Taleggio, Lombardy

Taleggio is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Bergamo in the Italian region of Lombardy, located about 60 kilometres (37 mi) northeast of Milan and about 25 kilometres (16 mi) northwest of Bergamo. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 583 and an area of 46.6 square kilometres (18.0 sq mi).

The municipality of Taleggio contains the frazioni (subdivisions, mainly villages and hamlets) Olda, Peghera, and Sottochiesa.

Taleggio borders the following municipalities: Camerata Cornello, Cassiglio, Fuipiano Valle Imagna, Gerosa, Moggio, San Giovanni Bianco, Vedeseta.

Demographic evolution

References

Taleggio

Taleggio may refer to:

Taleggio cheese

Taleggio (IPA: [taˈleddʒo]) is a semisoft, washed-rind, smear-ripened Italian cheese that is named after Val Taleggio. The cheese has a thin crust and a strong aroma, but its flavor is comparatively mild with an unusual fruity tang.

History

Taleggio and similar cheeses have been around since Roman times, with Cicero, Cato the Elder, and Pliny the Elder all mentioning it in their writings. The cheese was solely produced in the Val Taleggio until the late 1800s, when some production moved to the Lombardy plain to the south.

Production

The production takes place every autumn and winter when the cows are tired (Italian: stracche). First, the acidified milk is brought to the lab from milk calves. The cheese is set on wood shelves in chambers, sometimes in caves as per tradition, and matures within six to ten weeks. It is washed once a week with a seawater sponge to prevent mold growth and the cheese from forming an orange or rose crust.

Today, the cheese is made from both pasteurized milk and raw milk in factories. The factory-made cheeses are brighter and moderate in flavor. Spices, raisins, nuts, and some lemons are also added.