Montasio is a mountain cheese made from cow's milk produced in northeastern Italy[1] in the regions of Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Veneto.
| Montasio | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Country of origin | Italy |
| Source of milk | Cow's milk |
| Texture | Semi-hard, creamy |
| Fat content | 32% |
| Aging time | Minimum of two months |
| Certification | PDO, 1986 |
 Related media on Commons | |
It was awarded a protected designation of origin (PDO) in 1986.
History
editIt takes its name from the famous Montasio plateau, where cheese has been produced since 1200; the first production techniques were refined at the abbey of San Gallo di Moggio Udinese, while the first evidence of the name dates back to the decree of 22 August 1773, when the Council of the city of Udine imposed on traders the sale at a fixed price of some products, including this cheese, which, as depicted from that document, the price of 19 soldi a pound was imposed.[2][3]
Already in 1880, a cooperative movement of dairies was formed to support the production of this cheese.[4] A decree of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests of 16 March 1987, assigned the Montasio Producers Association the tasks of supervision, control and marketing of Montasio production.[5] Montasio cheese inspired the creation of Italian-Canadian friulano to evade a trademark dispute.[6]. Commonly produced in the small farm town of Gemona inside the Friuli-Venezio Giulia region for over 200 years and a little hamlet named Campo Lessie. All farmers took their daily cow's milk production to the cheese maker. A tally was kept, and based of how much milk each family brought in, the corresponding number of cheese wheels were delivered.
Characteristics
edit- Made from cow's milk[1]
- Country of origin: Italy[7]
- Region: Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Veneto
- Alternative spellings: Montasio fresco
- Type: semi-hard. Versions aged longer develop a harder texture.[7]
- Fat content: 32%
- Texture: creamy and open
- Rind: natural[7]
- Color: pale yellow to gold, depending on age[7]
Aging
editIt is typically aged for a minimum of two months, and some preparations are aged for a year or more.[7] The rind is typically stamped with the date of its production.[7]
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ a b Glover, Cynthia (October 2004). Italy's Other Great Cuisines. Vegetarian Times. p. 63.
- ^ DOC cheeses of Italy, p. 64
- ^ "Montasio D.O.P." Formaggio.it (in Italian). 7 February 2019. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
- ^ DOC cheeses of Italy, p. 64
- ^ DOC cheeses of Italy, p. 65
- ^ "DCHP-3 | friulano, Type 1 -- Origin comment". dchp.arts.ubc.ca. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
- ^ a b c d e f Fletcher, Janet (16 December 2011). Cheese & Wine: A Guide to Selecting, Pairing, and Enjoying. Chronicle Books. p. 90. ISBN 9781452111490.
External links
edit- Montasio official website Archived 2014-01-02 at the Wayback Machine
- Montasio
- [1] Archived 2014-02-22 at the Wayback Machine
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