Telemea

Telemea is a cherished traditional cheese from Romania, originally crafted from sheep's milk. Nowadays, it is also produced using cow's, goat's, or buffalo's milk. This cheese is renowned for its soft to semi-soft texture, creamy consistency, and tangy flavor. When aged, Telemea develops a firmer texture, intensified flavor, and becomes saltier. Occasionally, cumin seeds are added to impart a delightful nutty taste.

Telemea can be enjoyed in various ways: as a table cheese, in salads, as a snack, or as an ingredient in dishes such as omelettes, crepes, and pies.

The production of Telemea involves curdling milk with rennet. Although cow's and sheep's milk are the most commonly used, goat's and buffalo's milk are considered special delicacies. After the curdling process, the curd is pressed, cut into pieces, and matured in brine. The cheese is often stored in wooden barrels and can be preserved in brine or desalted before consumption.

Certain varieties of Telemea, such as Telemea de Ibănești and Telemea de Sibiu, have gained special recognition in Romania. Telemea de Ibănești was granted Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status in 2017, while Telemea de Sibiu received Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status in 2019.