| Country of Origin | Slovakia |
| Region | Originally in Zázrivá but has extended throughout Slovak territory |
| STG | Since 2016 |
| Classification | Fresh cheese |
| Milk | Raw unpasteurized sheep’s milk |
| Seasonality | Spring, Summer (April to September) |
| Weight | Up to 11 lb (5 kg) |
| Fat content | 10% |
| Shape | Round |
| Taste | Fresh, mild, tangy, slightly acidic, light notes of straw, a little sourish |
| Aroma | Delicate sheep’s milk smell |
| Pairing | Pears, pastries |
| Beverage pairing | Sweet wine such as Moscato, Riesling, and White Zinfandel |
| Texture | Firm, compact, elastic, pliable |
| Color | White to yellowish, pale yellow (exterior), white with yellow tinges (interior) |
Ovčí Hrudkový Syr – Salašnícky (Salašnícky means ‘summer pastures’) is made exclusively between April to September and is shaped into a ball or clump.
The cheese has a dry and clean surface. Tiny cracks and holes may appear in the interior. The exterior is white to yellowish, and the center is white with some yellow tinges.
Simply known as Salaš by the locals.
The term salašnícky derives from the word salaš, which means the shepherd’s hut where the fresh sheep’s milk was delivered for processing.
The Manufacturing Process (Method of production)
- Sheep’s milk is milked manually via traditional method
- Process in traditional shepherds’ huts and/or special rooms
- Place the milk inside wooden containers/patera
- Heat milk up to 30-32 °C inside the wooden containers
- Add microbial liquid rennet
- After 30-45 minutes, the curds will form
- Curds will then be broken down into lumps ranging from 0.5-1 cm
- Hot water is added to remove the whey
- Rest for 10 minutes
- After which, the lumps are manually pressed and shaped into spheres
- Hang to drain for about two hours
- Place inside caves or aging chambers for fermentation between 18-22 °C (temperature in caves must not exceed this range)
Salaš Tasting Notes
On the palate, the texture is both firm and elastic, revealing a tangy flavor and light notes of straw with a delicate and slightly acidic flavor.
How to Enjoy (PAIRING)
This cheese is often used in hot local dishes. Nevertheless, it can also be eaten alone as a quick tasty snack.
If you find eating the cheese itself is boring then you can definitely eat it with a slice of bread, cracker, or even breakfast bar (preferably one with a hint of sweetness – but not too much).
Like most cheeses, Ovčí Hrudkový Syr – Salašnícky can also be paired with your favorite wine. However, we find that sweet wine tastes best with this cheese.
Recommended read: How to Pair Cheese With Wine (GUIDE)
Our favorite breakfast bar to pair with salaš:
- Dessert-inspired snack with 100 calories per serving and sweet deliciousness in every bite
- A combination of light, flaky pastry crust, icing drizzle and gooey strawberry-flavored filling
- 7g sugar per serving; No synthetic colors or dyes; Contains wheat, milk and soy ingredients; Kosher Dairy
- Enjoy at home or on-the-go; Pack as a sweet snack, midday treat or tasty break at work, in the car, after class and just about anywhere
- Includes eight, boxes of 96 convenient pastry crisps; 48 pouches total, two per pouch; Packaged for freshness and great taste
Last update on 2023-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API