Ossau-Iraty is the emblematic cheese of the Basque Country and Béarn. Made from raw milk from Manech and Basco-Béarnaise ewes, it has held AOC status since 1980. It’s one of the few sheep’s cheeses with a designation of origin in France.
How to recognise a genuine Ossau-Iraty
The rind is orange-brown, smooth or slightly rough. The paste is ivory to pale yellow, supple and without holes. The flavour is mild and slightly buttery when young, more pronounced and nutty when aged.
The affinages
Ossau-Iraty is sold at several stages of maturity: young (3 months), semi-aged (6 months) and aged (over 6 months, sometimes 12). Each has different culinary uses. The young cheese is eaten on its own or with Itxassou black cherry jam. The aged version is grated over piperade or Basque chicken.
Where to buy in Biarritz
Les Halles in Biarritz has several cheese stalls. Ask for farm-direct Ossau-Iraty, preferably raw milk.