Trnič – the Slovenian cheese of love

On the Velika Planina plain above Kamnik, there is a long tradition of producing a special cheese of distinctive shape called Trnič. This hand-sized cheese is made of curd, cream, and salt and decorated with special ornaments. In old times, the shepherds gave Trnič to their girlfriends as a sign of their love. Nowadays, this unique piece of cultural heritage of shepherding and Slovenian alpine culture is an important ingredient in every-day diet. Have you tried it yet?

An ancient Slovenian tradition proves that Trnič cheese is a symbol of love. Trnič was always made in pairs as its shape symbolises women`s breasts. Shepherds gave one to their girlfriends or future wives and kept the other for themselves. Decorated with the same ornaments, the two pieces of Trnič symbolise attraction, affection, and fidelity.

The Trnič hard cheese is a special Slovenian type of dried cheese in the shape of a pear, prepared in the areas of Velika, Mala, and Gojška planina in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. They are made of curd, cream, and salt and decorated with special ornaments stamped with small wooden relief-cut boards called seals. The 20-cm-long and 2.5-cm-wide small boards, engraved with interesting ornaments, are made of linden, maple, beech, larch or hazel wood. Shepherds used to make them during pasture and they are now listed in the Register of Slovene Cultural Heritage.

Among chefs and gourmands, Trnič cheese is regarded as a precious ingredient in recipes. People like it grated on their dishes, and when dried, it can be kept outside the fridge for a long time. What is the secret of a good Trnič cheese? It is all about kneading the curd into dough, which should not be too hard or too soft. Two litres of fresh Slovenian milk are used for the 4 to 5-day process. The 5-6 cm lumps are quickly shaped and left to dry partially and then finished and decorated with seals, the prints of wooden boards with engraved ornaments representing the shepherd`s artistic signature. This is what makes Trnič cheese an authentic souvenir from Kamnik.

Velika planina is also known for its genuine shepherd snacks such as soured milk with Žganci. The numerous visitors to the plain enjoy in many tasteful dishes such as Jota, Ričet, Minestrone, Goulash with bread dumplings, Stews, Štruklji with cheese, and other specialties.

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