Ossau Iraty: How a 1,000-Year-Old Cheese Still Steals the Show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Brittany dives into the world of Ossau Iraty, a traditional Basque sheep’s milk cheese from the French Pyrenees that’s as ancient as it is delicious. Discover how this AOP-certified cheese captures the essence of mountain pastures, seasonal rhythms, and centuries-old shepherding traditions. Brittany explores Ossau Iraty’s nutty, buttery flavor, its connection to transhumance and artisanal cheesemaking, and how it earned the title of “The Farmer’s Dessert.” Learn how to pair this rustic yet refined cheese with cherry jam, figs, prosciutto, chili honey, kombucha, and bold red wines for a pairing to please on a timeless favorite. Whether you’re a cheese enthusiast, a food explorer, or simply someone who loves a good story behind every bite, this episode brings the taste, texture, and history of Ossau Iraty to life — one delicious pairing at a time.References:CheeseOssau IratyBooksThe Oxford Companion to Cheese - Catherine W. Donnelly.How to Taste: A Guide to Discovering Flavor and Savoring Life - Mandy NaglichWebsitesCheese Connoisseur - Ossau Iraty, A True OriginalCheese.com - Ossau FermierAndrouet - Ossau IratyMurray’s Cheese - Ossau IratyCulture Cheese Magazine - Bon Fromage: Ossau Iraty and Abbaye de Belloc