About the Greek Cheese Xynomizithra
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Xynomizithra is a Greek whey cheese that includes some milk. It is made from sheep’s milk, goat’s milk, or a combination of both. Xynomizithra is a sour variant of mizithra. The amount of full-cream milk is about 15%. While different areas of Greece produce Xynomizithra cheese, it is mainly produced in Crete, specifically in the prefectures of Lasithi, Heraklion, Chania, and Rethymno.
The island of Sifnos also produces Xynomizithra Greek cheese. In fact, it is the traditional cheese of Sifnos. It is called xynomizithra on the island of Sifnos, but here it is actually not produced from whey, but from whole milk from cows, sheep, or goats. Xynomizithra is of Sifnos is prepared without maturation in the local households. Xynomizithra that is made in Naxos is made from local goat’s milk. The milk is not heated, but the rennet helps to thicken the milk in just 24 hours.
The name xynomizithra comes from two words: mizithra and xyno, meaning “acidic whey cheese.”Xynomizithra Greek cheese has PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status. Milk used in the production of this cheese comes exclusively from sheep and goats raised in Crete that have adapted to the locally found plants.
Xynomizithra is a traditional, unpasteurized cheese that is white, soft, and creamy. It is a rindless, cutless cheese that has a sour taste. Its texture can range from granular to creamy. Xynomizithra becomes more soft and mild when cooked. Xynomizithra can also be eaten plain or with a hard type of bread such as paximadi. It’s also a wonderful addition to salads and traditional cheese pies such as kalitsounia. It is the perfect cheese to serve as dessert with honey drizzled on top. Xynomizithra Greek cheese is rich in fat.
Type of Greek Cheese
Xynomizithra is a Greek whey cheese that includes some milk. It is a traditional, unpasteurized cheese that is white and creamy.
Where Xynomizithra Greek Cheese is Produced
Xynomizithra Greek cheese is produced throughout Greece, but mainly in Crete, specifically in the prefectures of Lasithi, Keraklion, Chania, and Rethymno.
Xynomizithra Greek Cheese Flavor Description
Xynomizithra is a soft cheese that can have a creamy to granular texture. It tastes like a sour version of mizithra.
Facts About Xynomizithra Greek Cheese
- Xynomizithra is a sour tasting version of the cheese mizithra
- Xynomizithra Greek cheese has PDO (Protected of Designation Origin) status
- Xynomizithra Greek cheese is produced using sheep’s milk, goat’s milk, or a combination of both
- The shape Xynomizithra cheese comes in is usually a ball or truncated cone and the sizes vary
- Most xynomizithra produced in Greece is made from whey, except for the xynomizithra of Sifnos, which is made from whole milk
- Crete is the main producer of xynomizithra Greek cheese
- Fresh cheese such as xynomizithra must be consumed within a few days
Xynomizithra Greek cheese is made throughout Greece, but mainly in Crete. Each area that makes this tasty cheese has their own way of producing it.
Categorized in: Greek Cheese List
This post was written by Greek Boston
