Introduction
Major Gercino, a small town in the Greater Florianópolis region, is a true haven for those seeking authenticity and rich gastronomic traditions. With a population of just over three thousand inhabitants, Major Gercino holds culinary treasures passed down from generation to generation. Among these gems is Queijo Diamante, an artisanal product that not only enchants with its flavor, but also with the history and dedication of its producers. Let's explore Queijo Diamante, its production and the renowned Vô Ipa Cheese Shops It is Quicheo Marchi Site, which stand out for their excellence and tradition.
The Tradition of Diamond Cheese
Queijo Diamante is more than just a cheese; it is a symbol of Major Gercino’s traditions and culture. Produced in the Diamante community, this cheese reflects the cultural diversity of the immigrants who settled the region – Germans, Italians, Ukrainians, Poles and Portuguese-Brazilians.
With a production that varies from 4 to 25 kg per day, Queijo Diamante faces challenges in maintaining its tradition. The cheese is made from a semi-cooked mass, using only salt and coagulant. The milk used is fresh, from the last milking of the previous day mixed with the milk recently milked in the morning. The milk comes mainly from Jersey cows, known for their rich and creamy milk.
The production is artisanal in every sense. The cheese is salted directly onto the dough, followed by manual pressing using cloth and cedar wood molds. The pieces range from 2 kg to 6 kg, and the cheese matures on shelves made of native wood, at room temperature, for a period of 15 to 40 days. The result is a yellow-rind cheese, with a soft texture and mild flavor, with holes that give it an almond flavor.
Gastronomic Uses
In local cuisine, Diamante Cheese is versatile. It is consumed daily by families, accompanied by coffee, sweets, jams and bread. It is also used in traditional dishes, such as pirogue – a Polish pastry stuffed with potatoes and cheese – and as a filling for polenta and other regional delicacies.
Vô Ipa Cheese Factory: Guardian of Tradition
Among Major Gercino's cheese factories, Vô Ipa Cheese Factory stands out for its excellence and commitment to quality. The family of Nélio Schlichting, affectionately known as Vô Ipa, has a long tradition in cheese production. Originally from Leoberto Leal, they brought their skills to Major Gercino, settling in the community of Diamante.
Queijaria Vô Ipa is one of the few to boast the Selo Arte, a recognition from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock for artisanal products. This seal guarantees that the cheese is produced using manual or artisanal processes and raw materials of known origin. Winning this seal is a testament to the dedication and rigor with which the Schlichting family produces its cheese.
The history of Queijaria Vô Ipa is marked by challenges and achievements. In the 1990s, facing economic difficulties, the family continued to produce cheese with a borrowed cow. In 2017, they were awarded a project by the Banco do Brasil Foundation, receiving a Cheese House that allowed them to obtain health and safety regulations and register with the municipal inspection. Today, production is a combination of tradition and innovation, with the active participation of Marcelo, Nélio's son, who brought new energy to the cheese factory.
In addition to producing cheese, Queijaria Vô Ipa offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a delicious lunch upon reservation. This is a unique moment to savor authentic dishes prepared with local ingredients and family affection, providing a complete and unforgettable experience.
For cheese lovers who can’t visit in person, Queijaria Vô Ipa makes it easy to purchase its products. Cheeses can be ordered by phone, with delivery available to the Greater Florianópolis, European Valley and Itajaí Valley regions. This way, the authentic flavor of the Artisanal Colonial Cheese from the Diamante Region can be enjoyed anywhere.
Quicheo Marchi Site (Waiting for additional information from Valdecir)
Another cheese factory that holds the Arte Seal is the Quiqueo Marchi family, which has been producing this delicious product for over 60 years. The family tradition was maintained by Valdecir Marchi, who, with his wife Maria de Lourdes, faced challenges to preserve the artisanal production of Queijo Diamante. In 2017, the couple built a cheese house with the support of a project financed by the Banco do Brasil Foundation and Epagri, regulating production and maintaining artisanal quality.
Here, visitors have the unique opportunity to see up close the production process of artisanal cheese, which is made with raw milk after milking and following a family recipe that bears the surname of the patriarchs Marchi and Quiqueo.
In addition to offering an enriching experience to visitors, Queijaria Quiqueo Marchi sells Diamante Cheese directly on site. Each piece is carefully prepared, resulting in a cheese with a striking flavor and texture with characteristic holes that make it even more beautiful.
For those who wish to enjoy Queijo Diamante at home, the cheese factory delivers to the region. This is an invitation to explore not only the authentic flavor of Major Gercino, but also its rich cheesemaking tradition, personified by the dedication and passion of the Quiqueo Marchi family.
Conclusion
Visiting Major Gercino and tasting Diamante Cheese is an experience that goes beyond taste. It is an immersion into the culture and history of a community that values its roots and traditions. Queijaria Vô Ipa and Sítio Quiqueo Marchi, each in their own way, represent the commitment to quality and authenticity in the production of Artisanal Colonial Cheese from the Diamante Region. These cheese factories offer visitors the unique opportunity to taste products that are true gastronomic gems, steeped in history and family tradition.
Discover Major Gercino, taste Diamante Cheese and take with you the memory of a tradition that unites generations and cultures in every bite.
