Dambalkhacho

Dambalkhacho
Country of originGeorgia
RegionTianeti and Pshavi
Source of milkCows
Related media on Commons

Dambalkhacho (Georgian: დამბალხაჭო, romanized: dambalkhach'o) is a pungent Georgian cheese. The dried lumps are placed into clay pots and left that way for 2-3 months, in order for the cheese to develop special mold. The cheese has a specific, intense aroma, the texture is semi-soft and uniform, while the flavors are spicy.

History

Dambalkhacho is made from sour buttermilk cottage cheese, traditionally produced in the mountainous Tianeti and Pshavi regions. The process involves salting and shaping the curds into balls, drying them over a fire, and then aging them for months in sealed clay pots, which allows mold to develop and creates a strong flavor and semi-soft, crumbly texture.[1] Dambalkhacho with its distinctive textures, is a low fat, high protein cheese.[2] Dambalkhacho pairs well with Georgian Rkatsiteli wine.[3]

Dambalkhacho cheese was awarded national landmark status in Georgia.[4]

See also

References

Further reading