks.
What is special about Stilfser g. U. Cheese? Stilfser g. U. Cheese is a mountain cheese, whose milk comes from mountain farms located at over 1000 meters above sea level. It is known for its spicy flavor.
What cheese-related events are there in South Tyrol? Once a year, the Cheese Festival takes place in Tauferer Ahrntal. In addition, show dairies like Drei Zinnen or the Capriz Experience Dairy offer tours.
How many types of cheese are there in South Tyrol? There are more than 90 different types of cheese in South Tyrol.
Where can one learn more about cheese production in South Tyrol? In companies like the Drei Zinnen Show Dairy or the Capriz Experience Dairy, visitors can take part in tours and learn more about cheese production.
Conclusion
South Tyrol is a paradise for cheese lovers. With an impressive variety of cheese types and traditional production methods, the region offers delicacies that should definitely be tried. Whether Gray Cheese or Stilfser g. U. Cheese, every cheese from South Tyrol tells its own story and promises a unique taste experience. Visit a cheese festival or a show dairy and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of South Tyrolean cheese production.