What is Antakya Küflü Sürkü?
The mould-aged version of Antakya Sürkü, made from the same spiced çökelek base kneaded with zahter, allspice, cumin, and mahleb, then hand-shaped into 150–200 g cones. The cones are aged in covered vessels until a natural mould layer develops on the surface.
Taste, aroma, and texture
A hard outer crust of about 5 mm forms through drying, while the interior remains softer and lighter in colour. It crumbles under pressure, but the cone keeps its overall shape. The mould layer gives the exterior a rough, irregular surface.
Herbal notes are strongly dominant; zahter, cumin, and mahleb create an intense spiced bouquet. Earthy notes are strongly present from the natural mould. Animal notes are notable. Lactic and fruity notes are faint. No smoky character. More pungent than fresh Sürkü.
Cheesepedia taste profile
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A general profile can describe Antakya Küflü Sürkü, but it cannot know how closely the cheese fits your preferences. Cheesepedia Premium compares this profile with your personal taste profile and lets you evaluate cheeses side by side.
See your personal matchHow to enjoy it
- Served in small pieces on meze plates.
- Crumbled over salads, flatbreads, or roasted vegetables.
- Used sparingly in spreads or savoury appetisers for intense flavour.
What pairs with Antakya Küflü Sürkü?
Classic serving companions from the Cheesepedia catalog.
- Salted Cracker
- Rusks
- Mini Simit
- Stick Cracker
- Sesame Cracker
Find the right wine in Cheesepedia
Cheesepedia uses an expert-designed algorithm that compares the cheese's taste, intensity, and production profile with the wine's body, acidity, tannin, and sweetness. Wine pairings are not generated by AI.
See wine pairings for Antakya Küflü SürküStory and origin
A long-aged variant of traditional Antakya Sürkü, developed within Hatay’s centuries-old çökelek tradition. Fresh Sürkü cones are aged in covered vessels until wild moulds colonise the surface, deepening the flavour profile. Registered as a geographical indication in Turkey.
Storage and serving
- Store in the fridge, wrapped in cheese paper.
- Air travel: suitable only for short trips if sealed and kept cold.
Profile sources and methodology
This page uses the same curated record as the Cheesepedia mobile app. Production-style and designation references provide context; they do not imply endorsement of Cheesepedia.
