Product Reviews and Ratings - Portugal - Serra da Estrela from igourmet

Buy the Serra da Estrela on http://www.igourmet.com

(based on 7 ratings)

Located in:Cheese, Portugal

This 12th century D.O. cheese is famous throughout the world for its unique character and intense flavor. Made in the mountains of Serra da Estrela (also a national park), in the Beira region, this traditional washed rind farmhouse cheese is described as the "king of Portuguese cheeses".

The Bordaleira ewes thrive on a diet of wild herbs, scrub, gorse blossoms and brambles, producing thick, luscious, aromatic milk. Serra da Estrella is handmade in small batches using wild thistle (Cynara cardunculus) to coagulate the milk. The curds are broken by hand instead of cut. It takes an average of three hours to make one cheese and only two or three are made per day. After the wheel is salted, it is then wrapped in cloth and aged in caves.

When Queijo Serra da Estrela is younger, the rind is sticky and pungent and the interior is so creamy that it is almost spoonable. As it ages, the rind becomes harder and smoother with the interior becoming denser and sliceable. Either way, this is an incredible Portuguese treasure. It has a perfumed intensity and a sweet grassy taste that is fruity and mildly bitter. All that's needed is some fresh crusty bread and a bottle a wine. Perfect!

Made from unpasteurized sheep's milk
Whole form is 1.2 pounds.
Best enjoyed within seven days of delivery.

More information for the Serra da Estrela

Product Reviews Summary

Avg. Customer Rating:

4.7 stars

(based on 7 reviews)

100% of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Customers most agreed on the following attributes:

Pros:

Creamy(6), Flavorful(6), Pungent(5), Rich(5), Smooth(5)

Best Uses:

After dinner(6), Hors d'oeuvre(5)

Describe Yourself:

Foodie(5), Frequent diner(3)

If you like pungent, a must have!

By ekter

from huntington wv on 11/11/2008

Gift:

Pros:

Complex, Firm, Flavorful, Nutty

Best Uses:

After Dinner, Hors d'oeuvre

Describe Yourself:

Frequent Diner

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

very pungent aroma, and a great, albeit strong, taste. very intense flavors, would likely overpower any pairing with foods. best to enjoy with a hearty wine and a crusty loaf of bread

Stinky, but too salty

By Mr. Creosote

from Lake Hartwell, SC on 9/11/2008

Pros:

Buttery, Complex, Creamy, Flavorful, Rich, Smooth

Cons:

Salty

Best Uses:

After Dinner, Hors d'oeuvre

Describe Yourself:

Frequent Diner

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

A rich, somewhat stinky cheese that I found delicious except that it was too salty.

Yummy

By Z

from Perry, ME on 8/30/2007

Pros:

Creamy, Flavorful, Pungent

Cons:

It arrives too aged

Best Uses:

After Dinner, Melted, Sandwiches

Describe Yourself:

Foodie

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I love this cheese, however by the time I get it (or you do) it has aged too much for my taste. I like it almost runny

Excellent taste

By dory9206e

from San Diego on 7/28/2007

Pros:

Creamy, Flavorful, Pungent, Rich, Smooth

Cons:

Pungent odor

Best Uses:

Hors d'oeuvre

Describe Yourself:

Chef, Foodie, Traveler enjoys wine

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

This is quite similar to Queijo de Azeitao that we had in Sintra, Portugal and loved. We enjoyed the cheese with crusty bread, almonds & dried prunes (yes prunes -- the sweetness compliments the cheese) and of course red wine.

Absolutely Divine!

By Chris Cheese Princess

from You are here, NJ on 7/8/2007

Pros:

buttery, Creamy, Flavorful, Pungent, Rich, Slightly Sweet, Smooth

Best Uses:

After Dinner, Hors d'oeuvre, With Beer, With fruit, With Wine

Describe Yourself:

Anti-Pasteurization, Cheese Lover, Foodie

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

One of the most memorable cheeses I have ever tasted! This cheese has become my new addiction. At first, I was skeptical to order a cheese produced in Portugal, as I did not think of this country as a notable cheese producer. This misconception was shattered upon first bite. It is an extremely rare find to come across a cheese so delectible and sinful. Flavor is packed "a mile a minute" in every bite. This cheese is not for amatuers and should only be tackled by those well-versed in the wonders of fromage. Has forever changed my view of Portugal, which now gives France a run for its money! Warning: Have a spoon handy when eating this cheese. For some reason, this cheese could be a less smelly & sweeter version of Tallegio... be careful, I guarantee you will become addicted just like me!

Eat this cheese and experience the best!

By Cheese lover from Japan on 7/7/2007

Pros:

Creamy, Delicate, Pungent, Rich, Smooth

Best Uses:

After Dinner, Hors d'oeuvre, Melted, Salads, Sandwiches

Describe Yourself:

Foodie, Frequent Diner, Health Conscious

This is a product that goes well in ant ocasion. Some fresh baked bread, some good wine and some friends around and you will be in heaven!
To give it a special taste, spread some cheese on bread or toast add a drop of honey and half walnut on top of it. Amazing!

one of the great cheeses of the world

By Hal from Tucson, AZ on 4/6/2007

Pros:

Creamy, Flavorful, Pungent, Rich, Smooth

Best Uses:

After Dinner

Describe Yourself:

Foodie

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

The subtle yet pungent flavor of this hand made cheese is unique and unsurpassed. One of the world's great cheeses.

Customer Reviews about the Serra da Estrela at igourmet