Malaga cheese is one of the 5 varieties of goat cheese recognized in Andalusia. This product is made with Malagueña goat’s milk, a native breed of the area, although Payoya or Montejaqueña goat’s milk is also very important.
The Malaga goat, a native breed that is raised mainly in the valleys and mountains of the province. This breed is known for its high production of excellent quality milk, rich in fat and protein, ideal for cheese making. The climatic conditions of the region, together with the natural diet of these goats, contribute unique characteristics to the flavor and texture of the cheese.
This sector of the Malaga market collaborates with the promotion of rural employment in the province, since the cheeses are produced in small family cheese dairies, which provides added value.
It is worth mentioning the Agrupación de Ganaderos Montes de Málaga (AGAMMA), which has the contribution of more than 200 family livestock farms, to which are added the people who work elaborating, controlling and managing the production and the distributors or final distributors. The cheeses they produce are exclusively made with pure goat’s milk that grazes in Colmenar (Málaga), which is where this group is located, rennet and salt; although, depending on their maturation, lactic ferments can also be added for their curing.
These cheeses are classified as a beneficial food for our health: frequent consumption of goat’s milk lowers our cholesterol levels and fat deposits.
Clearly, Malaga cheese is a staple product that is part of our Mediterranean diet. According to an article in La Opinión de Málaga, during the confinement, the production of this product was at full capacity. Situation that also made us realize the importance of local producers and proximity products, and more, when they have the quality that we have here in Malaga.
Malaga goat cheese comes in several varieties, from fresh to cured, semi-cured and cheeses made from mixtures of raw and pasteurized milk. Each offers unique nuances:
- Fresco: De textura suave y cremosa, con un sabor delicado y ligeramente ácido. Ideal para ensaladas o como acompañamiento de frutas.
- Semicurado: Con una textura más firme y un sabor más intenso.
- Curado: De textura granulosa y sabor pronunciado, con notas que recuerdan a frutos secos. Perfecto para maridar con vinos tintos o dulces de la región.
Some cheeses include aromatic herbs, paprika or are even bathed in olive oil, further enhancing their flavor profile.
Malaga goat cheese has received numerous national and international awards. Its artisanal production and the use of traditional methods make it a product of exceptional quality. In addition, many of the cheeses produced in Malaga are covered by the brand “Sabor a Malaga”, which guarantees its origin and authenticity.
In Malaga’s cuisine, goat cheese is used in multiple preparations: salads, tapas, savory pies and even desserts. Its versatility makes it indispensable on the menus of local restaurants, where it is celebrated as one of the great ambassadors of the region’s gastronomy.
Malaga goat cheese is not only a food, but a sample of the rich cultural and natural heritage of the province. Its unique flavor and unparalleled quality have made it a must for lovers of good food. If you visit Malaga, you can not miss this gastronomic treasure that embodies the best of tradition and innovation.
