Jul
14
2009
Tenerife Cheese
Author: SamOf the seven Canary Islands, Tenerife is the largest and most populated. It is known for its scenic attractions, though one of its most interesting features is the cuisine. Also, it is a major manufacturer and exporter of cheese, and the luxury hotels Tenerife are certain to offer some of the local cheeses in their happy hour food options. The island exports about 3,400 tons of cheese per year, and it accounts for approximately 50 percent of Tenerife’s output. It has become crucial to the economy and also the daily lifestyle of residents.
The commercial business of cheese manufacturing began after the Spanish conquest of the island. In the early days, cheese was also used as a form of local currency and good be traded for other commodities and services. It greatly consumed on the island is regularly served as an appetizer, part of an entrée and as a snack. Most of the cheeses are hand made and the major farmers are La Orotava, Teno and Arico. There are various varieties including soft cheeses, smoked cheese and curd cheeses.
The current industry produces mostly goat cheese products. There are still some cows or sheep. They produce around 75 different varieties of cottage cheese, and have an excellent standard of excellence. The Fundacion Tenerife Rural is the quality management organization and serves to promote and guarantee a high level quality and stability of product. The agency also serves to promote and publicize the product, and help it to maintain and international recognition and appreciation. In general, the cheeses to come from the Canary Island are popular and considered to be of good quality. The cheese from Tenerife has been acknowledge for being sweeter than most European cheeses, which sets them apart. In 2008, the Tenerifan cured goats cheese won in the final of the World Cheese Awards that took place in Dublin, Ireland.
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Tags: Cheese, goat cheese, luxury hotels, Tenerife, world cheese awards