What is Bryndza Podhalańska? Poland’s Iconic Sheep’s Milk Cheese

Discover Bryndza Podhalańska, a true gem from the verdant slopes of Poland’s southern highlands. This iconic sheep’s milk cheese, steeped in tradition and regional heritage, offers a taste experience like no other.

Renowned for its unique, mildly tangy flavor and creamy texture, Bryndza Podhalańska is more than a cheese – it’s a testament to Poland’s rich pastoral culture and a culinary delight that continues to charm cheese lovers worldwide.

Quick Facts About Bryndza Podhalańska

Country of Origin	Poland
Region	Nowotarski, Tatrzański and some parts of the Žywiecki districts
AOP	Since 2007
Classification	Fresh, soft
Seasonality	May to September
Milk	Pure Polish Mountain Sheep or a mixture of raw sheep’s and cow’s milk (with the latter at 40% max)
Fat	6%
Pairing	Dry white wines
Taste	Spicy, Salty, slightly sour, and a hint of acidic aromas
Color	White, cream-white, light aquamarine (sort of a pale green shade)

What is Bryndza Podhalańska?

Bryndza Podhalańska, a culinary gem from the mountainous region of Poland known as Podhale, is a cheese that beautifully mirrors its surroundings. Named after the region it originates from, Bryndza Podhalańska is a sheep’s milk cheese that has been part of the Polish gastronomic tradition for centuries. This cheese carries the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status from the European Union, meaning it can only be produced in a specific geographical area using traditional methods.

The making of Bryndza Podhalańska is an art form passed down through generations. It starts with the milking of sheep that graze on the high-altitude pastures of the Tatra Mountains. The milk is then naturally fermented and processed using a method that has remained largely unchanged over the years. The result is a slightly grainy, creamy cheese with a unique, slightly tangy flavor and a hint of the mountain herbs that the sheep graze on.

Bryndza Podhalańska is not just a cheese; it’s a reflection of Poland’s rich cultural heritage and pastoral lifestyle. It stands as a testament to the country’s deep-rooted respect for nature and tradition. Whether spread on a slice of fresh-baked bread or used as a key ingredient in traditional dishes like pierogi, Bryndza Podhalańska brings a piece of the Polish highlands to your plate. Its distinct flavor profile and deep-rooted heritage make it a must-try for any cheese lover or food adventurer.

Bryndza Podhalańska Production

The production of Bryndza Podhalańska only occurs between May and September. It requires about 4 to 6 litres of milk to produce 1 kg of Bryndza Podhalańska.

The milk must be from the Polska Owca Górska‘s breed (Polish Mountain Sheep with very long hair) and Polska Krowa Czerwona (Polish Red Cow) breed – cow’s milk which must not exceed 40%.

Below is a simplified method of production (an example of how this cheese is made):

Rennet is added to the milk for curdling
As soon as the curds are formed, they are broken into bits
Separate the curds from the whey and a mass of cheese forms, which is taken out and left to drip
The cheese is left to rest and ferment
After fermentation, it is broken into bits
Mixed with salt and finally pressed

Districts of Manufacturing

Bryndza Podhalańska is being manufactured in the districts of Nowy Targ and Tatra, in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship and 6 municipal areas in the Zywiec district, within the Silesian Voivodeship:

Milówka
Wegierska Górka
Rajcza
Ujsoly
Jelesnia
Koszarawa

Bryndza Podhalańska Tasting Notes

Texture: Bryndza Podhalańska has a unique texture that is slightly grainy yet creamy. It is easily spreadable, making it a great addition to bread or crackers.
Color: The cheese typically has a white to pale yellow color, indicative of its natural ingredients and traditional production process.
Aroma: It carries a fresh, somewhat milky aroma. There might also be subtle hints of the mountain herbs from the pastures where the sheep graze.
Flavor: Bryndza Podhalańska is known for its characteristic mildly tangy flavor. It possesses a delicate balance of saltiness and creaminess, with a slight hint of sourness that adds to its complexity.
Aftertaste: The aftertaste is pleasantly lingering, leaving a mild tanginess on the palate that invites you for another bite.

What Pairs Well With Bryndza Podhalańska?

Food that goes well with Bryndza Podhalańska:

Category	Food Items
Bread and Crackers	Rye bread, Sourdough bread, Whole grain crackers
Fruits	Apples, Pears, Grapes
Vegetables	Arugula, Radishes, Cherry tomatoes
Meats	Smoked ham, Prosciutto, Salami
Dips and Spreads	Honey, Fig jam, Quince paste
Nuts and Seeds	Walnuts, Almonds, Pumpkin seeds
Sweets	Dark chocolate, Fruit compote, Honeycomb
Cooked Dishes	Pierogi (Polish dumplings), Kopytka (Polish potato dumplings), Haluski (Cabbage and noodles)

Also read: 11 Best Crackers that Pair Well with Cheese

Beverage that goes well with Bryndza Podhalańska:

Category	Beverage Items
White Wines	Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay
Red Wines	Pinot Noir, Merlot, Beaujolais
Beer	Pilsner, Wheat Beer, Light Lagers
Non-Alcoholic	Apple Cider, Pear Juice, Herbal Tea
Spirits	Vodka, Polish Honey Mead, Fruit Brandy
Sparkling Wines	Prosecco, Cava, Champagne