Cheese of the Week: Azeitao

Azeitao is an incredibly unique cheese. Not just because you can sometimes eat it with a spoon but also because of an intensely grassy, nutty flavor with tangy, slightly bitter finish. If you're looking for a full-flavored cheese, Azeitao usually fits the bill. Sometimes, the cheese is so runny you can scoop it out of the rind with a spoon. Other times it's firmer, but still has a soft, sticky texture.

Unlike many types of cheese that are thickened with animal rennet, Azeitao is thickened with plant rennet from the cardoon thistle.

If you can find this Portuguese cheese, it's worth a sample. Try pairing it with Hefeweizen or a crisp white wine.