Montecito
Montecito is slightly tangy, with a firm texture that is to our Smoked White Cheddar. As it ages, it becomes lightly crystallized toward the rind, giving it a slight crunch, while the center of the wedge remains creamy.
Size: 1/2 lb.*
*We cut and package each cheese wedge by hand, so size of any individual cheese wedge may vary from 0.4 to 0.6 pounds.
How to order:
To place an order, please call us at (254) 723-4777 between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM (Central time).
Description
Montecito is named for the Montecito mountain range, north of Venice, where it originated. The earliest known Montecito was made from sheep’s milk in the 13th century by Benedictine monks. Today, it is made from cow’s milk.
The flavor and texture of Montecito vary depending on how long it has been aged, which can be anywhere from two months to eighteen months or longer. It can be mild and creamy to much more firm, with a stronger flavor that somewhat resembles Parmesan.
Montecito is a cooked curd cheese from a family of cheese. Due to the type of bacterial culture used when making the cheese, Montecito has very little lactose, so often it can be enjoyed even by people who are lactose intolerant.
Serving Suggestions
Montecito is good eaten alone. It goes well with crisp fruits, like apple and pear slices. It’s excellent for use on cold-cut platters and charcuterie boards.
Grated and melted onto vegetables such as green beans, it imparts additional flavor and an elegant appearance to the dish.
It is also a welcome addition to soups.
