Allgäuer Sennalpkäse

Allgäuer Sennalpkäse is a traditional hard cheese from Germany, specifically produced in the Allgäu region. It is made using raw, unpasteurized cow's milk from the Braunvieh breed, known for its high protein content. The cheese is crafted by hand on Alpine summer dairy farms, known as Sennalpen, using artisanal methods. It is produced only during the grazing season from May to October. The cheese has a firm to supple texture with a modest distribution of pea-sized holes and a yellowy-orange to brown rind. It is known for its nutty and spicy flavor, which becomes more robust as it ages. The cheese is matured for at least three to four months, depending on its size.

Key Facts

Country of Origin	Germany
Specific Origin	Allgäu region, Bavaria
Protection	PDO (2011)
Milk Type	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Unpasteurised
Fat Content	At least 45% in dry matter
Rind	Dried, yellowy-orange to brown
Texture	Firm to supple
Flavor	Nutty and spicy
Aroma	Delicate when young; more developed and intense as it ages
Colors	Ivory to yellowish
Forms	Cylindrical rounds weighing 5-35 kg, 30-70 cm in diameter, up to 15 cm in height
Age	At least 3 months for rounds weighing 5-15 kg; at least 4 months for rounds over 15 kg
Rennet Type	Natural rennet (not from genetically modified organisms)