Ossau-Iraty


Ossau-Iraty is a Occitan-Basque cheese made from sheep milk.

Origin

Ossau-Iraty or Esquirrou is produced in south-western France, in the Northern Basque Country and in Béarn. Its name reflects its geographical location, the Ossau Valley in Béarn and the Irati Forest in the Basque Country.

AOC status

It has been recognized as an appellation d'origine contrôlée product since 1980. It is one of only two sheep's milk cheeses granted AOC status in France. It is of ancient origin, traditionally made by the shepherds in the region.

Production

Production techniques are very much in the essence of old world methods whereby the sheep still graze mountain pastures. The milk must come from the breeds Basco-béarnaise, :fr:manech tête rousse|Red-face Manech, or :fr:manech tête noire|Black-face Manech. This is an uncooked cheese made through pressing. When offered as a farm-produced cheese the AOC regulations stipulate that only raw, unpasteurized milk be used.
According to the official description, the cheese crust is yellow-orange to gray, and the body color ranges from white to cream depending on how it has been matured. It is smooth, creamy and firm, and may have some small eyes.