Tatiana Cesso
When it comes to artisanal food treasures, Brazil has just scored big on the global stage. The traditional production methods of Artisan Minas Cheese, a raw cheese crafted in the lush landscapes of Minas Gerais, have been granted Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity status by UNESCO. For cheese lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike, this milestone is a delicious blend of history, craftsmanship, and flavor.
A Taste of Tradition
What sets Artisan Minas Cheese apart isn’t just its creamy texture or delicate tang—it’s the story behind every wheel. Made using raw milk and a natural yeast called pingo, this cheese is as tied to the land as it is to the people who produce it. The pingo is rich in bacteria unique to Minas Gerais, giving the cheese its signature flavor, aroma, and texture. Add the local climate and the artisanal maturation process, and you’ve got a product that’s anything but ordinary.
But there’s more to Minas cheese than its mouthwatering taste. It’s a family affair, produced on small rural farms using techniques passed down through generations. The know-how is shared through hands-on experience, daily interactions, and a deep sense of community. It’s a labor of love, where every bite tells a story of resilience and tradition.
A Culinary Treasure Crowned by UNESCO
UNESCO’s announcement marks a long-anticipated moment for Brazil’s culinary heritage. Minas Gerais, already a powerhouse of culture, holds 62% of Brazil’s recognized cultural heritage. With this designation, Artisan Minas Cheese not only gains international recognition but also highlights the role of small-scale, sustainable production in preserving traditions.
Leandro Grass, president of Brazil’s National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage, captured the essence of this achievement: “This isn’t just about the cheese; it’s about the people, their history, and the way they transform raw milk into something extraordinary.”
Why This Matters to Foodies Everywhere
For travelers and food enthusiasts, Artisan Minas Cheese is more than just a delicacy—it’s an experience. Picture this: savoring slices of this raw cheese paired with guava paste (goiabada), sipping a strong Brazilian coffee, or enjoying it with a glass of wine in the rolling hills of Minas Gerais. It’s the kind of culinary moment that stays with you long after your trip ends.
The recognition by UNESCO is expected to shine a spotlight on the region, enticing more visitors to explore the origins of this exceptional cheese. With over 9,000 producers and 40,000 tons of cheese produced annually, the industry supports 50,000 jobs and generates over R$2 billion in revenue. Talk about cheese with an impact!
A Slice of Minas on Your Plate
If you’re planning a trip to Brazil, make sure Minas Gerais is on your itinerary. Beyond the cheese, the region is a treasure trove of colonial towns, coffee farms, and breathtaking landscapes. But no visit is complete without sampling the cheese that’s now on the world’s cultural map.
In Brazil’s fine-dining scene, locally produced artisanal cheeses are taking center stage. At São Paulo’s renowned A Casa do Porco, ranked among The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, local cheeses add depth to an array of pork dishes crafted in innovative ways. Similarly, Mocotó, helmed by acclaimed chef Rodrigo Oliveira, showcases Brazilian cheese in its menu, from fried Coalho cheese drizzled with molasses to cheesy corn grits paired with oxtail, featuring Canastra cheese. Over in Rio de Janeiro, the Michelin-starred Lasai offers a curated tasting of four Brazilian cheeses complemented by local honeys, highlighting the country’s dairy artistry.
Meanwhile, São Paulo’s Vila Madalena neighborhood is home to A Queijaria, Brazil’s pioneering artisanal cheese shop, which opened in 2008 and now stocks over 150 varieties sourced from across the country. It has become a destination for cheese lovers eager to sample Brazil’s finest creations.
While the global export of these cheeses remains limited, the growing buzz suggests it won’t be long before international foodies join in the celebration of Brazil’s cheese-making renaissance. The secret is out—Brazilian artisanal cheese is poised to become a worldwide sensation.
Ready to explore the flavors of Brazil? Add Minas Gerais to your bucket list and discover why UNESCO has given this raw cheese the recognition it truly deserves.
