Castellano Cheese

A Spanish sheep's milk cheese that has a natural rind with a zigzag pattern pressed into it. This pattern is the result of the curds being drained in special plastic hoops, which cause the pattern to form on the cheese. Castellano is known as a hooped cheese because of this draining method. The cheese has a yellow color and a hard, firm texture. It has a slight sugary flavor almost like caramel with a bit of saltiness. It is served as an hors d'oeuvre, appetizer, or snack.