Description
The Tomme des Pyrénées PGI is a semi-pressed cheese, uncooked, produced with raw and whole milk from cows of the breeds located in the pastures and alpine areas which surround the Pyrenees. Production method:
Production Area
The production area of Tomme des Pyrénées PGI includes the departments of Ariège, Haute-Pyrénées, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, a part of the department of Haute-Garonne and some municipal areas in the department of Aude, in the regions of Midi-Pyrenees, Aquitaine and Languedoc-Roussillon.
Production Method
The milk used to produce it is coagulated through the addition of rennet and milk enzymes, then cut, whilst the whey is eliminated. The curd obtained is put into cheese moulds and left there to drip naturally for 24 hours. Later the cheeses are removed from moulds and salted, dry or into a salt brine. Ripening lasts at least 21 days for the cheese with black rind and 45 days for the cheese with golden rind.
Appearance and Flavour
Tomme des Pyrénées PGI has a cylindrical shape with a diameter from 21 cm to 24 cm. It weighs from 3.5 kg to 4.5 kg. The paste is ivory-yellow colour with small holes and can be slightly hard or elastic. The black-rind cheese has an acidulous taste, whilst the golden rind cheese has a stronger taste with flavourful bitter notes.
History
The history of Tomme des Pyrénées PGI boasts ancient origins. This cheese was produced in the 12th century but it became more famous during the 19th century thanks to the establishment of the fruitières, cooperatives of cheese makers. At the beginning of the 1990s, about 3,000 tons of cheese have been made starting from the milk produced in the geographic area.
Gastronomy
Tomme des Pyrénées PGI can be conserved in the least cold compartment of the refrigerator, wrapped into its package or into a food film. Before eating it, it is suggested to leave it at room temperature for about one hour. Tomme des Pyrénées PGI can be eaten alone with a slice of rustic bread, but its flavour is ideal combined with fruit and vegetables like plums, reinettes, fennels, tomatoes, endive and also hazelnuts.
Marketing
The product is sold as Tomme de Pyrénées PGI with black rind and Tomme des Pyrénées PGI with golden rind. It is marketed whole or in portions.
Distinctive Features
The climatic characteristics and the diversity of the flora of Pyrenees give Tomme des Pyrénées PGI its typical flavour.