Frederic Melton
Armenian string cheese, also known as Chechil, is a traditional Armenian cheese with a distinctive stringy and fibrous texture. It is typically made from cow, sheep, or goat's milk and has a mild, slightly salty taste. The cheese is often twisted or braided, which makes it easy to pull into thin strands. It is commonly enjoyed as a snack or paired with bread, olives, and fresh vegetables. Armenian string cheese can be found in Armenian markets, Middle Eastern stores, international food stores, and even some popular grocers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Armenian String Cheese, Chechil |
| Texture | Stringy, fibrous |
| Taste | Mild, slightly salty |
| Milk | Cow's, sheep's, or goat's |
| Flavouring | Mahlab, nigella seeds, black caraway seeds |
| Serving suggestion | Bread, olives, fresh vegetables, hummus |
| Preparation | Rinse with cold water to reduce saltiness |
| Where to buy | Armenian markets, Middle Eastern and international food stores, Amazon |
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What You'll Learn
- Armenian string cheese is made from cow's, sheep's or goat's milk
- It is seasoned with nigella seeds, black caraway seeds, and mahleb
- It is often served as part of a mezze platter, with bread, olives, and fresh vegetables
- It can be purchased from Middle Eastern markets or online
- It is traditionally braided and then unbraided before serving
Armenian string cheese is made from cow's, sheep's or goat's milk
Armenian string cheese, also known as Chechil, is a traditional Armenian cheese characterised by its stringy and fibrous texture. It is typically made from cow's, sheep's, or goat's milk, and is considered a fresh cheese. The cheese is stretched and pulled during the cheese-making process, resulting in its unique stringy texture. This makes it easy to pull into thin strands, similar to other string cheeses.
Armenian string cheese is often twisted or braided, which gives it aesthetic appeal and makes it practical for portioning. It has a mild, slightly salty taste, with the flavour varying based on the type of milk and any additional flavourings or herbs used during production. For example, some varieties are made with nigella seeds or black caraway seeds, which add a slight crunch to the cheese.
Armenian string cheese is commonly enjoyed as a snack or paired with bread, olives, and fresh vegetables. It can also be used in various recipes, such as stuffed peppers, or melted into dishes. In Armenia, it is often served during special occasions and celebrations. It is available in Armenian markets, Middle Eastern and international food stores, and some popular grocers. It can also be ordered online from specialty stores or on Amazon.
Armenian string cheese is made from drained and then heated, seasoned milk curds. To form the strings, the curds are kneaded once warm enough, pulled into a rope, and then plaited into its signature shape. Finally, it’s ripened in a brine. This process results in a unique and delicious cheese that has become a favourite for many people around the world.
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It is seasoned with nigella seeds, black caraway seeds, and mahleb
Armenian string cheese, also known as Chechil, is a traditional Armenian cheese with a distinctive stringy and fibrous texture. It is made from cow's, sheep's, or goat's milk and is considered a fresh cheese. The cheese is often twisted or braided, giving it aesthetic appeal and making it easy to portion. Its unique texture is achieved by stretching and pulling the cheese during the cheese-making process, resulting in thin strands that can be pulled apart. Armenian string cheese has a mild, slightly salty taste, with the flavour varying based on the type of milk and any added ingredients.
One distinctive feature of Armenian string cheese is its seasoning, which includes nigella seeds, black caraway seeds, and mahleb. These seeds not only enhance the flavour but also add a slight crunch to the cheese. The nigella seeds, also known as black cumin or kalonji, have a slightly bitter and nutty taste, contributing to the cheese's unique flavour profile. Black caraway seeds, which are commonly used in Middle Eastern and Armenian cuisine, add a subtle earthy and spicy note to the cheese. Mahleb, the ground seed of an Iranian cherry tree variety, lends a subtle aroma and a hint of sweetness or nuttiness to the cheese.
The combination of these three seasonings creates a complex and intriguing flavour that sets Armenian string cheese apart from other varieties. The seeds are evenly distributed throughout the cheese, providing a pleasant surprise with every bite. The seasoning also gives the cheese a speckled appearance, making it visually appealing. The addition of nigella seeds, black caraway seeds, and mahleb not only enhances the taste but also adds a layer of texture and sensory experience to the cheese.
Armenian string cheese seasoned with nigella seeds, black caraway seeds, and mahleb can be found in specialty cheese shops, Middle Eastern markets, and international food stores. It is often sold in braids, and the cheese can be pulled apart into thinner strands before serving. This interactive aspect of the cheese makes it a fun snack or appetizer, as people can enjoy the process of unbraiding and stringing the cheese themselves. The cheese pairs well with Kalamata olives, pistachios, bread, fresh vegetables, or hummus, making it a versatile option for mezze platters or charcuterie boards.
Preparing Armenian string cheese for optimal flavour involves a crucial step of rinsing and soaking. When bought in clear plastic packaging, the cheese typically does not require rinsing. However, if purchased loose or with excess salt, it is recommended to soak the cheese in cold water to reduce the saltiness and achieve the desired flavour. This step requires a delicate balance, as soaking it for too long can alter the texture, making the cheese mushy. Drying the strands on a kitchen towel helps remove excess moisture, ensuring the cheese retains its ideal texture.
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It is often served as part of a mezze platter, with bread, olives, and fresh vegetables
Armenian string cheese, also known as Chechil, is a traditional Armenian cheese with a distinctive stringy and fibrous texture. It is typically made from cow's, sheep's, or goat's milk and is considered a fresh cheese. It is often twisted or braided, giving it a unique appearance and making it easy to portion into thin strands. Its mild, slightly salty taste pairs perfectly with bread, olives, and fresh vegetables, making it an ideal component of a mezze platter.
A mezze platter is a delightful way to enjoy a variety of small dishes, and Armenian string cheese is a perfect addition. The cheese's salty flavour and stringy texture make it a fun and interactive part of the mezze experience. Guests can pull apart the cheese strands, creating a unique and engaging dining moment.
When preparing Armenian string cheese for a mezze platter, it is essential to start with a high-quality cheese. Look for options made from cow's, sheep's, or goat's milk, ensuring a fresh and delicious product. The cheese is typically sold in braids, which can be easily separated into thinner strands. Depending on personal preference, you can soak the cheese in cold water to reduce its saltiness and create a milder flavour profile.
To create a well-rounded mezze platter, pair the Armenian string cheese with a variety of breads, such as pita bread, and an assortment of fresh vegetables. Pickled vegetables, such as cucumbers, add a tangy flavour to the platter. Olives, particularly spiced or Kalamata olives, contribute to the salty theme of the dish. Hummus is another excellent addition, providing a creamy element to balance the salty and crunchy components.
Armenian string cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in various ways. In addition to being a tasty snack on its own, it can be melted into dishes or used in recipes. Its ability to melt beautifully makes it perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches or as a stuffing in pastries. Its mild flavour and stringy texture make it a crowd-pleaser, especially when served with complementary mezze items.
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It can be purchased from Middle Eastern markets or online
Armenian string cheese, also known as Chechil, is a traditional Armenian cheese with a distinctive stringy and fibrous texture. It is typically made from cow's, sheep's, or goat's milk and is considered a fresh cheese. It can be purchased from Middle Eastern markets, international food stores, or online.
Middle Eastern markets, such as Arax Market in Watertown, Massachusetts, are known to carry Armenian string cheese. This market caters to the significant Armenian community in the area and offers a variety of specialty cheeses. The town of Watertown, bordering Boston, is known for its Middle Eastern and Armenian food options.
Armenian string cheese can also be found in international food stores and popular grocers outside of traditional Middle Eastern markets. Stores like Wegmans, for example, may carry Armenian string cheese. These stores provide a convenient option for those who do not have access to specialized markets.
For those who prefer online shopping or live far from physical stores, Armenian string cheese can be purchased from online retailers. Websites like curedandcultivated.com offer braided Armenian string cheese made in the USA, with free shipping on qualified orders. This option allows customers to have the cheese delivered directly to their doorstep.
In summary, Armenian string cheese is widely available and can be purchased from Middle Eastern markets, international food stores, popular grocers, or online retailers. It is a versatile and enjoyable cheese that can be used in various dishes or enjoyed as a snack, making it a great option for those looking to explore new flavours and textures.
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It is traditionally braided and then unbraided before serving
Armenian string cheese, also known as Chechil, is a traditional Armenian cheese with a distinctive stringy and fibrous texture. It is typically made from cow's, sheep's, or goat's milk and is considered a fresh cheese. The cheese is often braided or twisted, resulting in its unique stringy texture and making it easy to pull into thin strands. This braiding technique is done for aesthetic appeal and practical portioning.
Traditionally, Armenian string cheese is braided and then unbraided before serving. The braiding gives the cheese its signature shape and makes it a fun snack for both kids and adults. To serve, the braid is unbraided and pulled into thinner and thinner strands, creating a flossy pile of string cheese. This process of unbraiding and eating strand by strand adds to the enjoyment of consuming Armenian string cheese.
When purchasing Armenian string cheese, it is typically sold in braids that float in brine. Before serving, it is recommended to soak the braid in cold water to reduce the saltiness and achieve the desired flavour. The soaking time can vary depending on personal preference, as over-soaking can cause the texture to become mushy. After soaking, the braid is then unbraided, revealing the thin strands of cheese.
Armenian string cheese is commonly served as a mezze or appetizer, paired with olives, pistachios, or other fresh vegetables. It can be enjoyed as a snack or used in various recipes, such as grilled cheese sandwiches or melted into dishes. The cheese's mild and slightly salty taste, along with its stringy texture, makes it a unique and enjoyable ingredient for culinary creations.
Overall, the process of braiding and then unbraiding Armenian string cheese is a traditional and entertaining aspect of this delicacy. It adds to the sensory experience and makes it a delightful treat for any occasion.
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Frequently asked questions
Armenian string cheese, also known as Chechil, is a traditional Armenian cheese known for its stringy and fibrous texture. It is made from cow's, sheep's, or goat's milk and is typically twisted or braided, giving it its signature shape. It has a mild, slightly salty taste and is often seasoned with black caraway seeds, mahleb, and nigella seeds.
Armenian string cheese can be found in Armenian markets, Middle Eastern markets, and some popular grocers like Wegmans. It can also be purchased online from specialty cheese shops or even on Amazon.
Armenian string cheese is commonly enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. It can be served as a mezze platter with pita bread, olives, hummus, and pickled vegetables. It can also be used in recipes, such as grilled cheese sandwiches, or melted into dishes. When serving, it is recommended to unbraid the cheese and pull it into thinner strands, creating a pile of stringy shreds.
