Gironas

Gironas are a type of traditional Catalan cheese originating from the Girona region in Catalonia, Spain. They are small, table-sized wheels of cheese with a white or cream-colored rind, produced from cow's milk.

The history of Gironas dates back to the medieval period, when cheesemaking became a popular practice in the region. The cheese was initially made from sheep's milk, but the use of cow's milk became more widespread over time. Gironas were traditionally made from milk produced by local breeds of cattle, such as the Agudas or Girona blacks.

Gironas are known for their distinctive taste, which is often described as sweet and slightly nutty. The cheese is matured for several months, which gives it a white or pale yellow interior and a slightly crumbly texture. In terms of production, Gironas are made using a combination of raw milk and rennet, which is a natural enzyme obtained from the stomach lining of young animals.

Gironas are typically served as part of a catalan meal or snack, often accompanied by fruit, bread, or membrillo, a sweet quince paste. They are also used in various traditional dishes, such as escalivada, a Catalan stew made with roasted vegetables. Between January and February, festivals are held in various towns to celebrate the cheese production.