Description
The Ovcí Salasnícky Údený Syr TSG is a cheese produced from fresh sheep's milk, smoked and shaped in different forms.
Production Area
The traditional production land of Ovcí Salasnícky Údený Syr TSG covers the mountainous regions of Zázrivá. Over time, the fame of this product has spread in the entire Slovakian area.
Production Method
The sheep are hand-milked in natural conditions. The cheese processing starts immediately after milking. Adding hot water to the milk, the temperature arrives to 30-32°C, and at this point the rennet can be added by mixing continuously. After about 30-45 minutes the curd is obtained and is broken up in grains measuring 0.5-1 cm each, and then left to purge the whey. The grains obtained are either hand-pressed to form a sphere or put in suitable moulds of different shapes. After moulding, the cheeses are drained and then fermented for two or three days. Then they are salted in salt brine and then smoked for a variable time, from 12 to 24 hours.
Appearance and Flavour
Ovcí Salasnícky Údený Syr TSG has different shapes depending on the mould used to shape it (hemispheric, with an animal shape etc.), the weight spans from 0.1 to 1 kg. The rind is dark brown-light black and is dry and compact, whilst the dough is solid when sliced, yellow or light yellow in colour. The flavour is typically smoked, sweet and lightly sourish.
History
The Slovakian diary tradition is ancient and well-rooted in the region. In fact, it has become over centuries one of the most important means of subsistence for the inhabitants. In particular, the practice of sheep breeding has been perfected in the mountainous areas to produce sheep's cheeses. The word salasnícky comes just from the word salas, which means the shepherd's shelter where the just milked sheep's milk was stored for processing. It has always been considered a deliciousness, but since the 20th century Ovcí Salasnícky Údený Syr TSG has become a famous specialty in the entire region of Slovakia and also out of its borders.
Gastronomy
Ovcí Salasnícky Údený Syr TSG has to be stored in the least cold compartment of refrigerator. Alone it is a very good snack, but accompanied by sausages and vegetables it becomes a very good course.
Marketing
The product is sold as Ovcí Salasnícky Údený Syr TSG.
Distinctive Features
The peculiarity of Ovcí Salasnícky Údený Syr TSG is due, in addition to the artisanal processing, to the quality milk obtained by sheep free in pastures eating the natural herbs which are typical in the mountainous and piedmont areas.
