Plesnivec Blue Cheese from Czechia

Plesnivec is a distinguished blue cheese from the Czech Republic. This cheese features a creamy, crumbly texture and distinctive blue-green veining. It offers a bold, piquant flavor with a sharp, salty finish. Cheesemakers craft it from cow’s milk in the tradition of Central European blue varieties.

Distinctive Features

Plesnivec typically forms into medium-sized wheels weighing between 2 to 3 kilograms. Its rind is natural, thin, and often shows patches of white, gray, and blue mold. The interior paste is ivory to pale yellow, densely marbled with blue-green Penicillium roqueforti veins. The texture is semi-soft and slightly crumbly yet creamy when at room temperature.

This cheese has a pronounced humidity level, contributing to its moist, spreadable quality. Its aroma is robust and earthy, with clear fungal and lactic notes. The flavor profile is intensely savory, combining saltiness with a sharp, peppery tang from the blue mold. The finish is long and complex, leaving a lingering spicy sensation on the palate.

Cheese Varieties

Classic Plesnivec remains the most common variety, aged for about three months. Some producers offer a longer-aged version, which develops a firmer texture and more intense, sharper flavor. A younger, milder style is also available, with less blue veining and a creamier consistency. These variations allow consumers to choose based on their preference for intensity.

Regional adaptations include versions made with pasteurized milk for wider distribution. Artisanal producers sometimes use raw milk, adhering to traditional methods for a more complex taste. Another variety incorporates additional spices or herbs into the curd. These small-batch versions are often found in local markets and specialty cheese shops.

History and Traditions

Plesnivec originated in the pastoral regions of Moravia in the Czech Republic. Local farmers developed it to preserve surplus milk through the winter months. The cheese became a staple in rural households, valued for its long shelf life and strong flavor. It is often associated with traditional Czech hospitality and festive meals.

The region is also famous for its beer, wine, and hearty cuisine. Plesnivec is traditionally served during holidays and family gatherings. It pairs excellently with Czech dark beers and Moravian wines. The cheese embodies the resourcefulness and rich culinary heritage of the area.

Production Process

Producers start with high-quality cow’s milk, which they heat and inoculate with lactic acid bacteria. They add Penicillium roqueforti spores to the milk before coagulation. The curds are cut, drained, and hand-ladled into perforated molds. This careful handling helps create the cheese’s characteristic open structure.

The young cheeses are then salted and pierced with needles to encourage mold growth. They age in humid, cool cellars for a minimum of eight weeks. During this time, the blue veins develop and the flavors intensify. The entire process requires skill and attention to environmental conditions.

Wine or Beverage Pairings

Local Czech wines like Moravian Riesling or Frankovka complement Plesnivec beautifully. Their acidity and fruitiness balance the cheese’s saltiness and pungency. Czech dark lagers or porter beers also make excellent pairings. Their maltiness contrasts with the sharp blue mold flavors.

Internationally, sweet wines such as Sauternes or Port work well with this cheese. The sweetness counteracts the salt and enhances the creamy texture. For non-alcoholic options, try a rich, dark roast coffee or a pear cider. These beverages provide a robust counterpart to the cheese’s intensity.

Suitable Fruit and Vegetables

Fresh pears and apples are classic companions for Plesnivec. Their sweetness and crisp texture contrast with the cheese’s saltiness and creaminess. Figs, both fresh and dried, also pair excellently. Their honeyed flavor and chewy texture enhance the blue mold notes.

Walnuts and hazelnuts provide a crunchy, earthy element that complements the cheese. Roasted root vegetables like beetroot or carrot bring out its savory depth. A simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette can balance the richness. These pairings highlight the versatility of Plesnivec in various dishes.

Suitable Meat and Fish dishes

Plesnivec works wonderfully crumbled over grilled steaks or burgers. Its bold flavor stands up to rich, red meats. It also enhances simple roast chicken or turkey dishes. The cheese melts beautifully, adding depth to meat-based sauces.

For fish, try it with smoked salmon or trout. The smokiness pairs well with the blue mold. It can be incorporated into a stuffing for baked white fish. Avoid delicate fish varieties that might be overwhelmed by its strong taste.

Questions and answers

Presentation

Remove Plesnivec from the refrigerator at least one hour before serving. This allows it to reach the ideal temperature of around 18°C. At this temperature, its aroma and flavor fully develop. The texture becomes creamier and more spreadable.

Present the cheese on a wooden board or slate plate for a rustic look. Arrange whole pieces or wedges to show off the blue veining. Provide a separate knife for cutting and spreading to avoid flavor transfer. Offer cheese knives or small spreaders for guests to serve themselves.

Recipe Ideas

Plesnivec and Pear Salad

This salad combines the bold flavor of Plesnivec with sweet, fresh pears. It makes a perfect light lunch or a starter for a dinner party. The contrast between the cheese and fruit is both refreshing and satisfying. Use ripe but firm pears for the best texture.

Toasted walnuts add a crunchy element and earthy flavor. A simple honey mustard dressing ties all the components together. This dish is quick to prepare but looks impressive on the plate. Serve it immediately after assembling to maintain freshness.

• 100g Plesnivec cheese, crumbled
• 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
• 50g walnut halves, toasted
• 100g mixed salad greens
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Whisk together olive oil, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
2. Arrange the salad greens on a large platter or individual plates.
3. Scatter the sliced pears and toasted walnuts over the greens.
4. Sprinkle the crumbled Plesnivec cheese evenly over the salad.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the top just before serving.

Plesnivec Stuffed Chicken Breast

This recipe stuffs chicken breasts with a creamy Plesnivec mixture. It is an elegant main course suitable for a special occasion. The cheese melts inside the chicken, keeping it moist and flavorful. The blue mold adds a sophisticated twist to a classic dish.

Serve with roasted potatoes and a green vegetable for a complete meal. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.

• 4 chicken breasts
• 150g Plesnivec cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp cream cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C.
2. Mix the Plesnivec, cream cheese, and chives in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast.
4. Stuff each breast with the cheese mixture. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
5. Heat olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
8. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Similar Cheeses and Alternatives

Roquefort from France is a well-known alternative to Plesnivec. It is also a blue cheese made from sheep’s milk with a Protected Designation of Origin. Gorgonzola from Italy offers a similar creamy texture and sharp flavor. Stilton from England is another blue cheese with a crumbly texture and complex taste.

For a local Czech alternative, consider Olomoucke tvaruzky. This cheese is a strong-smelling, ripened curd cheese with a unique flavor. It is much smaller and has a different texture but shares a bold character. Niva is another Czech blue cheese very similar to Plesnivec in style and production.