Sheep Cheese

Sheep Cheese

Cheeses made from sheep´s milk

The process of making sheep´s milk cheese varies slightly according to region and local tradition, but in general, the basic steps are as follows:

 Obtaining the milk: Milk is milked from the sheep and placed in a container for further processing.

• Coagulation: It is usual to heat the milk to a specific temperature, then a coagulant is added, so that it forms a solid mass known as curd.
• Cutting: Once the curd has formed, it is cut to facilitate drainage of the whey.
• Moulding: The cut curd is placed in moulds, which can be of different shapes and sizes, to shape the cheese.
• Pressing: Pressure is applied to the moulds to help remove the whey and compact the curd.
• Salting: Once the cheese has been removed from the mould, it is rubbed with salt to improve its flavour and help preserve it.
• Ripening: The cheese is placed in a cool, dry place to mature for a variable period. During this time, the cheese undergoes a fermentation process that gives it its characteristic flavour and texture.

 Depending on the process followed, we will obtain a more or less intense cheese, with very particular qualities obtained from the flavour of sheep´s milk, which is very different from cow´s milk.

Characteristics of sheep´s milk cheeses

• Intense flavour: Sheep´s milk cheeses have a strong and intense flavour due to their high fat and protein content. They are often described as earthy, grassy and slightly sweet.
• Firm texture: The texture of sheep´s cheeses is usually firm and dense. This is because sheep´s milk contains more solids than cow´s milk, resulting in a more compact curd.
• Yellow colour: Many sheep cheeses have a pale or golden yellow colour, which is due to the high content of carotenoids present in sheep´s milk.
• Culinary versatility: Sheep cheeses are very versatile in the kitchen and can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from appetizers and salads to main courses and desserts.
• Nutritional value: Sheep cheeses are a good source of protein, calcium, phosphorus and B vitamins. They are also moderate in fat and high in conjugated linoleic acid, a fatty acid that has been associated with health benefits.

Our variety of sheep´s milk cheeses made in Spain

In our online shop we have different varieties, so you can buy the perfect sheep´s cheese for you. 

Semi-cured sheep´s cheese

Semi-cured sheep´s cheese is a type of cheese that lies somewhere between fresh cheese and cured cheese. It is made from sheep´s milk, and once moulded, the cheese undergoes a maturing process that usually lasts between 2 and 6 months. During this time, the cheese undergoes a fermentation process which gives it its characteristic flavour and texture.

Semi-cured sheep´s cheese has a slightly more intense flavour than fresh cheese, but less pronounced than cured cheese. Its texture is firm and its colour can vary from creamy white to golden yellow.

If you enjoy semi-cured sheep´s cheese, at Your Spanish Shop we offer you the best selection of semi-cured sheep´s cheese.

Cured sheep´s cheese

Cured sheep´s cheese is a type of cheese obtained through the maturing process of semi-cured sheep´s cheese. This type of cheese is characterised by an intense flavour and a generally dry texture.

During the maturing process, the cheese undergoes a series of fermentation and dehydration processes which give it its characteristic flavour and texture.

The cured cheeses obtained from sheep´s milk are particularly intense, as well as incorporating the particular aromas and flavours of sheep´s milk.

Why buy our sheep´s milk cheese online?

At Your Spanish Shop we offer you a wide variety of sheep´s milk cheeses, and we can also ship internationally to any EU country, so that you can enjoy them just like at home.

Exquisite Selection of Spanish Sheep Cheeses

Discover the richness and diversity of sheep´s milk cheeses from Spain, a country with a long-standing tradition in cheese-making. Our collection of sheep´s milk cheeses offers a variety of flavors and textures that cater to every palate, from the mild and creamy to the sharp and robust.

Artisanal Production Techniques

Many of our cheeses are produced using artisanal methods that have been passed down through generations. This includes:

• Hand-milking: Ensuring the highest quality of milk with traditional practices.
• Natural rennet: Using natural enzymes for coagulation to preserve authenticity.
• Wooden moulds: Shaping the cheese with wooden moulds to enhance its character.
• Stone pressing: Employing age-old techniques of pressing to perfect texture.

Regional Varieties of Sheep Cheese

Spain´s geography offers an array of regional cheeses, each with its own identity:

• Manchego: World-renowned cheese from La Mancha, with a distinctive flavor.
• Zamorano: A delicacy from Zamora, with nutty undertones and a crumbly texture.
• Idiazábal: A smoked cheese from the Basque Country and Navarre, with a robust taste.
• Roncal: The first Spanish cheese to receive the PDO status, hailing from Navarre.
• Torta del Casar: A creamy and intense cheese from Extremadura, with a unique soft texture.

Health Benefits of Sheep Cheese

Sheep cheese isn´t just delicious—it´s also packed with nutrients that can contribute to a healthy diet:

• Rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6: Essential fatty acids that support heart health.
• Higher in Zinc and Magnesium: Minerals important for immune function and bone health.
• Lactose-Friendly: Often more digestible for those with lactose sensitivities.
• Antioxidant Properties: Due to the presence of vitamins A and E.

Pairing Sheep Cheese with Other Foods

Enhance your culinary experience by pairing sheep cheese with:

• Traditional Spanish wines: Manchego with Tempranillo or Idiazábal with a crisp white Txakoli.
• Charcuterie: Enjoy with Jamón Ibérico or Chorizo for a true Spanish taste.
• Fruit Pairings: Quince paste, figs, or apples complement the rich flavors.
• Nuts and Honey: Almonds or walnuts drizzled with honey bring out the cheese´s sweetness.

Shop with Confidence

Choose Your Spanish Shop for a hassle-free experience:

• Quality Guarantee: We ensure the finest quality of cheeses, sourced directly from Spain.
• Secure Packaging: Our cheeses are packed with care to preserve their freshness and flavor during transit.
• Fast Delivery: We strive for prompt shipping so you can enjoy your cheese at its best.
• Customer Support: Our team is ready to assist you with any inquiries or special requests.

How to Store Your Sheep Cheese

Keep your cheese in peak condition with these storage tips:

• Refrigeration: Store cheese in the lower part of your refrigerator to maintain its quality.
• Proper Wrapping: Use cheese paper or wax paper to allow the cheese to breathe.
• Avoid Contamination: Keep cheese away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor transfer.
• Consume at Room Temperature: Remove from the fridge an hour before serving for full flavor.

Indulge in the Authentic Taste of Spain

Whether you´re a connoisseur or a casual cheese lover, our selection of Spanish sheep´s milk cheeses promises an unforgettable taste experience. Shop now and savor the true essence of Spanish artisanal cheese.