Poronjuusto

Poronjuusto
Country of origin	Valkea
Region	Velgimaa
Source of milk	Reindeer
Pasteurised	No
Texture	Chewy
Certification	RICH 2001

Poronjuusto (Valkean: reindeer cheese) is a fresh cheese originating from Velgimaa province, Valkea. This cheese is primarily known for being made from reindeer milk, though in recent decades goat milk and cow milk have also been used.

Preparation

In order to make poronjuusto, the milk is curdled and set onto a round tray. The cheese is then baked, grilled, or flambéed, which give it its distinctive charred appearance. It is noted that the cheese squeaks in the mouth when bitten. Traditionally it was dried for several years, making it rock hard. Before eating, it is placed over a fire, which softens the cheese and gives it a distinctive aroma.

Poronjuusto can be eaten warm or cold, and is often served as a side dish and paired with coffee. It can also be served with cloudberry jam or fresh cloudberries.

Because reindeer milk is hard to mass-produce, commercial versions of poronjuusto are made from cow's milk or goat's milk, which have a milder taste. Some Valkeans mockingly refer to this variant as "rahajuusto" (money cheese).