Manchego is a firm, buttery sheep's milk cheese from the La Mancha region of Spain, known for its rich, nutty flavor with hints of sweetness that sharpens with age. It has a distinctive zigzag pattern on its rind from being pressed in woven esparto grass molds and is protected by a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).
Key characteristics
Origin: La Mancha region of Spain, made from the milk of Manchega sheep.
Texture: Ranges from semi-firm and supple in younger cheeses to firm and crumbly as it ages.
Flavor: Nutty and buttery, with a slightly sweet taste that becomes more intense and sharp with age.
Appearance: An ivory-to-yellowish color and a distinctive, inedible zigzag rind pattern from the traditional molds.
Aging: Matured for a minimum of 30 days to up to two years, with different aging periods (like curado and viejo) resulting in distinct flavor profiles.
How to enjoy it
Enjoy on its own with fruits, nuts, or olives.
Serve as part of a cheese board or tapas spread.
Pair with crusty bread, a robust red wine, or a dry sherry.
Use in recipes for a salty, nutty flavor, such as in baked dishes or with roasted vegetables.
Type
Dairy
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