Paški sir

One of the most reputed cheeses from the Croatian Island of Pag, Paski Sir is produced from a unique breed of small sheep, Paska Ovca - known for their intensely salty and limited milk output.Paski Sir, a PDO (i.e. DOP) cheese, is hard, aged for at least 4 months, although cheese producers can offer it at various maturation periods from 2 to 18 months. Beneath the thin rind, the pate varies from light to dark yellow depending on age. The texture alters from dry to flaky with the addition of pleasant graininess. The flavour of younger wheels reveals quite a bit of saltiness along with a distinct savoury and aromatic herbal taste. As the cheese matures, the savoury flavour and tanginess become stronger. Paški Sir tastes best when served with fresh fruits such as grapes,prosciutto, wildflower honey or olive oil. Goes well with a Croatian red (Pelješac) or medium-bodied reds.