Iranian Cheese: Types, Milks and Where They Come From
Iranian cheese includes several sheep's milk cheeses, such as Lighvan Paniri, which is aged in brine, the whey cheese Lor, and Motal Paniri. Some are also made with goat's or cow's milk.
These cheeses come from Iran's Azerbaijan and Kurdistan regions, the city of Khoy in the northwest, and the Lighvan valley in East Azerbaijan province.
Many are breakfast cheeses. Lighvan Paniri, Ziraly Panir and Kupa Paniri are all served as part of a breakfast spread.
Main types of Iranian cheese
Soft Iranian cheeses
Lor and Lighvan Paniri are both soft Iranian cheeses. Lor is a whey cheese, similar to ricotta but firmer and less creamy. It is low in fat and mild, and it is used as a filling for pastries or as a spread.
Semi-hard Iranian cheeses
Jajikhli Panir, Kupa Paniri and Motal Paniri are semi-hard Iranian cheeses. Jajikhli Panir is formed into balls and soaked in brine.
Motal Paniri has a crumbly texture and a strong, aromatic taste. It is often flavored with herbs such as wild garlic, fenugreek or tarragon.
Iranian sheep's milk cheeses
Lor, Lighvan Paniri, Jajikhli Panir, Kupa Paniri and Motal Paniri are all Iranian sheep's milk cheeses. Kupa Paniri can also be made with goat's, cow's or water buffalo's milk.
Lighvan cheese from East Azerbaijan
Lighvan Paniri comes from the Lighvan valley in East Azerbaijan province. It is made mainly from sheep's milk, sometimes with goat's milk added.
The cheese is aged in brine, which makes it salty. It has a crumbly texture and a tangy taste. People eat it in salads and sandwiches or as part of a breakfast spread.
Iranian Cheeses
Iranian Cheese Questions
What is an Iranian hard cheese?
Ziraly Panir is a hard Iranian cheese from the city of Khoy in the northwest of Iran. It has a firm texture and a mild, slightly salty flavor. It is often grated over dishes or served with nuts and dried fruits as part of a breakfast spread.
Is there an Iranian goat cheese?
Yes, several Iranian cheeses can use goat's milk. Lighvan Paniri is made mainly from sheep's milk, sometimes with goat's milk added. Lor is made from the whey of sheep's, goat's or cow's milk. Ziraly Panir and Kupa Paniri can also be made from goat's milk.
Which Iranian cheeses come from Kurdistan?
Lor and Kupa Paniri both come from Iran's Azerbaijan and Kurdistan regions. Lor is a mild, low-fat whey cheese used to fill pastries or as a spread. Kupa Paniri is usually made from sheep's milk and has a mild, creamy flavor. People eat it with fresh bread or in salads.