Cured Cheese
Matured cheese from Spain
Ripened cheese is cheese that has undergone a ripening process involving drying and preservation techniques such as smoking or salting. During this process, cheeses undergo structural changes and acquire a harder, drier paste and a greater intensity of flavour and aroma.
For a cheese to be considered mature, the maturation time must be between 4 and 7 months, unlike semi-aged cheeses, which are matured for between 2 and 3 months.
Matured cheese is a culinary product with great flavour and aroma, obtained through a prolonged maturing process, which gives it a unique texture and characteristics.
Why buy ripened cheese?
Ripened cheese is ideal for those seeking intense flavours. During the ripening process, this type of cheese acquires a harder and drier texture, which allows it to stay fresh longer without refrigeration.
In addition, the flavour and aroma of ripened cheese is more pronounced than that of fresh or semi-ripened cheeses, making it ideal for those who enjoy complex flavours.
It is also high in fat, making it suitable for a wide variety of dishes, including appetizers and desserts. In conclusion, if you´re looking for an option to incorporate intense flavour into your dishes, aged cheese is the perfect choice, and if you pair it with the right pairing, you can enjoy its flavour and texture even more.
Characteristics of Spanish ripened cheeses
Mature cheeses are characterised by their long maturation, which gives them a strong and intense flavour.
The raw material used to make them, namely milk, gives them a particular flavour. Cow´s milk cheeses have a milder taste, sheep´s milk cheeses are more aromatic and salty and goat´s milk cheeses are strong and acid.
They also have a longer shelf life, are more dehydrated and contain more fat than other cheese varieties.
Duration of maturation of a matured cheese
The average maturing period of a mature cheese is between 4 and 7 months, but there are cheeses that mature longer, making them old cheeses. Some cheeses are matured for up to a year and a half and become fatter cheeses.
Typical matured cheeses from Spain
Manchego is one of Spain´s typical mature cheeses. The milk of the Manchego sheep is undoubtedly a top-quality raw material for making this product, which wins international awards every year.
Another typical product is Mahón-Menorca, named after the Balearic town where it is made. It is an uncooked pressed cow´s cheese.
Majorero Canario is a pasteurised raw milk Majorero goat´s cheese, typical of Fuerteventura, and is also an exceptional matured cheese.
Castellano ripened is a sheep´s cheese with a strong smell, the aroma of fresh milk and a very powerful flavour, although different from that of Manchego.
Aged sheep´s cheese
The main type of ripened cheese is sheep´s cheese and, as mentioned above, it is the most widely consumed, especially the Manchego variety.
Ripened sheep´s cheese is intense, aromatic and generally more acidic than goat´s or cow´s cheese.
Ripened goat´s cheese
The second most widely consumed ripened cheese is goat´s cheese, whose flavour is more characteristic of goat´s milk.
To enjoy mature cheese to the full, it is important to know how to prepare it and combine it correctly. To cut it, it is recommended to use a cheese knife, specially designed for hard cheeses.
Once cut, the cheese can be served on a board with fruit, nuts or quince for a perfect combination. To intensify the flavour, extra virgin olive oil can be added, which also helps to prolong the life of the cheese.
Where to buy the best matured Spanish cheeses?
If you want to buy the best matured cheeses from Spain from your home, Your Spanish Shop offers you the best alternatives and a wide variety of cheeses representative of our country. We deliver internationally, so that you can enjoy the flavour of this product at any time.
Explore the Rich World of Matured Spanish Cheeses
Delve into the world of matured Spanish cheeses, where tradition and flavor meld to create exceptional culinary experiences. These cheeses are not only a testament to the art of cheese-making but also a reflection of Spain's diverse regions and their rich history.
The Art of Maturation: A Flavorful Journey
Ripened cheese, known in Spanish as "queso curado," is a testament to the art of patience and precision. It is the result of meticulous craftsmanship that allows the cheese to develop its full potential in taste and texture.
Maturation Process
The journey of matured cheese begins with careful aging, where time allows for the transformation of simple ingredients into robust flavors. Here's what makes matured cheese stand out:
- Harder Texture: As the cheese ages, moisture evaporates, resulting in a firmer texture that is ideal for slicing and grating.
- Intense Flavors: The longer aging process concentrates the cheese's natural flavors, creating a more pronounced and complex taste profile.
- Distinctive Aromas: Ripened cheeses are known for their signature scents, which become more prominent as the cheese matures.
Discovering the Varieties of Spanish Ripened Cheeses
Spain offers a kaleidoscope of matured cheeses, each with its own identity. Explore the different types and learn what sets them apart:
Sheep's Milk Cheeses: The Pillar of Spanish Tradition
Sheep's milk cheeses are renowned for their rich, buttery flavors and firm textures. They are the pride of Spanish cheese-making:
- Manchego: The quintessential Spanish cheese, hailing from the La Mancha region. Its nutty and caramel flavors have garnered international acclaim.
- Castellano: A sheep's cheese known for its bold taste and the unmistakable scent of fresh milk.
Cow's Milk Cheeses: Creamy and Accessible
Cow's milk cheeses offer a milder, creamy alternative to their sheep counterparts:
- Mahón-Menorca: A pressed cheese from the island of Menorca, offering a blend of sweet and tangy notes.
Goat's Milk Cheeses: Sharp and Distinctive
Goat's milk cheeses are revered for their sharp, tangy profiles and are a favorite among cheese connoisseurs:
- Majorero Canario: From Fuerteventura, this cheese boasts a robust flavor characteristic of goat's milk.
Pairing and Serving: Enhancing the Matured Cheese Experience
To fully appreciate the depth of matured cheeses, understanding the art of pairing and serving is essential:
Perfect Pairings
Complementing your cheese with the right accompaniments can elevate your tasting experience:
- Fruit and Nuts: Fresh or dried fruits and a selection of nuts offer contrasting textures and flavors that enhance the cheese.
- Quince Paste: Known as "membrillo" in Spanish, this sweet preserve balances the salty notes of the cheese.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil can add a new dimension to the cheese's flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Present your cheese in a way that invites enjoyment and appreciation:
- Cheese Boards: Arrange your matured cheeses on a board with the suggested pairings for a visually appealing and delicious display.
- Proper Cutlery: Utilize a cheese knife to ensure clean cuts that preserve the integrity of the cheese's texture.
Shopping for Authentic Spanish Matured Cheeses
Your quest for the finest Spanish matured cheeses can be effortless and rewarding:
Quality and Convenience at Your Fingertips
Your Spanish Shop is your gateway to the world of premium Spanish matured cheeses. We offer:
- Wide Selection: A curated collection of the best matured cheeses from Spain to satisfy every palate.
- International Delivery: Enjoy the luxury of having top-tier Spanish cheeses delivered right to your door, no matter where you are in the world.
- Expert Recommendations: Our knowledgeable staff can guide you to the perfect cheese choices for your taste and occasion.
Embark on a gourmet journey with the finest matured cheeses Spain has to offer. Experience the delicate balance of tradition and flavor with each bite.
