The Green Treasure of Erzurum: Küflü Civil Cheese

Imagine cheese as a treasure chest! In Erzurum, there is precisely such a special treasure: Molded Civil Cheese. This cheese, also known as “pressed cheese” or “fermented cheese,” stands out immediately from other cheeses with its green color and distinctive flavor. So why does a cheese become moldy, and why do people love it so much? Let us open the door to this green and delicious mystery together!

What Is This Molded Cheese?

Molded Civil Cheese is the aged version of civil cheese, made from fresh milk in the highland pastures of Erzurum. It is a stringy, slightly salty cheese that undergoes a maturation process. Fresh civil cheeses are pressed tightly into special containers and left to rest in cool places. During this resting period, beneficial molds inside the cheese gradually grow, imparting its famous green hue and unique aroma. This mold is entirely different from the harmful molds that spoil bread—it is a special and healthy type of mold. Just as beneficial bacteria in certain yogurts enhance their flavor and nutritional value, this mold makes the cheese more flavorful and beneficial.

How Is This Green Treasure Stored in the Kitchen?

Making and storing this special cheese requires great skill. Civil cheeses are packed tightly into wooden containers called “külek” or into barrels, with no air left between them. Once sealed, they are left to rest for months in a cool, dark place—much like a bear entering hibernation. When this period ends, the cheese develops its beautiful green color and sharp flavor. This prepared cheese is considered the crown jewel of breakfast tables in Erzurum and one of the most valued offerings to guests.

(Generated by Artificial Intelligence)

The Bold Flavor of Breakfast

Molded Civil Cheese adds a unique excitement to breakfasts with its sharp, aromatic taste. It is commonly eaten between warm lavaş bread or slightly melted in butter. Some people sprinkle it over fried eggs to enhance its flavor. Although its taste may seem unusual at first, once you become accustomed to it, you will find it irresistible. This cheese is also highly nutritious and serves as one of the secret energy sources that help the people of Erzurum start their day with vigor.

(Generated by Artificial Intelligence)