Source for Serra da Estrela cheese?

This site is for discussion of travel to the "Land of Port & Madeira" as well as food related to Port or Portugal. Additionally your Offline tasting events can be planned and reviewed here.

Moderators: Glenn E., Roy Hersh, Andy Velebil

User avatar
Glenn E.
Posts: 8382
Joined: Wed Jan 23, 2008 10:49 am
Location: Sammamish, Washington, United States of America - USA
Contact:

Re: Source for Serra da Estrela cheese?

Post by Glenn E. »

Roy Hersh wrote:Excellent, thanks Glenn. Are all of the wheels of Serra about the same weight and what was the cost per pound?
The web site says that the Serra rounds are 1.2 lbs each, which at $40 for the round is $33.33 per pound. It's not cheap, but I'm hoping it's tasty!
Glenn Elliott
Eric Menchen
Posts: 6677
Joined: Wed Sep 24, 2008 9:48 pm
Location: Longmont, Colorado, United States of America - USA

Re: Source for Serra da Estrela cheese?

Post by Eric Menchen »

Please report back. From the photo, that looks like a firmer version.
User avatar
Roy Hersh
Site Admin
Posts: 21829
Joined: Thu Jul 28, 2005 1:27 am
Location: Porto, PT
Contact:

Re: Source for Serra da Estrela cheese?

Post by Roy Hersh »

Eric,

I asked and was told, "spoon it on" from the importer. I want feedback too. If it is not right I will have it made so.

As to $33. for the pound, that is less than the $40/lb. that I've normally seen for the real deal in the USA in past years. I am not talking about the type you need to slice, either. Having the supply chain filled with the right stuff is the key point. I won't quibble over saving an extra $7/pound, but what I really care about is the consistency and texture of the cheese itself.
Ambition driven by passion, rather than money, is as strong an elixir as is Port. http://www.fortheloveofport.com
User avatar
Glenn E.
Posts: 8382
Joined: Wed Jan 23, 2008 10:49 am
Location: Sammamish, Washington, United States of America - USA
Contact:

Re: Source for Serra da Estrela cheese?

Post by Glenn E. »

FedEx claims it is arriving today, so we'll know soon!
Glenn Elliott
User avatar
Glenn E.
Posts: 8382
Joined: Wed Jan 23, 2008 10:49 am
Location: Sammamish, Washington, United States of America - USA
Contact:

Re: Source for Serra da Estrela cheese?

Post by Glenn E. »

The cheese has arrived and looks like it's in perfect condition. I haven't sliced into it yet, but by feeling the round itself and giving it a gentle squeeze this is clearly a softer version of Serra da Estrela than what we received the last time we ordered from iGourmet. At the very least it is going to be closer to mozzarella than cheddar even if it isn't actually spoonable. It smells right, too.

I'll report back after the party tomorrow, but I have high hopes now!
Glenn Elliott
User avatar
Glenn E.
Posts: 8382
Joined: Wed Jan 23, 2008 10:49 am
Location: Sammamish, Washington, United States of America - USA
Contact:

Re: Source for Serra da Estrela cheese?

Post by Glenn E. »

Well I have good news and bad news...

The good news is that the cheese is significantly better than the last batch some of us ordered from iGourmet. This is good stuff, I'm happy with my order, and I'd probably order it again.

The bad news is that while the cheese is definitely softer than the last batch, it's nowhere near spoonable. It's approximately the texture of Havarti - soft, but still needs to be sliced for serving.
Glenn Elliott
Moses Botbol
Posts: 6037
Joined: Wed Aug 30, 2006 7:38 am
Location: Boston, USA

Re: Source for Serra da Estrela cheese?

Post by Moses Botbol »

It's $45 a wheel in Fall River. Super soft and regularly available. Picking up one tomorrow. Anyone want cheese and port this Friday in Boston? [cheers.gif]
Welsh Corgis | F1 |British Cars
Post Reply