Bryndza

Sheep cheese (of Slovak and Polish bryndza, but this designation was borrowed from the Slavic languages ​​from the Romanian branża ( = cheese) ) is a fresh cheese made from sheep's milk, which is now mainly produced in Slovakia, Poland and Romania. In many countries of the former Soviet Union he is disseminated under the name brynza ( брынза ).

Origin

The bryndza is a specialty from the Carpathian Mountains. He is originally from Transylvania and came between the 14th and 17th century, probably during the colonization of northern Slovakia by Vlachs, Slovakia. The first industrial plant for the manufacture was founded in 1787 in the central Slovak Detva. Since it is produced in Slovakia and has spread to the neighboring regions.

Production

For the traditional sheep cheese using pure sheep's milk. For other varieties it is partly also from cow's milk. The preparation of sheep cheese is similar to that of cottage cheese. In contrast, when salted and placed in small wooden barrels.

With the addition of rennet, the mixture is congealed in a cheese cauldron. The clot is possible carefully crumbled by hand to remove the whey. The break is immediately clenched into a lump and wrapped in towels, which are hung to drip dry. Then the curd is kneaded, salted and crushed. The mass comes in wooden barrels in a moist, cool environment to tires. For the bryndza maturity means when he becomes spreadable ( unctuous ) and has preserved its spicy flavor. Sheep cheese is manufactured and offered only during some months ( March-September ) of the year. Its durability is limited, as with any cream cheese, lovers, however, appreciate him even in mature state.

Use

Sheep cheese is an essential ingredient for real Liptauer and Bryndzové halušky ( Brimsennocken ), the Slovakian national dish.

In Romania, a similar feta cheese is known, there he is, among others, for browning of noodles ( Pranz geschniddan Diech ) or polenta ( Paleckes mat Pranz ) used.

Protected Designation of Origin

In both Slovakia and Poland the sheep cheese is as Slovenská bryndza or as Bryndza Podhalańska registered by the European Commission, with its protected designation of origin.