Cheese enthusiasts, rejoice! The highly anticipated 2024 World Cheese Awards have just concluded, and the coveted title of the world’s best cheese has been awarded to Portugal's delightful Queijo de Ovelha Amanteigado. This award-winning delicacy, made by the small creamery Quinta do Pomar, triumphed over nearly 4,800 cheeses hailing from 47 countries during this year’s competition, held for the first time in Viseu, Portugal.
Queijo de Ovelha Amanteigado, which translates to "buttery spoonable sheep cheese", is produced using raw sheep’s milk. Its soft, creamy texture and rich, herby flavor set it apart from the standard cheese offerings. To enjoy this cheese, one simply cuts off the top rind and uses a spoon to scoop out its luscious interior. Manuel Maia, who was part of the judging panel, described the cheese as having a "sublime match of protein and fat" and hailed it as "an icon" for Portugal, likening it to the country’s own Eiffel Tower.
The judging process itself is no cheesy affair. With 240 experts from various backgrounds including chefs, retailers, and journalists evaluating every cheesy entry, the competition was fierce. These judges assessed cheeses based on several criteria: appearance, aroma, texture, mouthfeel, and flavor, before awarding points corresponding to different medal categories.
The attendees at the World Cheese Awards were treated to not only the sight of countless types of cheese but also the excitement of the tasting and voting process. Following initial judging rounds, the winning cheeses from each category were selected for the Super Gold finale, where the ultimate victor was determined. Queijo de Ovelha Amanteigado managed to score 86 points, outshining its closest competitor by 14 points.
But Portugal didn't just stop at capturing the top prize. The country proudly brought home three Super Golds, 11 golds, 34 silvers, and 38 bronzes, totaling an impressive 87 awards. John Farrand, the director of the Guild of Fine Food, expressed immense pride, stating, “The Portuguese cheesemakers have done their country proud.” His remark emphasizes the significance of the win for Portugal and its rich cheesemaking heritage.
Interestingly, the cheese is crafted by Sonia Marroyo, a Spanish cheesemaker who is based just 60 kilometers from the competition venue. Addressing the audience remotely after the announcement, she expressed heartfelt gratitude and shared the emotional significance of winning such an esteemed award for local cheese, stating, “It was great teamwork, and it means the world.”
With the event showcasing over 4,786 cheeses, the competition was fierce, including entries ranging from small-scale artisanal creations to large cheese producers. The diversity of participants, combined with the exacting standards of the judges, contributed to the thrill of this extravagant culinary event.
For those wondering about the specifics of what made Queijo de Ovelha Amanteigado stand out, it is particularly noteworthy for using vegetarian thistle rennet instead of traditional animal rennet. This not only gives the cheese its distinctive flavor profile but also aligns with the growing demand for vegetarian food products.
Reflecting on the event, Farrand noted the unique “terroir” associated with local cheeses, indicating the significance of the environment where they are produced on the final cheese product's taste and quality. This idea of terroir links the culture, the land, and the craftsmanship behind the cheese, which could explain why local cheeses often resonate strongly with judges and consumers alike.
Even though no Indian cheese clinched the top prize this year, the country has been slowly making strides toward artisanal cheese recognition on the global stage. With the quality of Indian cheeses improving, experts suggest it may not be long before one vies for similar accolades.
Cheese lovers the world over now have the perfect excuse to indulge their senses with Portugal’s latest champion cheese. Whether you’re enjoying it as part of your holiday spread or just as a decadent treat, Queijo de Ovelha Amanteigado promises to offer something truly extraordinary. So, the next time you’re contemplating your cheese board, why not give this award-winning delight a scoop? You might find it just what you’ve been missing for your taste buds to dance!
