Best Cheeses in Portugal 2022
9 Months Old São Miguel Cheese and Buttery Nova Azores Cheese were voted best Cheeses in Portugal 2022
The Queijo Velho São Miguel 9M and the Queijo Nova Açores Buttery, distributed by LactAçores, have just been distinguished as the Best Cheese in Portugal in the categories: Island Cheese and Normal Cured Cow Cheese, in the 13th edition of the Portuguese Cheese Contest, held by ANIL, National Association of Dairy Industry, which had a total of 182 cheeses in competition, in 23 different categories.
In addition to the two best cheese awards, Lactaçores and its associates receive five honorable mentions out of the 46 distributed.
The honorable mentions went to: the cured Prato Cheese – Ilha Azul – CALF (Faial); Cured Prato Cheese – Capelinhos – CALF (Faial); Ilha Cheese – Topo – Uniqueijo – (S. Jorge); Ilha Cheese – Lourais – Uniqueijo – (S. Jorge) and Nova Açores Garlic and Parsley Cheese – Unileite (S. Miguel).
According to José Carlos Serrão, General Manager of LactAçores, “these distinctions are a reflection of the work that our team and producers have been developing, in order to work the potential of Azores cheeses and provide an unparalleled experience to all consumers”.
Queijo Velho São Miguel 9 months is a traditional cheese “designed for true cheese lovers”. Its long curing period, at least 9 months, gives it a “unique taste and a guarantee of superior quality that puts it in the showcase of special cheeses”.
Known by many as “black rind cheese”, it is a product obtained from cow’s milk, subjected to normalization of fat and pasteurization treatment.
Nova Açores buttery “is a cured cheese with a semi-soft paste, with a buttery texture and all the flavor of the Azores. With the classic cheese plate format, ideal to have on your table and to share with your loved ones”.