Description
Ovcí Hrudkový Syr - Salasnícky TSG is a cheese obtained from fresh sheep's milk through a traditional type process.
Production Area
The production area of Ovcí Hrudkový Syr - Salasnícky TSG covers the mountainous regions of Zázrivá. The production area has included progressively the entire Slovakian area.
Production Method
The milk is milked by hand in natural conditions and processed in suitable rooms, the traditional farmers' shelters. The milk temperature has to be brought to 30-32°C in wood containers, the so-called patera, and liquid microbial rennet has to be added. The curd forms after about 30-45 minutes and, once obtained, is break up in 0.5-1 cm lumps, to which hot water is added to allow the release of the whey. After having rested for about 10 minutes, the lumps are pressed and shaped by hand in spheres, which will be later hung to drop for about two hours. When they are ready, the fermentation phase takes place in ripening rooms, where the temperature has not to be lower than 18-22°C. The cheese can be eaten and packed after maximum two or three days.
Appearance and Flavour
Ovcí Hrudkový Syr - Salasnícky TSG has a round shape, whilst the surface and the dough are white or pale yellow in colour. The texture is compact and elastic, while the flavour is delicate and a bit 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 use the milk for the production of sheep's cheeses. The word salasnícky comes just from the word salass, which means the shepherd's shelter where the just milked sheep's milk was stored for processing. Ovcí Hrudkový Syr - Salasnícky TSG, which has always been considered a culinary speciality and was produced in many farmer shelters, but in small amounts, and was offered the guest as an exquisite meal.
Gastronomy
Ovcí Hrudkový Syr - Salasnícky TSG has to be stored in the least cold compartment of refrigerator. It can be used to prepare hot dishes, but also alone it is a tasty snack to eat accompanied by a slice of bread and a glass of wine.
Marketing
The product is sold as Ovcí Hrudkový Syr - Salasnícky TSG.
Distinctive Features
Ovcí Hrudkový Syr - Salasnícky TSG is a seasonal cheese produced exclusively between April and September.
