Milk: pasteurized or raw cow's, goat's and sheep's milk
Country: Cyprus
Region: Middle East
Family: Pasta filata
Kind: semi-soft, artisan, brined
Rind: rindless
Texture: chewy, creamy, firm and springy
Color: white
Flavor: salty, savory, tangy
Aroma: strong
Alternative Spellings: Haloumi-Style Cheese, haloumi, hallomi
Description: Halloumi is a Cypriot firm, brined, slightly springy white cheese, traditionally made from a mixture of goat and sheep milk, although these days cow’s milk is also used. Its texture is similar to that of mozzarella or thick feta, except that it has a strong, salty flavor imbibed from the brine preserve. Cooking the Halloumi removes all its saltiness and empowers it with a creamy texture. Since the cheese has a high melting point, it can be easily fried or grilled. Its unusualness lies in the preparation of the cheese where no acid or acid-producing bacterium is required. Halloumi is generally served during the warmer months with watermelon, due to its refreshing qualities. It is an essential part of a Cyprus Meze and many a times it is offered as an accompaniment with cold beer. The cheese also tastes lovely when grilled, pan-fried or thinly sliced on a salad.