Parra Camino Organic Manchego Cheese (200g)

Parra Camino Organic Manchego Cheese

About the Producers

Discover the exquisite world of Parra Jiménez Spanish Organic Manchego cheese, a true testament to traditional craftsmanship and sustainable farming. Hailing from the sun-drenched plains of La Mancha, each slice embodies the pure essence of Spain’s rich dairy heritage. Made from the milk of happy, free-range sheep, fed on natural pastures. These cheeses are certified organic, guaranteeing a product free from artificial additives and harmful chemicals.

From the young, vibrant, and subtly nutty, to the aged, intensely flavoured, and crumbly, the producere, Parra Jiménez, offer a diverse range to tantalize every palate. Each bite delivers a complex symphony of flavours, reflecting the unique terroir and meticulous curing process.

Perfect for a sophisticated cheeseboard, paired with a fine Spanish wine, or as a luxurious addition to your culinary creations, Parra Jiménez Spanish Organic cheese is more than just food, it’s an experience, a journey to the heart of Spain’s authentic gourmet tradition. Taste the difference that passion, purity, and heritage make.

Parra Camino Organic Manchego Cheese comes from a small, traditional dairy in Las Mesas, Cuenca, where the Parra Jiménez family focuses on sustainable farming and the recovery of the native “black manchega” sheep, now endangered. The result is a pressed, semi-hard cheese with a compact ivory paste, aged for six months to reach its full flavour. The taste profile is robust, with nutty, herbal notes, sweet hints of pastry, clean leather, and a delicate, persistent acidity. The texture remains creamy yet crumbly, promising richness in every bite.

Each wheel of Parra Camino Manchego follows the strict controls set by the DOP for Manchego cheese. The Parra Jiménez farm uses organic sheep’s milk, ensuring that each wheel is both pure and reflects the local flora of La Mancha. Their cheeses are crafted in small batches for maximum depth and character.

About Manchego Cheese

Manchego is Spain’s legendary cheese, made from the milk of Manchego sheep, native to the central region of La Mancha. Archaeologists have dated cheese-making in the area to the Bronze Age, when curds were pressed in esparto baskets. Modern wheels are shaped in cylindrical moulds yet preserve the ancient basket-weave finish. To earn the official Spanish Designation of Origin, the cheese must be aged at least two months in La Mancha’s natural caves. Certified wheels, like Parra Camino, wear the seal of the regulatory council.

Varieties of Manchego include curado (aged 3-6 months), with a mild nutty flavour and creamy texture, and viejo (aged over a year), which is more intense, crumbly, and complex. Fresh (fresco) and semi-cured (semicurado) styles are also found, each offering unique tastes and textures. Artisan wheels made from raw sheep’s milk are highly sought after for their complexity and lively notes.

Serving Suggestions
Bring Parra Camino Organic Manchego Cheese to room temperature, slice into wedges, and serve on a rustic board with Spanish olives, Marcona almonds, fig jam, or quince paste for a quintessential Spanish appetizer. Add fresh or dried figs to highlight the cheese’s subtle sweetness, or serve with crusty bread and cured meats for a gourmet tapas spread. Pair with a fine Rioja or full-bodied Spanish white for a perfect culinary match.

How the Spanish Enjoy Parra Camino Organic Manchego Cheese

In Spain, organic Manchego cheese is enjoyed as a centerpiece of any cheese board, especially in La Mancha and Cuenca. Locals savour this cheese simply sliced, drizzled with olive oil, or paired with membrillo, the aromatic quince paste.

A classic board features wedges of Manchego with Marcona almonds, Spanish olives, and slices of cured meats such as jamón serrano. Sometimes, cheese is served on breadsticks or rustic country bread, often with a drizzle of honey or a layer of fig jam to complement its nutty depth.

In festive gatherings, Manchego is accompanied by seasonal fruits like fresh apples and figs, or paired with regional wines such as Tempranillo or robust whites from La Mancha. Organic Manchego’s unique flavour and texture make it a favourite in tapas bars and homes, appreciated for its clean finish and rich, satisfying taste. Spaniards treasure this cheese for its authenticity, eco-friendly origins, and heritage, making Parra Camino a true gourmet delight.