Giuncata

PAT - Traditional Agricultural Food Product

Place of Origin

Whole Puglia

 

Giuncata is among the oldest cheeses of Puglia, named after the basket in which the cheese is arranged once ready.

It is a fresh delicate and with low-calories cheese made with cow, goat or sheep's milk. It is a soft cream cheese with no rind, white in colour and with a sweet taste. It has a cylindrical shape and a weight between 300 and 500 grams.

 

The preparation of Giuncata is very simple: the different kind of milk - goat, sheep and cow - are first mixed together and brought to a temperature between 32 and 38 degrees. At this temperature the lamb or calf rennet is added. Once the cheese is ready is extracted with a spoon and placed in containers.

This cheese is not salted, it does not need seasoning and can be consumed immediately after its processing.

Giuncata is a table cheese that can be enjoyed with a bit of bread and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or with vegetables and fresh tomatoes, fennel and celery.

Pairing

Giuncata is excellent when accompanied by a rosé wine such a Salice Salentino Rosato DOP.