Descubriendo el queso Kukulu: Un tesoro vasco
¿Qué makes a cheese stand out from the crowd? Is it the rich flavor, the creamy texture, or the story behind its creation? Today, we’ll embark on a journey to discover the fascinating world of Kukulu, a Vasque cheese that will leave you wanting more.
Orígenes del queso Kukulu
Situated in the picturesque Basque Country, between Espelette and Itxassou, lies the Kukulu farm, where Pascal and Eliane Hiriart, the 5th generation of the Hiriart family, continue to uphold the traditional cheese-making legacy that began in 1890. This family-owned farm is dedicated to producing high-quality cheese, respecting the land, and preserving the Basque heritage.
La leche de oveja: la materia prima del queso Kukulu
The Kukulu cheese is made from the milk of 2000 Lacaune sheep, raised on the farm’s extensive pastures. These sheep are pampered, enjoying a diet free from transgenics and pesticides, and are treated with respect for the natural cycle of animal life. This ensures that the milk is of exceptional quality, resulting in a unique and delicious cheese.
Características del queso Kukulu
The Kukulu cheese is a «fermier» cheese, made from raw sheep’s milk, with no additives or preservatives. It is a cylindrical cheese, available in various formats, ranging from 500g to 20kg, and has three stages of maturation:
- Four months: Semi-dry cheese, with a pleasant, smooth flavor.
- Eight months: Dry cheese, with a strong, characteristic flavor.
- Sixteen months: Aged cheese, with an intense, pronounced flavor.
The rind is beige in color, thin, and covered with a fine, multicolored mold. The paste is creamy white, dense, and flexible, with small openings. When you take a whiff, you’ll notice the aroma of fresh milk and herbs.
Sabor y textura del queso Kukulu
When you take a bite, the flavors explode on your palate. The young cheese (4 months) has a lactonic, fruity taste, while the older cheese (8 and 16 months) develops a stronger, more pronounced flavor profile. The texture is creamy and smooth, making it a delight to savor.
Vinos de maridaje perfectos para el queso Kukulu
A sweet and fragrant white wine, such as a Jurançon or Sauternes, perfectly complements the flavors of the Kukulu cheese. If you prefer a fruitier note, a sweet red wine like a Banyuls or Maury can also pair nicely.
Otros productos y variantes del queso Kukulu
For those looking for a twist, the Kukulu cheese is also available with Espelette pepper or red pepper, adding a spicy kick. You can enjoy it with a variety of accompaniments, such as cherry jam, quince jelly, or Espelette pepper jelly.
Denominación de origen y características nutricionales
The Kukulu cheese is a product of the Basque Country, with a protected designation of origin (PDO). It has a fat content of around 45%, making it a rich and satisfying snack.
Join us next time as we explore more fascinating cheese stories…