Hutsul sheep bryndzya
| Hutsul sheep bryndzya | |
|---|---|
Country of origin | Ukraine |
| Region | Ukrainian Carpathians |
Source of milk | Sheep milk (≥80%; up to 20% cow’s or goat’s milk allowed)[1] |
| Pasteurized | Traditionally unpasteurised |
| Texture | Soft, crumbly |
| Aging time | Ripened (bundz stage before processing) |
| Certification | Geographical indication (Ukraine, 2022) |
 Related media on Commons | |
Hutsul sheep bryndzya (Ukrainian: гуцульська овеча бриндзя) is a traditional table cheese made of sheep's milk in the Ukrainian Carpathians. This cheese is associated with the culture of the Hutsuls and is an important symbol of regional identity and heritage.[2]
It is made from sheep's milk in an amount of at least 80%, with the possibility of adding no more than 20% cow's or goat's milk.[1]
History
Hutsul sheep bryndzya is made on the mountain pastures of the Ukrainian Carpathians from the milk of the Ukrainian Carpathian mountain sheep according to traditions that date back to the 15th century.[3][4]
It is produced in parts of Zakarpattia, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Chernivtsi oblasts.[5]
Production process
Hutsul sheep bryndzya is produced from sheep’s milk using traditional methods in the Carpathian Mountains. Fresh milk is filtered through several layers of cheesecloth with spruce branches on top, so that all possible impurities remain at this stage, and the milk for making cheese is as pure as possible. The shepherd adds rennet to fresh sheep's milk.[6] Using this technology, budz cheese is made. And after budz ripens, it is ground and mixed with salt, which leads to the formation of bryndzya.[7] All processes of its production are exclusively manual.[8]
Recognition
In 2022, Hutsul sheep bryndzya became the first Ukrainian product to have a registered geographical indication that met all European requirements for registration and is eligible for recognition in the European Union.[9][3]
The application for registering the geographical indication was filed by Association of Producers of Traditional Carpathian High Mountain Cheeses at the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine on December 19, 2018.[3]
In 2022, it was included in the National Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ukraine.[10]
Gallery
Sheep under Mount Herashaska
A flock of sheep climbs up the mountainside
See also
References
- 1 2 Гуцульська овеча бриндзя [Hutsul sheep bryndzya]. Special Information System of UKRNOIPI (SIS) (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on October 13, 2025. Retrieved April 15, 2026.
- ↑ "Hutsul Bryndza - Arca del Gusto". Slow Food Foundation. Archived from the original on July 16, 2024. Retrieved April 15, 2026.
- 1 2 3 В Україні зареєстрували перший український продукт із географічним зазначенням [The first Ukrainian product with a geographical indication was registered in Ukraine]. TSN.ua (in Ukrainian). December 9, 2019. Archived from the original on December 9, 2019. Retrieved April 14, 2026.
- ↑ "Гуцульська овеча бриндзя" стала першим українським географічним зазначенням ["Hutsul sheep bryndzya" has become the first Ukrainian geographical indication]. Ukrainska Pravda (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on December 9, 2019. Retrieved April 15, 2026.
- ↑ Сир «Гуцульська овеча бриндзя» отримав свідоцтво про реєстрацію географічного зазначення ["Hutsul sheep bryndzya" cheese has received the certificate of registration of the geographical indication]. Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on December 9, 2019. Retrieved April 15, 2026.
- ↑ Kohutych, Tetiana. Гуцульська бриндзя: як народжується легендарний сир на Закарпатті [Hutsul bryndzya: how is the legendary cheese made in Zakarpattia]. uzhgorod.net.ua (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on February 13, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2026.
- ↑ Vadym, Lubchak (September 10, 2019). "Authentic Hutsul Bryndza". Freedom. Archived from the original on April 15, 2026. Retrieved April 15, 2026.
- ↑ Soviak, Iryna (November 26, 2020). Як роблять гуцульську бриндзю - перший географічний бренд України [How is Hutsul bryndzya – the first geographical brand in Ukraine – is made]. BBC News Ukrainian (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on February 12, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2026.
- ↑ "Producers of traditional Ukrainian cheese go for growth with EU support". eu4business.eu. Archived from the original on February 15, 2026. Retrieved April 14, 2026.
- ↑ Гуцульська бриндзя [Hutsul bryndzya]. Ukrainian Centre for Cultural Research (in Ukrainian). August 19, 2022. Archived from the original on January 23, 2025. Retrieved April 15, 2026.