Silter

Silter is a traditional cheese from Italy, specifically produced in the mountainous regions of the Province of Brescia. It is a cylindrical cheese with a diameter of 34-40 cm and a weight of 10-16 kg after maturing. The cheese has a hard, straw-yellow rind that turns brown with oiling and aging. Silter is made from raw, partially skimmed cow's milk, primarily from mountain breeds like Bruna, Grigio Alpina, and Pezzata Rossa. The cheese has a firm, crumbly texture with small to medium-sized eyes and a mild flavor that can develop full-bodied notes as it matures. The aroma and flavor are influenced by the local environment, including the native microflora and the cows' diet of grass and hay. Silter is aged for at least 100 days, and its production is deeply rooted in local traditions and artisanal methods.

Giorgio Scalvini, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Key Facts

Country of Origin	Italy
Specific Origin	Valle Camonica and Sebino Bresciano Mountain Communities, Province of Brescia
Protection	PDO (2014)
Milk Type	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Raw, partially skimmed
Fat Content	27% to 45% in dry matter
Moisture Content	Not exceeding 40%
Rind	Hard, straw-yellow turning to brown
Texture	Firm, crumbly, not very springy, with small to medium-sized eyes
Flavor	Mild, without bitterness; full-bodied and/or strong notes in very mature cheeses
Aroma	Lingers in the nose and on the palate, typical of the production area
Colors	White in winter, bright yellow in spring and summer
Forms	Whole wheels, portions, grated, bite-size chunks, shavings, slices
Age	At least 100 days