Ossau-Iraty
Ossau-Iraty
| Latin name | Ossau-Iraty AOP |
|---|---|
| Family | Dairy & eggs |
| Origin | Béarn & Basque Country |
| Season (France) | All year |
| Flavour | Nutty · Sweet · Rich · Mild |
| Typical price (France) | 24–36 €/kg |
What it is
Made from the milk of Manech and Basco-Béarnaise ewes, whose shepherds still move them up to summer pasture on foot. The Basques eat it with black cherry jam from Itxassou — a pairing so fixed that the cheese is rarely served without it.
In the kitchen
If you cannot find black cherry jam, quince paste does the same job: the sheep's milk needs something sweet and slightly tart against it.
Goes with
Cherry Quince Walnut Honey Fig Almond Grape Espelette pepper
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