Cheese story
What is Sirene?
A Bulgarian brined cheese central to salads and pastries.
Origin
Bulgaria, Bulgaria
Milk
sheep, cow, goat or mixed
Board role
Fresh / bright
Cheese profile
Country
Bulgaria
Region
Bulgaria
Milk type
sheep, cow, goat or mixed
Texture
brined, crumbly
Rind
none
Ageing
fresh to months
Vegetarian
Check the rennet / producer
Milk treatment
varies
Flavour profile: salty, tangy, lactic
Origin, protection and character
Sirene comes from Bulgaria, especially Bulgaria. Its character comes from the balance of milk, texture, rind, ageing and local serving traditions.
Protected status
None
Typical ageing
fresh to months
How to serve Sirene
shopska salad, banitsa, meze
Good food matches
tomatoes
cucumbers
rakia
Serving tip
Take it out of the fridge before serving so the texture softens and the flavour opens up. Softer cheeses usually need less time than hard aged cheeses.
Buying tip
Look for clean aroma, good texture and a style that matches the board: fresh and bright, soft and creamy, hard and nutty, blue and salty, or bold and washed-rind.
