Taste Atlas, the ‘Wikipedia of gastronomy’ regularly causes a stir in the world of gastronomy with its culinary rankings. This travel and cooking guide recently published the list of the world’s best-rated blue cheeses. To everyone’s surprise, a Spanish cheese has taken the top spot.
This is not the famous French Roquefort, nor the Italian Gorgonzola, nor even Spain’s own Cabrales. The winner is the Picón Bejes-Tresviso, a blue cheese from Liébana, Cantabria. It achieved an impressive score of 4.5 out of 5.
Picón Bejes-Tresviso or queso Picón
The Picón Bejes-Tresviso, more commonly known as queso Picón, is a Spanish blue cheese produced in the historic region of Liébana, in Cantabria. This cheese has been protected by a Denominación de Origen (protected designation of origin) since 1994. The queso Picón is known for its special flavour profile. The cheese develops a range of aromas that are not common with blue cheeses. Underneath sweet, cake-like notes and those of roasted nuts.
Multiple prizes
The artisanal production of Picón Bejes-Tresviso is deeply rooted in the traditions of Cantabria and guarantees the unique flavours and textures of this cheese. The cheese has won several awards over the years. This included the World Cheese Award in 2009. This confirms that it is one of the most prestigious cheeses in the world.
More than just a cheese
The Picón Bejes-Tresviso is not only a culinary masterpiece, but also a symbol of Cantabria’s rich cultural and gastronomic heritage. The Liébana region, in the beautiful Picos de Europa mountain region, provides a perfect backdrop for the production of this exceptional cheese. The combination of natural beauty and gastronomic tradition makes the Picón Bejes-Tresviso a paradise for cheese lovers and culinary explorers.
A worldwide recognition
The recognition of Picón Bejes-Tresviso as the world’s best-rated blue cheese by Taste Atlas underlines the global appreciation for Spanish cheeses and the excellence of Cantabrian gastronomy. This cheese surpasses internationally renowned cheeses such as Gorgonzola dolce and Gorgonzola piccante. The product thus establishes itself as a must-try for anyone who wants to experience the richness of world cheese production.
Also read: The world’s most expensive cheese comes from the Picos de Europa
