Sirene

Sirene
Sirene cubes
Other namesWhite cheese
Country of originBulgaria
Source of milkGoat, sheep, cow, buffalo
PasteurisedDepends on variety
TextureDepends on variety
Aging timeMin. 3 months
CertificationPDO: 2023
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Sirene (Bulgarian: сирене [ˈsirɛnɛ]; Serbian: сир/sir; Macedonian: сирење; Albanian: djathë i bardhë), also known as "white brine sirene" (Bulgarian: бяло саламурено сирене), is a type of brined cheese originating from Bulgaria. It is made of the milk of goats, sheep, cows, buffalo or a mixture thereof.[1] It is slightly crumbly, with at least 46–48% of dry matter containing 44–48% of fat.[2] It is commonly produced in blocks, and has a slightly grainy texture. It is used as a table cheese, in salads, and in baking.

In 2023, the name "Bulgarsko byalo salamureno sirene" was registered as a protected designation of origin in the European Union.[3]

  1. ^ , "Characteristics of major traditional regional cheese varieties of East-Mediterranean countries: a review", Efstathios Alichanidis & Anna Polychroniadou, Dairy Sciеnce & Technology, Volume 88, Number 4–5, July–October 2008
  2. ^ "The Bulgarian Institute for Standardization BDS 15:2010". The Bulgarian Institute for Standardization (BDS). {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  3. ^ "eAmbrosia". European Commission. 2023-07-31. Retrieved 2023-07-31.