Ep 7. Cheeses of Catalonia & Menorca

In this episode of Cheese Slices, host Will Studd travels to Catalonia and Menorca to explore the unique cheeses of these regions. From the sheep's milk cheese of Menorca to the artisanal cow's milk cheeses of Catalonia, the episode delves into the rich history and traditional methods of cheese making in these areas.

Starting in Menorca, Studd visits the island's only remaining dairy farm that produces cheese. Here, he learns about the local Mahón cheese, which is made from the milk of native Menorcan cows known as Frisona Menorquina. The cheese's distinct flavor and texture are a result of the cows' diet of Mediterranean grasses and herbs, as well as the island's limestone-rich soil. Studd also visits the cheese maturing rooms, where the Mahón cheese is carefully aged and turned by hand.

Moving on to Catalonia, Studd travels to the Pyrenees mountains to visit a farm that produces artisanal cow's milk cheese. The family-run farm raises only a few cows, which are allowed to graze freely in the mountain pastures. Studd watches as the cheese makers carefully prepare the curds and mold the cheese into its final shape. He also learns about the unique flora and fauna of the Pyrenees, which contributes to the flavor of the cheese.

Next, Studd visits a cheese shop in Barcelona to learn about the Catalan tradition of eating cheese with honey and nuts. The shop specializes in pairing cheeses with local honey and other regional products, and Studd samples various combinations to taste the unique flavor profiles. He also learns about the shop's efforts to support small-scale cheese makers by featuring their products on their shelves.

Studd's final stop is at a cheese festival in Vic, where he sees the full range of Catalonian cheeses being celebrated. Here, he learns about the history of the festival and how it has grown to become an important cultural event, featuring not only cheese but also music, literature, and other arts. Studd samples dozens of cheeses, including some made from unusual ingredients like beer and truffles.

Throughout the episode, Studd emphasizes the importance of preserving traditional cheese-making methods and supporting small-scale producers. He also highlights the role of cheese in bringing together communities and celebrating local culture and heritage. With its focus on unique and traditional cheeses, this episode of Cheese Slices is sure to satisfy any cheese lover's cravings.