Cheese is becoming increasingly more important in the Istrian gastronomy. This peninsula is known for its goat, sheep and cow milk cheese.
There are several key factors in the production of quality cheese: a good selection of pasture lands and quality feed, quality of milk used in cheese making, time and season of processing, shape and size as well as a correct preparation method.
Cheese is one of rare foods which can be consumed at any time, as a starter, a main course or a dessert, even as a snack. A diverse use of this popular food is supported by a large number of different cheese types and shapes.
If you're a fan of cheese and love exploring new food destinations, you should definitely put Cheese Road in Istria on your bucket list. Cheese Road is a scenic route that takes you through the heart of Istria's cheese-making region, where you can discover some of the best artisanal cheeses in Croatia. Sounds delicious, right? So let's live your dairy dream and try some of the best cheeses this region has to offer.
Istria, a stunning region in Croatia, is known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and delicious gastronomic offerings. Among its many culinary delights, Istria is famous for its artisan cheeses, which are handmade by local cheese-makers using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients. From tangy goat cheese to creamy cow's milk cheese, Istria's cheese-makers produce a wide range of cheeses, each with its own unique flavor and texture. The premium cheese in Istrian is the one made with walnut leaves.
You won't find this variety anywhere in the world, so it is a good idea to include it in your itinerary. Overall, this is a full-fat cheese made from mixed cow and sheep milk. It stands out because manufacturers still use the traditional pressing method, which gives it a unique taste. After 60 days, it's wrapped in walnut leaves, gaining its recognizable patches left by walnut leaf maceration. It is both sweet and a bit bitter, thanks to the walnut leaves.
Another popular Istrian cheese is the Gran Istriano. As the name suggests, it aims to stand out through its grandeur, being a hard full-fat cheese. It is made from pasteurized cow mil, which by aging becomes hard grating cheese. An interesting fact about this cheese is that it is made by self-pressing under its own weight.
The Cheese Road starts in the picturesque Boljunsko polje at the OPG Buretić, where a wide variety of cheesy attractions await to be tasted. Family Buretić produces cow's milk cheeses, known as the region's best. Whether paired with a classy wine, homemade bread, or honey, your taste buds will be amazed! From there, the road takes you through the countryside, passing by vineyards, olive groves, and small family farms.
Another must-visit stop on Cheese Road is the medieval town of Žminj, located in the center of the Istrian peninsula. Here, you can try the local cheese delicacy, the truffled cheese, which is made by infusing cow's milk cheese with truffle shavings. The result is a delicious, creamy cheese with a unique aroma and flavor. Visit the Milk & Cheese Bar by Dairy Latus, and try some of the most delicious ones. From Veli Jože, the hard yellow cheese that is usually cured for 300 days, to Latufino, cow's milk cheese with truffles, to Urbani hard cheese, cured for 1460 days, and so on.
One of the highlights of Cheese Road is a visit to the famous cheese-making village of Tar. The village is home to the award-winning Sirana Špin by Agrolaguna, which specializes in sheep and cow's milk cheeses. Here you can try cow's milk cheese aged in Teran wine, cow's milk cheese aged in muscat rose wine, cheese with olives, cheese with truffles, as well as the indispensable cow's and sheep's curds. Prepare to be spoilt for choice! They use only the freshest milk and follow strict guidelines to ensure that the cheese is of the highest quality. And the result is exquisite cheese with a unique flavor.
Istria's cheese-makers are an essential part of the region's culinary landscape. Their dedication to tradition, quality, and innovation has helped make Istrian cheeses famous around the world. We just named a few, but there are plenty of cheese-makers to discover through the Cheese Road that offer some of the most delicious cheeses to indulge in. So, whether you are a cheese lover or appreciate good food, visiting Istria's Cheese Road is a must-do when exploring this beautiful region of Croatia. It's a journey you will remember! So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the flavors of Istria's cheese-making region. Bon appétit! Istrian gourmet cheese road
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