Sheep milk cheese


Sheep milk cheese is a cheese prepared from sheep milk. Well-known cheeses made from sheep milk include the Feta of Greece, Roquefort of France, Manchego from Spain, the Pecorino Romano and Ricotta of Italy. Yogurts, especially some forms of strained yogurt, may also be made from sheep milk.

Nutrition and production

Sheep have only two teats, and produce a far smaller volume of milk than cows. However, as sheep's milk contains far more fat, solids, and minerals than cow's milk, it is ideal for the cheese-making process. It also resists contamination during cooling better because of its much higher calcium content. Sheep milk contains 4.8% lactose, more lactose than cow milk, and is therefore not an alternative for people who are lactose intolerant.
Though sheep's milk may be drunk in fresh form, today it is used predominantly in cheese and yogurt making. Well-known cheeses made from sheep milk include the Feta of Bulgaria and Greece, Roquefort of France, Manchego from Spain, the Pecorino Romano and Ricotta of Italy. Yogurts, especially some forms of strained yogurt, may also be made from sheep milk. Many of these products are now often made with cow's milk, especially when produced outside their country of origin. It takes between 2 weeks to 2–3 months up to two years for the cheeses to fully ripen.

By country

France

French sheep milk cheeses include Abbaye de Bellocq, :fr:Brique |Brique, Berger de Rocastin, Brebicet, Le Claousou, Lévejac, Valdeblore, Roquefort, Ardi-gasna, Agour, Ossau-Iraty, Brocciu, Asco, Brin d'amour,Faisselle, Fleur de Maquis, A filetta, and Niolo.

Greece

Greek sheep milk cheeses include Feta and Halloumi.

Italy

Italian sheep milk cheeses include Pecorino Romano, Pecorino Sardo, Pecorino Siciliano, Pecorino Toscano and Ricotta.

Croatia

Croatian sheep milk cheeses include Pag cheese and Ovidur.

Poland

Polish sheep milk cheeses include oscypek and bryndza.

Portugal

Portuguese sheep milk cheeses include Castelo Branco, Azeitão, Rabaçal, Saloio, Serpa and Serra.

Spain

In Spain is Roncal, made in the Roncal Valley, and is protected by the Protected designation of origin. Other cheeses from Spain are Torta del Casar and Manchego.
Hungary
Hungary produces Parenyica, a sheep's milk cheese described as lightly smoked rolled cheese usually made from ewe's milk, but also from cows milk; surrounded by an edible cheese twine.
In the Northern region of Hungary another ewes milk cheese, Gomolya is made and it is allowed to ripen outside in the sun for 3 weeks while slung in cheesecloth under an open-roofed shelter. It will develop a stronger flavour when allowed to mature on wooden boards. p218.

Canada

One of the best sheep milk cheese in Canada is "Allegretto" by Fromagerie la Vache à Maillotte in Abitibi-Témiscamingue located in western Québec