Garrotxa cheese is being protected against imitations (at a critical moment in its production)

GironaGarrotxa cheese can only be made in one way, because as of today it officially holds the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) seal, becoming the second cheese in Catalonia to have this distinction (the first was Alt Urgell and Cerdanya cheese, which has a protected designation of origin). The PGI was approved in Brussels at the end of last year, and the Minister of Climate Action, David Mascort, made it public at the Catalan Artisan Cheese Fair in Girona, which brought together forty-two cheese dairies with two hundred different cheeses. However, producers have pointed to the crisis in the raw material, goat's milk, necessary for its production.

Thus, Garrotxa Cheese can be called this if it is made with pasteurized whole goat's milk, if it has matured for almost a month and a natural, endemic fungus is created on its exterior, which comes out as the cheesemakers rub it to create its velvety grey crust. Besides its gray color, it is also characterized by its round shape. Inside, it is pristine white, almost the color of cream.

Regarding European protection, cheesemakers commented that it comes at a particularly delicate time due to the shortage of goat's milk. "The future is uncertain because we can't get milk. Therefore, we don't know what we can do, because if it's not available, it's not available," stated the Muntanyola cheese producer. However, the regional minister, David Mascort, maintained: "With the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), we can help the producers of Garrotxa Cheese, because we know there's a shortage of goat's milk, and because many of you make very good products." Furthermore, the minister added: "We must help people in the primary sector so they can earn a better living." For his part, chef Pep Nogué indicated that "Garrotxa Cheese is enjoyed by both children and adults and only needs a piece of bread to savor it." He asserted that, although the PGI can help to raise awareness of this cheese worldwide, if there's little available due to a lack of raw materials, "it should all stay here."

Finally, the PGI label is one of three granted by the European Union (the other two being PDO and Traditional Speciality Guaranteed, TSP). In the case of PGI, the European Union recognizes the quality linked to a specific geographical area, which is the one that produces, processes, or manufactures the product.