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Made on the Island of São Jorge, in the Açores Archipelago, Queijo São Jorge is considered by many to be a masterpiece, boasting a flavour that is completely different from other cheeses.
What makes it stand out is that it’s made from raw milk, unlike other cheeses which are made from pasteurised or filtered milk.
Since 1986, the production of Queijo São Jorge has been restricted solely to the island of São Jorge, established by Regional Regulatory Decree No. 24/86/A, which created the Demarcated Region of São Jorge Cheese and also granted the product its Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) registration for the Queijo São Jorge brand.
Photo from http://amaieurope.org
Queijo São Jorge is a cured, hard or semi-hard cheese, with a clean taste, a slightly spicy kick, and a strong aroma. Its success has made this product an international favourite, setting it apart from other cheeses produced in Portugal. If you’re planning a visit to the Island of São Jorge, you absolutely must try this delicacy, although you can also find it on the other islands.
History of Queijo São Jorge
Historians say that the production of Queijo São Jorge began in the mid-15th century, around the time the Island of São Jorge was discovered. The craft was encouraged by Flemish settlers, who were already experienced in producing foods like meat, milk, and other dairy products. The island’s climate was very similar to their homeland, a factor that played a key role in the creation of this marvellous cheese.
Thanks to the pride and dedication of the local people, these characteristics remain essential to the cheesemaking process to this day, using the same artisanal methods and traditional ingredients. It is estimated that approximately 1,800 tonnes of cheese are produced on the Island of São Jorge each year.
Made exclusively from raw cow’s milk and aged for a minimum of 3 months, the flavour of Queijo São Jorge varies depending on its aging time. It is available to consumers in several forms: whole wheel, quarters, slices, rolls, and grated. Queijo São Jorge is a major driver of the economy on the Island of São Jorge.
