Ossau-Iraty
A firm, nutty cheese made from the sheep's milk of the French Basque and Béarn highlands. Famous for its classic pairing with quince paste.
What Is Ossau-Iraty?
Ossau-Iraty is a hard-to-semi-hard cheese made from sheep's milk in the Basque Country and the Béarn highlands of southwestern France. It takes its name from the region's Ossau valley and Iraty forest and is a geographically protected product.
Its interior is ivory-coloured, firm, and rich; its taste is nutty, slightly sweet, and intense. It is traditionally served with the region's quince paste; this sweet-savoury pairing has become a classic.
Nutritional Values of Ossau-Iraty
Like other hard sheep's milk cheeses, Ossau-Iraty provides roughly 400 kcal of energy per 100 g, high protein and fat; it is very rich in calcium. Values are approximated from a similar profile.
How Should Ossau-Iraty Be Consumed?
Since it is high in fat, salt, and calories, ossau-iraty should be consumed in moderation. For batches made from raw milk, pregnant women and those with weakened immunity should choose the pasteurised version.
This information is general; ossau-iraty is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.
How to Choose Ossau-Iraty?
Good ossau-iraty has a firm, ivory-coloured interior that retains its moisture. Its rind should be dry-natural and its smell pleasantly nutty; the interior should not be bone-dry and chalky.
- The interior should be firm, ivory-coloured, and moist
- The rind should be dry-natural
- The smell should be pleasantly nutty
How to Store Ossau-Iraty?
Ossau-Iraty is stored with its rind, wrapped in breathable cheese paper, in the refrigerator; wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap ruins its moisture. Bringing it to room temperature before serving opens up its flavour.
Using Ossau-Iraty in the Kitchen
Ossau-Iraty is used most on a cheese board with quince paste and walnuts; it is also grated into salads, pasta, and gratin dishes. Its intense flavour is noticeable even in small amounts.
Why Is Ossau-Iraty Served with Quince?
The cheese's salty-nutty intensity is balanced by the quince paste's sweet-tart flavour; this classic pairing rounds out the taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of milk is Ossau-Iraty made from?
It is made from the milk of local mountain-breed sheep; this sheep's milk gives the cheese its nutty and intense character.
What does Ossau-Iraty taste like?
It is nutty, slightly sweet, and intense; its flavour deepens and sharpens slightly as it matures.
Can Ossau-Iraty be melted?
Yes; it can be grated and added to gratin dishes and pasta, though it is mostly enjoyed as a table cheese.