Cheese Database

Queijo de Nisa vs Serra da Estrela

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.

Serra da Estrela

Facts

Milk
Sheep
Texture
Soft
Type
Pressed
Rind
Natural rind
Country
Portugal
Place
Serra da Estrela

Serra da Estrela is a sheep's milk cheese from the Serra da Estrela mountains in Portugal. Shepherds and small dairies set the milk with a thistle flower, not with animal rennet, and that choice shapes both the texture and the taste. A ripe wheel can turn so soft that people spoon the center. A wheel kept longer becomes firmer and better for grating. The mountain range and the name on the cheese are the same place.