A 5,000-Year-Old Cheesemaking Tradition In Armenia

Motal cheese is a goat cheese flavored with herbs that is made throughout the Caucasus, particularly in the mountainous regions of eastern Armenia. The cheesemaking technique dates back about 5,000 years and is in danger of disappearing. Insider traveled to the town of Chambarak, Armenia, about two hours northeast from the capital, Yerevan, to meet Ruslan Torosyan, a local who’s working to keep the cheese alive.
Preparing the cheese is a three-month process that requires sourcing goat’s milk from local farmers, preparing homemade rennet to be added to the milk, preserving the cheese in salt, adding fresh herbs to the cheese, and aging it inside terra-cotta pots in wood ash. Torosyan and his family worked to bring the cheese to production by collaborating with Slow Food International, an organization that aims to preserve ancient food traditions all over the world. Even though Torosyan has perfected the traditional cheesemaking method, selling motal comes with obstacles. He can't sell his cheese in most European countries because motal doesn't meet the European Union's requirements for importing dairy products. But selling within the country is also difficult because the cheese is made at a limited quantity and is more expensive than most Armenian cheeses.
Despite international regulations and being far from the capital, Torosyan and his family spread the word by organizing master classes for tourists. They condense the three-month cheesemaking process into an hour and half to share the ancient technique.
For more, visit: www.motal.am.
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A 5,000-Year-Old Cheesemaking Tradition In Armenia

[@desdes5622]

Doing tourist classes is genius! It makes money, raises awareness, and possible creates a bigger market. So smart!

[@CarzorStelatis]

What an amazing family, preserving part of their country's ancient history.

[@YALQUZAQ_AZ]

102 years is not ancient

[@nazrinhasanova6225]

YALQUZAQ lol🤣🤘🏻

[@sarduriii6907]

@@YALQUZAQ_AZ Azerbaijan yeah it's not an old country but armenia has a history of 3000 years( here read): en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Armenia

[@YALQUZAQ_AZ]

@@sarduriii6907 Gaymenia is an artificial state that was created on West Azerbaijani land by Stalin

[@ritam4926]

@@YALQUZAQ_AZ that's exactly the story of azerbijan. I guess evolution still awaits for you

[@carolbuzelim]

I just love videos about cheese

[@hmmm4989]

Same bro

[@bryanborja8981]

Same

[@VeryTastySoup87]

Who doesn't

[@bryanborja8981]

@@VeryTastySoup87 tbh lacktose intolerant people....

[@chrono-glitchwaterlily8776]

I just came from Ted-Ed's cheese video.

[@edwardtimothy3581]

I love how technology evolve. But i don't wanna see a tradition disappear

[@francesleones4973]

This cheese looks like a delicious labor of love. I hope more people will get to learn how to make it.

[@scorpleeon]

Bless him. The more artisanal cheese from many cultures in this world the better.

[@raffiart5121]

Amazing Armenian tradition. Would love to try it!

[@YALQUZAQ_AZ]

They steal it from Turkic kitchen

[@raffiart5121]

YALQUZAQ Amazing ARMENIAN traditions! Hope the rear end of haters burns out of jealousy!!

[@YALQUZAQ_AZ]

@@raffiart5121 If armenians want peace with us they must immediately withdraw from Karabakh and must obey the international laws

[@raffiart5121]

YALQUZAQ The time that you talk to us with “must” is gone! Get used it.

[@paolabueso]

His smile at the end was priceless. I hope they are able to continue doing what they love and make a great profit while they are at it. They seem like really lovely people. Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@chudbabies]

I hope they figure out an efficient method of making these. Seems like the pottery is being under-valued. need to work with teh makers, to develop their recipes and preparation.

[@SBVCP]

Although I agree, I think is mostly the process what the dude is trying to preserve, otherwise it would be done at a factory probably for a lot less moeny

[@annagrigoryan4909]

Dear Caroline and Insider, thanks for this awesome video! Love ya!

[@ellifunk]

Love their language, food & culture

[@YALQUZAQ_AZ]

Their language is from Ethiopia,food from Turks,culture from Azerbaijan

[@ritam4926]

@@YALQUZAQ_AZ words like azerbijan and culture don't connect with each other.

[@YALQUZAQ_AZ]

@@ritam4926 I suggest you one thing,if you love your country go to frontline and protect if you have honor 😁😁😂

[@jollyjokress3852]

The video prevents the info getting lost somewhat.

[@justarandomotaku210]

that's so cool. he sounds like a true artist.

[@HeyMelani]

These are the videos that I love to watch!! I get to know incredible new things 😍🥰 so thank you! And wow now I want to try it 🤤 Great video and much love from Italy!

[@zaarkhananal7165]

The man says, "You have to love this job, if you don't love this job there's no way that you can do it". That's the overall standard MO for all things of a constructive nature. Because constructivity does not typically generate much monetarily and capitalism is the standard thought process of today. May Yah bless this man for doing what he can to maintain the constructive aspects of his culture.

[@VannieEats]

We need to learn to make cheese from this guy so we can flex on our friends and family 😎

[@chova3305]

armenia has the best traditions

[@jamilshekinski]

You mean stolen traditions..

[@muralig.k8474]

I really love watching food insider most of my free time . It's so informative and satisfying !!!!!!! ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

[@SAGAtoday]

Hallelujah you actually got something about Armenians right

[@rashad.]

Its totally wrong, 5000 years in Armenia ? Show me that map of Armenia 5000 years before. What a BS story. You guys just like Trump, lie after lie after lie...

[@whotesamurai]

@@rashad. you're litteraly spouting stuff you don't even have any idea about Maps Bro cartography started in the 16th century so even if somebody made a map it's not going to be fully accurate so the most I can show you is this map images.app.goo.gl/papdyRgvLGnpMgPE6 2nd of all most of the wars that happened had other countries mixed into it but armenians were refered as something else like the indo-europeans And most importantly bro have you ever been to armenia there are litteraly MAN MADE CAVES on your way to the georgian border

[@rashad.]

I solemnly believe that some Armenians showed you some man made caves and said there were here 3000years BC... dude search russian history of Armenia, it made a Republic in 1918 after 1st WW, so there wasn't any armenia, there were Irevan Kingdom that 99% was Azeri people that are turks. Also my friend I am an engineer offshore that is very much related to maps and typography so I very much believe I know much more about maps than you)) Go to Georgia and ask old monastery people about armenian claim to have that caves or Christian religion related info, they will show you how wrong they are...

[@whotesamurai]

@@rashad. georgia? Bro the guy who made the georgian alphabet is an armenian who made the georgian alphabet as a favor Georgia itself isn't interested in armenia for a long while now I don't have to blow my brains out since people learn armenian history from 1st class till the end of highschool non stop People litteraly changed many things changed you guys call the people armenians some call hayasa not all countries write spell and pronounce the same countries the same way and it will change throughout the time

[@rashad.]

@@whotesamuraiI have to say this: what a bullocks you talking about. All Georgians joking that armenians steal their alphabet and while running the letters become italic ;) you have been brain washed. Do you have armenian girlfriend or some kind of relatives. Because otherwise your eyes can't be so one-sided to the global problem of armenian lobbyist faking everything in their favor. look the the net and go to national library and compare their dating. Armenia become a government in 1918 with help of Georgian and Azerbaijan representatives that were in Antanta negotiations. Henry Kissenger, read his book. All of them came to Irevan kingdom after Russia invasion to their land and all armenians moved to there from Libya and Syria... I can continue endlessly...

[@RockstarEater]

At first, I thought this said 5000 year old cheese. 😂

[@X99Zero]

that's probably how long it took him to make this cheese given his pace

[@IRLTheGreatZarquon]

I mean, I'd definitely eat 5,000 year old cheese just to say I did.

[@RockstarEater]

@@IRLTheGreatZarquon i would too. I'm a rockstar eater!

[@IRLTheGreatZarquon]

@@RockstarEater I just saw your video about Guatemalan food, it was pretty damn good

[@RockstarEater]

@@IRLTheGreatZarquon Thanks Patrick!

[@tatevabovian937]

🇦🇲🇦🇲🇦🇲🇦🇲🇦🇲🇦🇲🇦🇲🇦🇲🇦🇲🇦🇲❤

[@fluuuckthecolour1317]

You making great work, ahperes

[@zuko1569]

Those red pots look so cute. It's like a grenade packed with deliciousness

[@mares2223]

I love goat cheese I wish I could taste it

[@BigboiiTone]

Truly an artisinal process. Shame on the EU for contributing to hardship for these often overlooked/ignored people

[@FingeringThings]

Imagine if they had a 5000 year old goat cheese lying around that they forgot about

[@justarandomfurbywithakitch903]

Why did I think you said?: _"Imagine if they had a 5000 year old goat lying around that they forgot about"_

[@revo5124]

@@justarandomfurbywithakitch903 same loo

[@wandilande9628]

Add this in my list when I visit armenia

[@holaholafelipito]

When he started speaking about terracotta pots, I instantly remembered System of a down's Vicinity of Obscenity and all seemed to fit perfectly due to them being of Armenian descent.

[@anonymouspotato]

3:38 for those like me who misunderstood, no,the thumbnail shows wax, not cheese.

[@leoleon4030]

Հայեր կան?

[@svnkri1875]

Այո

[@pocoyo6854]

Lb

[@canadiandude24]

Ayo, from Canada

[@lilitmardanyan6403]

Այո

[@YALQUZAQ_AZ]

@El Caudillo Gayastan sounds better

[@Passionforfoodrecipes]

It's alive...ITS ALIVE! ⚡💡 Sorry, that cheesy joke was pretty *uncultured* of me! 😋

[@fardinzayen]

If I had enough $$ I think my life purpose would’ve been to try all the cheeses in the world

[@loviemonroe21]

This cheese looks delicious! I would def want to learn how to make it

[@jollyjokress3852]

Most thought the beeswax was the cheese.

[@Randomnessthatkeepsmeawake]

To the person, reading this hope your parents live long to see you succeed.

[@gowasugaming9371]

This is pretty similar to the process of making siruk cheese my father makes, only that involves keeping it buried underground for 3 months

[@iSon25]

Salute to you! 🙌

[@rakibmohammadrafiuddin8986]

only respect and love

[@hafsahkhan49]

These videos are satisfying

[@wesrr4395]

Best souvenir ever

[@Bond067]

Great 👍

[@Commodityforex]

Inedible talented job 👍

[@Zxlvk]

I love how this place just randomly puts cheese underground

[@BroAnarchy]

Mmmm... Cheese making video... _awwwwwghhhhhhhhhh_ 🤤

[@donlekrosan4291]

Oi tell the armenian guy I'm about to do it myself as well

[@chaoapingajashyam6370]

Awesome video, many thanks to Food Insider

[@Hinaatje]

Great vids guys. I love these ancient food styles. Also im from the netherlands so yeahhh......

[@Bacondoggo]

Damn I’m Armenian and I haven’t heard of it. Looks good tho

[@foodielah535]

I love those cute pots. They make the cheese look more attractive!

[@catodiscismo]

armenians, goats, and cheese. what's to not love in this video?

[@ifrahahmad6423]

Who else feels highly educated after watching even one Insider video?

[@irvingr7538]

👀👀 Good Video Interesting.

[@redskinmixedmartialarts2883]

Wow beautiful

[@gabbsando]

this channel is fueled by cheese

[@shonitsinghal]

I clicked the link to see 5000 year old cheese!! Poor me....

[@jerwanberwary7005]

Similar to Kurdish cheese parent use to make when we were little kids. Really good with some eggs or hot nan and tea.

[@ErickMLG]

my favorite food is cheese

[@TwoChefsAndAKnife]

Taking cutting the cheese to a whole old, traditional level.

[@aramehpatrikyan1119]

Odd Flex: I don’t need to read subtitles today 😌😌😌

[@plat1691]

I thought cheese which was in the ground for 5000 years

[@YALQUZAQ_AZ]

The country is 102 years old,how it should be 5000?

[@lesykkonecky1547]

“Terro-cotta” (Minecraft player enters the room) it’s PRONOUNCED TERCOTTA!

[@ThunderTaco206]

I need to find a way to taste this cheese.

[@mrboo31]

The earth is only 2020 years old how thus this exist

[@ShinichiKudoQatnip]

This seriously looked like cottage cheese 🧀

[@phoenix2.020]

The cheese looks good!

[@Gev966]

2:51 not oregano but thyme

[@kimtaehyung-un7py]

I'm hungry 🤤

[@zyonss]

*You know me, I don’t really care what I eat*

[@SpoonerStudios]

I love cheese, any cheese, all cheeses. I want to try it.

[@JohnFoley1701]

They skipped over a bunch of steps in the beginning. Most cheese is made by heating milk and adding rennet, but there are dozens of little differences in temperature, curd cutting, and molding as well as bacteria cultures to include that can differentiate something as far apart as parmigiana and brie. As far as i can tell, this is feta with herbs in fancy packaging, but i’m sure what sets it apart is all the boring stuff they didn’t show us.

[@skeetsmcgrew3282]

I agree. The whole time I was thinking, yeah no shit it's called cheese, isn't how basic cheese is made common knowledge?

[@electroshot8872]

The Armenian language sounds like a mix of Russian and Persian/Iranian. Edit: and Turkish.

[@electroshot8872]

@Y.K’ i forgot to say that, thanks for reminding me..

[@electroshot8872]

@Martin Shepherd yeah😂

[@kristaporkhach]

Well I mean Iranians had ruled over Armenia for centuries, as have the Russians and Turks. So hence the influence, but Armenian is definitely unique and distinct from all 3.

[@FeistyGirl007]

No, it does NOT. Sorry. Russian, Iranian/ Persian and Turkish, sound NOTHING like each other. 🤔 NONE OF THESE 4 LANGUAGES DO.🧐 IF you REALLY knew ?? You would not be saying this. I am 100% Armenian. ( Born in America. ) My 4 Grandparents, were all born and raised in Turkey. My Parents were born and raised in Iran. ( Persia.) I spent 1 month living in Russia and Armenia, for a special college/Armenian Church program, many, many years ago... SO... I was SURROUNDED WITH ALL OF THESE LANGUAGES, GROWING UP. And... THEY SOUND NOTHING ALIKE ! 😥 ( Other than, a few WORDS, here and there, borrowed from each language ??? They sound NOTHING ALIKE. ) 🤣 People often can confuse Italian with Spanish. Or, Moroccan with French. LOL! But, your comparison is really untrue. Its like comparing French to German. 🤔 LOL!! 🤔 Just way off base and WRONG. Fyi, Just because German and English, SHARE SEVERAL WORDS ?? That doesn't mean these languages sound similar, too. Smh. Turkish and Russian, are very harsh languages. Armenian is not. EVEN ITALIAN, is a much, more beautiful, lovely, " sing song" language, that bounces off your tongue, than, other languages, that it is often compared to. ❤ Hence, so, many Operas and Operettas in Italian. Italian, actually DOES sound differently, from any Spanish language, to the trained ear. They are not alike, even though they are considered, 2, of the 3, Romance Languages. While, German Operas and Operettas, sound VASTLY DIFFERENT, from Italian Operas. German is a brash language. In your face. Not feminine. More masculine. The OPPOSITE of Italian, which is more feminine... Turkish, Russian, German, Austrian languages, are much more brash, harsh and much more of a masculine sound to listen to. While Armenian, Italian, Iranian/Persian/ Farsi and Spanish, are more of a sweet and feminine sound, to listen to. Sorry, but, this is NOT, just my opinion...Lol ! Linguists KNOW and understand this. ❤ ... It just IS, what it is... 🤓

[@electroshot8872]

@@FeistyGirl007 ok, then I'm genuinely sorry my friend🤝 I just thought the pronounciation of these 3 languages combined was the equivalent to Armenian. Now that you've said all that I take it back. I'm Albanian btw so I don't even know you guys speak in caucasus to begin with lol

[@tumietube]

They should tell Kim Kardashian about this maybe she can save the cheese

[@ryantriplett4963]

Dude dipped the cheese in sand

[@Sagittarius-A-Star]

I somehow like this guy.

[@sajeevpp5849]

What all things rennet is made of

[@sagardyenchilwar8762]

Calf's stomach? What they kill the calf after just being borned instantly

[@shinu1923]

That's a normal practice in dairy farms globally, male calfs are killed for veal and organs since they can't produce milk, and females are put into small cages and force fed formula to make them get large and fat, so then after about 4 years of milk production, once they dry up they'll be sent to slaughter house and have plenty of meat on them for beef.

[@meowpoosaymeow]

Love Armenia 🇦🇲 from Greece 🇬🇷

[@tkzk330]

How's the taste??

[@jamilshekinski]

Armenians couldn't stand that popular Facebook page "Tasty Life" is promoting authentic Azerbaijani food, so they paid Food Insider to promote Azerbaijani cheese as their own!)) 5.000 years my a**. Armenians has been living in our region since 1828 when Russians moved them to Western Azerbaijani lands after the "Treaty of Turkmenchay" between russians and persians. Shame on you Food Insider for not researching the materials before you publish it.

[@anonymouspotato]

1:59 Cow stomach, egg and salt. I've had cow stomach before, it doesn't taste bad if cooked right. But the thought of it still weird.

[@topptopp832]

Jonah's favorite chees

[@myhomemyshow3950]

🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@dinadina_tnss4901]

"First we pour regular milk, goat or cow milk" isn't regular milk cow milk?

[@Starezvr]

Dina Dina_tnss every mil is regular, same with titty mil k.

[@ArmenBabayan69]

it's a bit of a nuance in translation - what he means is "we're taking simple milk" as in there are no other/complex ingredients at first

[@tosht2515]

@Dina Dina_tnss You can use *_raw_* milk or *_pasteurized_* milk when making cheeses. Regular in this case probably means raw. That's how I took it when I watched the video.

[@mehdishirzadeh4273]

I northern Iran, people make similar cheese and call it Motal too but with some variations. Some use sheep skin to store the cheese and some use clay pot and bury the pot in soil for several months. Cumin is used in some regions which gives the cheese a unique flavor. Glad that he is trying to save this cheese 👍👍

[@YALQUZAQ_AZ]

We use motal cheese too because it is a turkic word. Northern Iran is South Azerbaijan which is full of Turks

[@ritam4926]

@@YALQUZAQ_AZ so two ancient countries like Iran and Armenia happened to steal some land from azeri?)) Son, I understand that lying is in your blood, but seriously think about the rest of the world laughing at you.

[@YALQUZAQ_AZ]

@@ritam4926 Persians don't have history after Sassanids, Armenia is an artificial state that was created on West Azerbaijani lands by Stalin in 1918

[@ritam4926]

@@YALQUZAQ_AZ 🤣🤣🤣 my point exactly.. you are sad unknown tyurks with no history whatsoever, trying to be recognized by world which btw may happen but only under those circumstances 1. Have some REAL history. 2. Evolution yourselves by all meanings. 3. Loose that hatred ( it's so old school). After accomplishing those "little" details, only then you might actually be on same level as civilized world

[@coldcold2209]

Motal cheese Azerbaijan national cook

[@coldcold2209]

@Андрей 'Снайпер' Кузнецов #Armenia #Artsakh hahaha idi naxuy

[@maxpoweroverdrive]

Why does this cheese looks more like Panner?

[@pepperonipog1575]

Seems like he just needs to lower his price ...

[@shinu1923]

Then he wouldn't get any profit and therefore would have to get another job, which would cost him valuable time that he could be spending making cheese.

[@pepperonipog1575]

Shinu he gets no looks because of his price. Lowering his price doesn’t mean he doesn’t profit. Lowering prices usually means you’re targeting a wider audience so that the price gap is filled by quantity.

[@shinu1923]

@@pepperonipog1575 You do know that this costs money to make, right? He needs to pay for the milk, the materials to make the rennet, the pots, the cloth, the wax, etc. If he lowers the price there will be no profit for him.

[@pepperonipog1575]

Shinu so you’re saying that this dude is nonprofit? 😂😂😂 bruh he’s saying there’s not enough money in it for him dumbass.😂😂

[@pepperonipog1575]

Shinu I can tell you are either under the age of 18 or never attended college, or maybe you were a communications major. But please don’t try to argue about things you know nothing about. Thank you! Have a good one!

[@mmyersfan]

Såvę țhę Çhěęšę

[@irenaeus9405]

The audio for headphone users....

[@MintPro47]

Τhe cheese looks delicious

[@zaurisgandarov1857]

I know this will start an endless debate between people who have no real proof and only for the sake fighting and rebutting over diplomatic problems between the countries- but Motal is a cheese type originating in the Caucasus region- and is an Azerbaijani cheese- the proof being the word Motal- which means a Waterskin made typically from sheep or goat skin that was intended to hold water- but then was found to be a good place for making cheese

[@jamilshekinski]

There's Armenians working in Food Insider if you look at the credit at the end of the video, and they're trying to promote our cuisine as their own, counting on that Westerners that'll watch this video don't know nothing about our regions history whatsoever and they'll start to call these items "Armenian" and pass on the message with complete disregard to historical facts. I think our food promotion on Facebook page "Tasty Life" made them very angry, and on this channel they'll try to "prove otherwise."

[@zaurisgandarov1857]

@@jamilshekinski I agree, plus they didn't even make the cheese the right way- I hadn't watched the video before- the cheese has to be made inside a Motal- a Waterskin made from sheep or goat skin- and close it and let it sit there for 2-3 months- they didn't even try to make a valid enough video

[@koppelia]

Armenians are well known for adding a "little" more years to things they have than it actually is - 5000 years? Not only IE didn't even reached the current territories of armenia at that time, but it is debatable if they had lactose tolerance at all 5000 years ago.

[@mekartopile]

5000 years my ass

[@IDFVids]

Love Armenia!🇦🇲🇮🇱

[@meowpoosaymeow]

@Zahin Shahazad shut up with Azerbaijan

[@IDFVids]

@Zahin Shahazad thousands of armenians live in Israel. They have a quarter here and many churches and restaurants. Some of them even serve in the Israeli military. Apart from that a lot of Israelis also love Armenian culture and vast majority of us recognize the Armenian Genocide.

[@jamilshekinski]

You're a disgrace to Jewish people. Armenians were never your friends. Armenians been actively supporting Hitler and his evil deeds. Check out Garegin Nzhdeh who's considered a hero in Armenia and get your facts straight before posting something. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garegin_Nzhdeh

[@IDFVids]

@@jamilshekinski the british, americans, french, chinese, and even russian had units in the wehrmacht. It means nothing. They eere defectors or POWs trying to survive. Youre fos

[@jamilshekinski]

​@@IDFVids Probably, but do you see Brits, French, Chinese and others heroize those big figures?! No!! They've been declared as national traitors after the WW2, but Armenians deliberately chose to heroize Nzhdeh as a national hero of Armenia. It basically means that they support everything that has been done by him. If you were a true Jew, you would never ignore this fact. Garegin Nzhdeh was a fascist, PERIOD!!

[@Juand4_44]

Yes

[@momonohomo150]

👍

[@glassestarzan8702]

*looks around*... No Turkish people commenting that this is their method being stolen by Armenians... What happened? . . . . . Chill it's a joke.

[@SWNerd]

I found 3 Azeri keyboard warriors already

[@glassestarzan8702]

@@SWNerd cheers, good work mate! Lol

[@idiotdecul9851]

Nice✨

[@jondeiconic2552]

Now that is very ancient

[@shogher]

ուրց is thyme not oregano!