Cheese Database

Queijo de Nisa vs Serpa cheese

Queijo de Nisa

Facts

Milk
Sheep
Texture
Semi-hard
Type
Pressed
Rind
Natural rind
Country
Portugal
Place
Alto Alentejo

Queijo de Nisa is a semi-hard cheese from Alto Alentejo in Portugal. It is made from raw sheep's milk, set with a thistle infusion rather than animal rennet. The wheels are round, with a natural rind that is dry or slightly oily. The paste is yellowish white and firm enough to slice, with a clean, tangy taste. A small acidic edge and a clear sheep aroma are part of the usual character.

Serpa cheese

Facts

Milk
Sheep
Texture
Semi-soft
Type
Pressed
Rind
Natural rind
Country
Portugal
Place
Alentejo

Serpa cheese is a semi-soft sheep's milk cheese from Portugal. It is formed in low rounds, with a thin straw-colored rind and a pale, moist paste. Thistle rennet, drawn from the cardoon flower, sets the milk and shapes the aroma. A young cheese can be soft enough to spoon, while an older one turns firmer and spicier. Sheep's milk and that vegetable rennet define the style.