Taleggio DOP

Taleggio is a smear-ripened Italian cheese named after the caves of Val Taleggio. It is one of the oldest soft cheeses produced every autumn and winter. During cheese making, the acidic milk is brought to the lab and kept on the wood shelves in the chambers as well in caves according to tradition. In order to prevent the cheese from mould infestation, it is washed with seawater once a week. The maturation takes 6 - 10 weeks forming a thin crust.

These days the cheese is made from both pasteurised and unpasteurised milk in factories. These factory-made cheeses have brighter and moderate flavours.

Taleggio has been granted a PDO designation and contains 48% fat. The cheese has a strong smell, but the taste is relatively mild with an unusual fruity tang. Taleggio can be served grated on salads. Since it melts well, it can be used in risotto or on polenta.