Pag cheese is a special Croatian sheep’s milk cheese that has grown increasingly popular among American people. We will know where to find Pag Cheese in USA and will describe the test and its specialty. In the United States, it can be so difficult to find authentic Pag cheese, but we have alternative options also.

What is Pag Cheese?

To know about Pag cheese, we have to know where to find it; let’s find which things make Pag cheese unique:

• Originates from Pag Island, Croatia
• Made with the milk of a traditional breed of sheep
• Known for its hard texture and distinctive flavor
• Often described as sharp, tangy, and slightly salty
• Protected designation of origin (PDO) status in the EU

Origin and History

Pag cheese, in Croatian “Paški sir,” originates from the island of Pag, situated in the Adriatic Sea. This rocky and wind-struck island is noted for its harsh landscape and the hardy Pag sheep grazing there. This type of cheese has been produced on the island for several centuries by applying traditional methods passed on from generation to generation.

Production Method

Pag cheese is made from the milk of Pag sheep that graze on wild herbs and grasses growing on the island. This cheese, along with the salty sea air, gives the cheese its desired flavor. The cheese is usually aged at least five months, although some varieties can be aged up to a year or more.

Characteristics: We will find appearance, texture, flavor, and aroma.

Where to find pag cheese in USA

You will not find the Pag cheese everywhere in the United States. However, there are several options for those seeking to experience this Croatian delicacy.

Specialty Cheese Shops

You can find many cheese shops in most major cities in the USA. Carry Pag cheese or can order it for you. Many of these shops have well-informed staff who will be happy to tell you about the cheese and where it comes from.

Some special cheese shops stock and source the Pag cheese; we will find them:

• Murray’s Cheese, New York City, and online.
• Formaggio Kitchen, Cambridge, MA, and online.
• The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA.
• Zingerman’s Deli, Ann Arbor, MI, and online.

It’s always advisable to call in advance or verify with their websites whether they have availability.

Online Retailers

Several online retailers import and sell European cheeses, including Pag cheese. The retailers include:

• igourmet.com: Often stocks Pag cheese and delivers nationwide
• Artisanal Cheese: Sometimes carries Pag cheese, though one can never count on that.
• Amazon: Some imported Pag cheese is sold via Amazon, although availability can be very sporadic.
• Croatian specialty food importers: Some websites, such as CroatianCorner.com or EnjoyCroatianFood.com, may carry Pag cheese.

If ordering online, check the shipping policy beforehand; items like cheese are perishable and may have restrictions.

Croatian and Eastern European Markets

Cities with large populations of Croatians or people of Eastern European descent may also carry Pag cheese in specialty markets. Some areas to check include:

• Chicago: Rich’s Deli
• New York: Euro Market
• Los Angeles: Alpine Village Market
• Farmers’ Markets and Artisan Food Fairs

Though fewer in number, some farmers’ markets or artisanal food fairs might have vendors that import or produce Pag-style cheese:

• San Francisco Ferry Building Farmers Market
• Union Square Greenmarket, New York City
• Santa Monica Farmers Market, Los Angeles

How to Make Pag-Style Cheese

If you don’t have real Pag cheese, you can try making a similar style homemade:

• Sheep’s milk, if available (can be substituted with cow’s milk).
• Add cultures and rennet.
• Age the cheese for several months.
• Rub with olive oil during aging.

While not the same, this can give a very close taste.

Food Festivals and Events

Look for any food festivals, particularly European or artisanal cheese-themed festivals. Events like these are likely to stock cheeses that are hard to find and will be a good opportunity for you to text and buy Pag cheese.

Some notable cheese festivals in the USA include:

• Vermont Cheesemakers Festival, Burlington, VT.
• American Cheese Society Conference & Competition, various locations.
• California Artisan Cheese Festival, Santa Rosa, CA.

Alternatives to Pag Cheese

Well, it’s not possible to find Pag cheese at all times, but there are several alternatives to get similar flavor profiles:

• Pecorino Romano: It will be sharp and salty, Italian sheep’s milk cheese.
• Manchego: Nutty, slightly sweet cheese made from sheep’s milk.
• Aged Gouda: While made from cow’s milk, this cheese also carries the sharp and tangy flavors of Pag.
• Ossau-Iraty: Nutty, herbaceous, semi-hard French sheep’s milk cheese from the Pyrenees.

Although none of them are actual replacements for Pag cheese, these cheeses can provide similar tastes.

Tips to Buy and Store Pag Cheese

When you do find Pag cheese, here are some suggestions to keep in mind:

• Check the age: Pag cheese is usually aged a minimum of five months. The older cheeses will be stronger in flavor.
• Rind: Authentic Pag cheese features a hard, yellow rind.
• Storage: Wrap the cheese in wax paper or cheese paper; do not use plastic wrap, which can affect the flavor.
• Serving: Keep the cheese at room temperature to give a full test of the flavor.

The Future of Pag Cheese in the USA

Day by day, increasing the interest in artisanal and international cheeses in the United States, Pag cheese may become more widely available in the future. Several American cheesemakers have already begun to experiment with traditional methods of producing Pag-style cheeses.
It should be noted, however, that real Pag cheese is from the island of Pag and has to be produced by traditional methods.

Conclusion

Keep in mind that if you cannot find Pag Cheese, there is absolutely nothing to be worried about; artisan cheeses offer immense diversity in the world of cheese flavors. Whether it’s original Pag cheese or an alternative, it promises an amazing food journey.