Sheep milk cheese

Overview

Production

Country Production

Process

What is Sheep milk cheese?

Sheep milk cheese is a type of cheese that is made using sheep's milk as the primary ingredient. It is a popular dairy product in many parts of the world and has been enjoyed by people for thousands of years. The process of making sheep milk cheese is similar to that of cow milk cheese, but there are some differences in the flavor and texture due to the unique properties of sheep milk. Sheep milk cheese can range in taste from mild and sweet to sharp and tangy, depending on factors such as the breed of sheep, the season of the year, and the aging process.

Sheep milk cheese is known for its rich and creamy texture, which is due to the high-fat content of sheep milk. This makes it a popular choice for gourmet dishes and is often used in cooking to add depth and complexity to a dish. In addition to its culinary uses, sheep milk cheese is also enjoyed as a snack or appetizer and is commonly served with crackers, bread, or fruit.

Sheep milk cheese is often considered a delicacy due to its unique flavor and high price point. It is generally more expensive than cow milk cheese because sheep produce less milk than cows, making it a rarer commodity. Despite its high cost, sheep milk cheese has a devoted following among cheese lovers and is sought after for its unique taste and texture.

Sheep milk cheese Production in the World.

The global production of Sheep Milk Cheese plays a significant role in agriculture and trade. As of 2022, Spain is the top producer, contributing 74,950 tonnes, which accounts for 14.21% of the total global production. Italy ranks second, producing 74,100 tonnes, representing 14.05% of the world's output. Other significant producers include China, France, and Syria, with production levels of 66,924, 64,580, and 58,539 tonnes, respectively. Poland has the lowest production among the listed countries, contributing just 44 tonnes in 2022. In total, global production of Sheep Milk Cheese reached approximately 527,528 tonnes in 2022.

Top 10 Countries by Sheep Milk Cheese Production in 2022

Countries Ranked by Sheep Milk Cheese Production in 2022

Source:FAOSTAT
Last Updated: 23 Jan 2025

Rank	Country	Production (Tonnes)
1	Spain	74,950
2	Italy	74,100
3	China	66,924
4	France	64,580
5	Syria	58,539
6	Turkiye	38,392
7	Niger	31,581
8	Iran	16,507
9	Sudan	13,672
10	Jordan	11,054
11	Afghanistan	9,736
12	Bulgaria	7,250
13	Portugal	6,520
14	Palestine	6,061
15	Bolivia	5,910
16	Yemen	5,883
17	Moldova	5,559
18	Iraq	5,292
19	Romania	3,510
20	Slovakia	3,472
21	Ukraine	3,100
22	Mongolia	2,591
23	Morocco	2,532
24	Lebanon	2,010
25	Oman	1,383
26	Israel	1,224
27	Serbia	1,021
28	Albania	1,009
29	Cyprus	950
30	Austria	920
31	Ecuador	586
32	Croatia	220
33	Belgium	210
34	Azerbaijan	149
35	Hungary	87
36	Poland	44

Process of Making Sheep milk cheese

The process of making sheep cheese involves several steps. Here's a general overview:

Milk collection: The first step is to collect the sheep's milk. The milk is usually collected by hand or using milking machines.
Milk preparation: The collected milk is then filtered to remove any impurities and heated to the appropriate temperature, usually around 30-35°C, depending on the type of cheese.
Adding starter culture: A starter culture, which contains the bacteria necessary for cheese fermentation, is added to the milk. The type of culture used depends on the desired cheese flavor and texture.
Coagulation: Rennet is added to the milk to coagulate it, forming curds and whey. The curds are then cut into small pieces to release the whey.
Draining: The curds are then drained and placed in cheese molds, where they are left to rest for several hours or overnight.
Salting: Once the curds have settled, the cheese is removed from the molds and salted. The salt helps to preserve the cheese and enhances its flavor.
Aging: The cheese is then left to age in a cool, humid environment for several weeks or months. The length of aging time depends on the type of cheese and desired flavor and texture.
Packaging: Once the cheese has reached its desired maturity, it is packaged and sent to market.

This is a basic overview of the process of making sheep cheese, but keep in mind that the specific steps and variations can vary depending on the type of cheese being produced.

Health Benefits of Sheep milk cheese

Sheep cheese offers several health benefits due to its nutritional profile. Here are some of the potential health benefits of consuming sheep cheese:

Rich in protein: Sheep cheese is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
High in calcium: Sheep cheese is also rich in calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Rich in vitamins and minerals: Sheep cheese is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, phosphorus, and selenium.
Low in lactose: Sheep cheese is lower in lactose than cow's milk cheese, making it a good option for people who are lactose intolerant.
May aid in weight loss: Some studies suggest that consuming sheep cheese may help with weight loss due to its high protein content, which can help reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness.
May help reduce inflammation: Some studies suggest that consuming sheep cheese may help reduce inflammation in the body, which is associated with several chronic health conditions.

It's worth noting that like all types of cheese, sheep cheese is high in fat and calories, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Additionally, some types of sheep cheese may be high in sodium, so it's important to read nutrition labels and choose low-sodium varieties if possible.

Nutritional Information of Sheep milk cheese

The nutritional value of sheep cheese can vary depending on the type of cheese and the specific brand. However, here is an approximate breakdown of the nutrients found in 100 grams of sheep cheese:

Calories: 380-420
Protein: 17-28 grams
Fat: 30-40 grams
Saturated fat: 19-25 grams
Carbohydrates: 1-3 grams
Sugar: 0-1 grams
Fiber: 0 grams
Sodium: 500-700 milligrams
Calcium: 500-700 milligrams

Again, these values are approximate and can vary depending on the type of sheep cheese. It's always a good idea to read the nutrition label for specific information about the nutritional content of a particular brand of sheep cheese.

Types of Sheep milk cheese

There are many different types of sheep cheese, each with its unique flavor, texture, and characteristics.

Here are some of the most popular types of sheep cheese:

Feta: Hailing from Greece, this cheese has a soft and crumbly texture and is frequently employed in Mediterranean cuisine, especially in salads and other dishes.
Pecorino Romano: This cheese is hard and salty, and is widely utilized in Italian cooking, especially in pasta recipes.
Roquefort: A blue-veined cheese that originates from France and has a strong, tangy flavor.
Manchego: Originating from Spain, this cheese is firm in texture and boasts a subtle nutty taste.
Ricotta: A soft, creamy cheese that is often used in Italian desserts such as cannoli and cheesecake.
Brebis: A semi-soft cheese from France that has a mild, buttery flavor.
Ossau-Iraty: Hailing from the Basque area of France, this cheese is semi-firm and boasts a taste that is both nutty and fruity.
Pecorino Sardo: A hard, aged cheese from Sardinia that has a sharp, salty flavor.
Sheep's milk feta: A variant of feta cheese made exclusively from sheep's milk, which has a creamier texture and a slightly milder flavor than traditional feta.

These are merely a handful of the numerous variations of sheep milk cheese on the market. Your choice of which type to use will be determined by your taste and the culinary application you have in mind.

Uses of Sheep milk cheese

Sheep cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some of the most common uses of sheep cheese:

Salads: Sheep cheese, such as feta, is often used in salads to add a salty, tangy flavor and creamy texture.
Pasta dishes: Hard sheep cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano, are commonly grated over pasta dishes for added flavor.
Pizza: Soft sheep cheese, such as ricotta, can be used as a pizza topping or mixed with other ingredients to make a creamy pizza sauce.
Sandwiches and wraps: Sheep cheese can be used as a sandwich or wrap filling for added flavor and texture.
Appetizers: Soft sheep cheeses, such as feta or Brebis, can be served as a standalone appetizer or paired with crackers, olives, and other toppings.
Desserts: Sheep cheese, such as ricotta or Brebis, can be used in desserts such as cheesecake, cannoli, or fruit tarts.
Meat dishes: Sheep cheese can be used as a filling for meat dishes such as stuffed chicken breasts or lamb chops.

These are just a few examples of the many ways that sheep cheese can be used in cooking. The specific use of sheep cheese will depend on the type of cheese and the dish you plan to make.