Taleggio

What is Taleggio?

Taleggio is a soft cheese made from pasteurized or raw cow's milk, which is stored in moist and cool ripening chambers for at least 40 days. It is regularly washed with salt water to promote the formation of the typical red smear. This consists of various bacteria and yeasts that give the cheese its characteristic smell and taste. The cheese has a square shape with a side length of 18 to 20 cm and a height of 5 to 8 cm. It weighs between 1.8 and 2.2 kg and has a fat content of 48% in the dry matter. The crust is thin, soft and pink to orange in color. The dough is creamy, elastic and light yellow to ivory in color. It has few small holes and melts easily in the mouth.

Taleggio is one of the oldest soft cheeses in the world and was probably produced in the caves of Val Taleggio before the 10th century. It used to be called stracchino or quartirolo because it was made from the milk of tired (Italian: stracche) cows after the cattle had been brought down from the mountain pastures. It was not until the 20th century that it was given its current name after the valley from which it originates. Since 1996, it has been an EU-wide protected cheese (PDO) and may only be produced in certain provinces in northern Italy.

What does Taleggio taste like?

Taleggio has an intense and aromatic smell, reminiscent of hay, mushrooms, nuts and earth. However, its taste is surprisingly mild, sweet and fruity with a slightly acidic finish. It has a creamy and melting consistency that pleasantly coats the palate. It goes well with bread, fruit, honey, nuts and wine. It is also ideal for gratinating casseroles, pizza or pasta.

Is Taleggio healthy for dogs?

Cheese is generally not a bad food for dogs, as long as it is fed in moderation. Cheese contains a lot of protein, calcium, phosphorus and other nutrients that are important for dogs' health. Cheese can also help clean the teeth and massage the gums. However, cheese also has some disadvantages for dogs that you should be aware of.

For one, cheese is very high in fat and calories, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Cheese also contains a lot of lactose, which some dogs cannot tolerate well. Lactose intolerance can lead to flatulence, diarrhea or vomiting. Therefore, you should always pay attention to how your dog reacts to cheese and, if necessary, reduce the amount or leave it out completely.

On the other hand, Taleggio is a very tangy and salty cheese, which is not ideal for dogs. Too much salt can increase blood pressure and put a strain on the kidneys. In addition, the strong smell and taste of Taleggio can tempt dogs to eat more than they should. Finally, the red smear of Taleggio can also contain unwanted bacteria or molds that can be harmful to dogs. Taleggio should therefore only be fed to dogs in very small quantities and rarely.