Chechil (Armenian: չեչիլ) or chechili (Georgian: ჩეჩილი) is an Armenian brined string cheese,[1][2] popular in Armenia and Georgia.[3] It has a consistency approximating that of mozzarellaorsulguni and is produced in the form of dense strings, rolled up in a figure eight of thick braid-shaped ropes. Chechil is a smoked, braided, salty, string-cheese beer snack that is enjoyed by beer drinkers and enthusiasts across the globe. Chechil is made from pasteurized cow milk and is low in fat. Its taste is salty, very chewy, and with a smoky flavor to it. Its consistency is firm and smooth.[4]
Chechil is one of the cheeses produced in the Armenian Highlands and is also called husatsortel. It is a kneaded or pulled cheese, and the art of the cheese-maker is in stretching it thin so that it yields a "chicken-breast texture". The cheese is often sold braided in thick ropes. Curd is given a hot whey bath, then kneaded and stretched to the desirable, pliable consistency. In the Western world, chechil panir is often called Armenian string cheese.[1] Armenian refugees who settled in Syria after the Armenian genocide of 1915 introduced it in the country.[2]InTurkey, chechil is called çeçil or tel peyniri, and is widely popular being specifically produced in Erzurum and in Ardahan.[5][better source needed]InRussia, it is very popular as a pairing to beer in bars.[citation needed] It is also popular in Central Asia and Eastern Europe.[citation needed] Chechil is also produced in the USA. In the UK, Meskhuri Chechili is a "protected geographical indication" by agreement between the UK and Georgian governments, Georgia being the country of origin.".[6]
Related media on Commons
