Characterization of colonial cheese: appreciation a traditional product from southern Brazil

South Brazil produces colonial cheese based on Italian immigration recipes. This study characterized colonial cheese produced in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The sampling method was by conglomerate. A total of 293 rural producers were interviewed; they also provided cheeses for physicochemical and microbiologicanalyses. For the characterization of colonial cheese, parameters related to milk, processes, social aspects, physical aspects and ingredients were selected and cluster analysis was performed. Results showed that the colonial cheese is made with whole milk, rennet and salt, with a round shape, weighing an average of 1.22 kg, with an average maturation of 9.4 days, high moisture, fat, using raw or pasteurized milk. The recipe is familiar, passed down through generations and the sale is made directly to the consumer.