In full Sierra de Grazalema several Cadiz municipalities rest on the mountain slopes like the ones in Villaluenga del Rosario (Cadiz), where one of the cheese most prestigious in the world. Because the cradle of payoyo is in this small town that has once again been chosen as European Capital of Cheese 2020. For this important reason, in this article we want to introduce you to both this Andalusian destination and its star product.
Much more than a food
With between 400 and 500 inhabitants, the small Villaluenga del Rosario bases its main attraction on the Payoyo cheese, although other activities of a rural nature invite tourists to discover its nature. Because the mountains of Grazalema They are a paradise for hiking and routes decorated with green vegetation. That between which the places where both goats and sheep graze, which allow obtaining the excellent dairy product, sneak in. Of this there is even a museum in homage to the payoyo, in addition to its own factory and cheese factory.
The prestige of the food is demonstrated every year with the celebration of the Cheese Fair Andalusian artisan. An event that takes place in Villaluenga del Rosario and in which the properties of the product are exalted, as well as its characteristics that differentiate it from other great cheeses in the world. For this 2020, the edition number is expected 12 during the days 3, 4 and 5 of April in the Cadiz town. It also has other cheese factories, a fact that further confirms the success of this artisan food.
Monument to cheese
Two years ago, in 2018, the mayor of Villaluenga del Rosario inaugurated together with other local authorities and neighbors an original cheese roundabout. A monument that also pays tribute to the star of the municipality, eminently rural. The owner of rural accommodation The Payoyía They chose this denomination that reminds payoyo, absolute emblem of the humble town of cheese makers.
The Payoya goat in Villaluenga del Rosario
Actually, the name with which the woman was later baptized goat breed From where the milk is extracted for the production of cheese, it comes from the Villaluenguenses inhabitants. Because there, in the town located northeast of the province of Cadiz, they began to be called «Payoyos» to the natives of Cadiz. Then later that word was carried over to the goat, native Andalusian both of the Sierra de Grazalema and the round mountain range. Listed in Danger of extinction, It is also called "Montejaqueña" by the Malaga municipality of Montejaque.
En Villaluenga del Rosario there is today until six cheese factories that get a total of 400 thousand kilos of this product per year. Almost the 60% of all the cheese production of Cadiz focuses on this town in which more than 50 people are engaged in work related to a food to frame.
Payoyo cheeses
One of the most popular companies in this context is the one that has, exclusively, the patent of the brand payoyo, registered before the goat was given the same name. Founded in 1996, makes and sells cheese from both sheep and goat, as well as mixtures of both animals. Balls, curlers and even creams with cured, semi-cured, fresh, etc. are part of the extensive catalog of the Cadiz family. It is committed to differentiating itself from other manufacturers with its wrapped in butter, peppers, rosemary or wheat bran. A special offer that makes Payoyo cheeses in unique.
Variety of farmers take care of and pamper the goats or sheep from which they milk the milk for a cheese with very interesting qualities, low in fat but with a good level of proteins. Always achieved through traditional or artisan methods, the result is sensational for the palate. So much so that this brand has already received more than a hundred awards between medals and recognitions worldwide even.
Without a doubt, if for something you know Villaluenga del Rosario is for this Payoyo cheese so characteristic, so tasty and so indigenous to the Cadiz region. If you want to taste it, the best way to do it is by traveling there. Because in the middle of the mountains, in the middle of the most productive nature, a great product is born that no 'turófilo' can fail to try.
