What is Mohant? Slovenia’s Oldest Known Cheese

Meet Mohant, a culinary gem from the heart of Slovenia and the country’s oldest known cheese. With roots embedded in the lush pastures of Bohinj, this semi-soft cheese is a bold testament to Slovenia’s rich dairy heritage. Mohant is renowned for its strong, pungent flavor and creamy texture, offering a gastronomic adventure that transcends the ordinary. This unique cheese is more than just a dairy product; it’s a piece of Slovenian history, a tribute to traditional food practices, and a sensory journey into the realm of robust flavors.

Quick Facts About Mohant

Country of Origin	Slovenia
Region	Upper Carniola, Goriška (Bohinj)
AOP/PDO	Since 2013
Classification	Fresh cheese, semi-soft
Milk	Raw full-fat cow’s milk in summer, skimmed milk in winter
Aging	6 weeks in summer, 12 weeks in winter
Fat content	11%
Taste	Bitter, savory, tangy, pungent
Aroma	Strong, intense, musty
Pairing	Bread, unpeeled boiled potatoes, trout, corn or buckwheat mush, soup, fried egg
Texture	Soft, smooth, slightly spreadable
Color	Light-yellow, beige, ivory
No. of Producers	15 producers within Bohinj basin in the Julian Alps

What is Mohant?

Mohant is a traditional Slovenian cheese with a unique persona that sets it apart in the world of dairy delicacies. It hails from a small area in northwestern Slovenia known as Bohinj, which is nestled close to the Austrian border. The region’s lush pastures and pristine environment contribute significantly to the distinctiveness of Mohant cheese.

What sets Mohant apart is its strong, pungent, and even aggressive flavor profile. This semi-soft cheese is not for the faint-hearted. Its robust character is unmistakable from the first bite, making it a cheese that leaves a lasting impression.

Mohant cheese undergoes a meticulous process to achieve its distinctive taste. Traditional methods passed down through generations are still employed to make this cheese, ensuring its authenticity and quality. Mohant is a testament to Slovenia’s rich culinary heritage and the country’s dedication to preserving traditional food practices.

But Mohant is more than just a cheese. It’s a sensory journey, a cultural experience, and a testament to Slovenia’s rich gastronomic history. It’s an exploration of unique flavors that pushes the boundaries of what cheese can be.

Whether you’re a cheese enthusiast or a culinary adventurer, Mohant offers an experience that is as unique as it is unforgettable. It’s a bold choice for those who dare to venture beyond the familiar and explore the diverse world of cheese.

The Traditional Method to Produce Mohant

Heat the milk
Add rennet
The milk curdles after 20 to 40 minutes
The curd is then roughly cut, stirred, and strained through a cloth or sieve
Drain whey
Curd is mixed with salt
The cheese was shaped into loaves that weighed about 2 kg each
Placed in wooden containers (or deže) and left to age

For more info on Mohant preparation, go to intangiblesearch.eu

Mohant Tasting Notes

Color and Texture: Mohant’s natural rind encases a creamy, semi-soft paste that is bright yellow. The texture is slightly grainy yet melt-in-the-mouth, providing a delightful contrast.
Aroma: The first encounter with Mohant is its bold, pungent aroma. It carries an earthy scent with a hint of barnyard, reflective of its rustic origins in the Slovenian highlands.
Flavor Profile: Mohant cheese is renowned for its strong, assertive flavor. It offers an intense, tangy taste with a slight bitterness that lingers on the palate. There’s also a subtle hint of mushroom and fermented fruit, adding complexity to its profile.
Creaminess: Despite its robust flavor, Mohant surprises with its creamy mouthfeel. This creaminess beautifully balances its strong taste, making it a complex and intriguing cheese.
Finish: The finish of Mohant cheese is long and lingering, leaving behind a pleasant aftertaste. The tangy bitterness evolves into a surprisingly sweet finish, ensuring a memorable tasting experience.
Pairings: Mohant pairs well with bold, robust flavors that can stand up to its intense character. Try it with full-bodied red wines, dark beers, or even a slice of dark chocolate for a unique gastronomic adventure.
Aging: As Mohant ages, its flavor becomes even more pronounced. The cheese develops a deeper, richer taste, enhancing its unique characteristics and making it a true delight for those who appreciate strong cheeses.

What Pairs Well With Mohant?

Category	Pairs Well With Mohant
Wine	Full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, aromatic white wines like Gewürztraminer.
Beer	Dark, robust beers such as Stout or Belgian Dubbel.
Bread/Crackers	Rustic breads, multi-grain crackers, or rye crispbread.
Fruits	Apples, pears, and dried fruits like figs and apricots.
Jams/Preserves	Fig jam, quince paste, or honey.
Charcuterie	Cured meats with strong flavors, such as chorizo or salami.
Chocolate	Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content.
Nuts	Walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
Vegetables	Pickled vegetables or olives.