For the production of Graviera Kritis PDO, the coagulation of milk occurs at 34-36°C. The curd is then divided after approximately 30 minutes. It is then warmed up to 50-52°C while constantly stirred and is then poured into molds and placed under pressure. The cheese is then transported to a room at 14-16°C and humidity of approximately 85%. A day later it is placed in brine for 2 to 5 days, depending on the size of the cheese. The maturing of the cheese occurs in booths with a temperature of 14-18°C and humidity of 85-90%. At this stage, the cheese is periodically upturned and is salted 10 times. During the maturing process, a micro-flora develops on the surface, which contributes to the maturing and the development of the sensory characteristics of the cheese. Total maturation time is at least 3 months. Graviera is an essential ingredient for traditional Greek cuisine or the gourmet modern one. It is also becoming a popular ingredient in gourmet cooking. Its creamy texture and nutty flavor make it a great addition to salads, sandwiches, and cheese boards. The intense flavor of this cheese makes it ideal for adding depth and richness to sauces, pasta, and pizzas. In my opinion, making them slightly sweet! Graviera is a type of Greek cheese. It is one of the most popular cheeses in Greece. It’s typically made from sheep’s milk or a mix of sheep and goat’s milk. It’s often used in a variety of dishes including pasta, pies, and cheese platters. The aging process of Graviera can vary, but it’s usually aged for at least five months. Its texture and flavor make it suitable for grating, slicing, and melting. 2. Is Graviera cheese hard or soft? Texture: The texture of Graviera is hard but slightly springy. It’s not crumbly like some hard cheeses and has a pleasing bite to it.

Regardless of flavor, there are certain characteristics that make a good Graviera stand out: its hard natural rind, its compact mass with small holes, and its light to dark –depending on the milk used for its production– yellow color. Graviera cheese is molded into wheels of varying weight (5, 10 and up to 25 kilos) and shape, while each type has its own particular flavor determined by the fauna of the region it is produced. Spiciness depends on how long the cheese was left to mature; sweeter Gravieras have usually matured only for a short period of time, whereas extra mature cheeses are always spicier. Namely, sweet Graviera has been left to mature for at least 5 months, mature Graviera at least 7 months (spicier than the previous offering), while extra mature Graviera has been left to ripen for approximately 12 months (with an even spicier and full-rounded flavor). Graviera Naxou (of Naxos) cheese is produced in the island of Naxos, in the Cyclades. It is a cheese with rind, yellow color and compact mass with small holes. It is produced in round wheels from pasteurized cow milk and a mixture that includes a small percentage of sheep and goat milk, the total percentage of which does not exceed 20%. It is categorized as a hard table cheese with a pleasant flavor and light aroma. It has a 38% maximum humidity and a 40% minimum fat content. Graviera, a name that resonates with the symphony of Greek culinary artistry, is a cheese that truly captures the essence of Greece’s gastronomic legacy. Originating from the idyllic landscapes of this Mediterranean country, Graviera stands as a testament to the timeless charm of traditional cheesemaking. Graviera ( Greek: γραβιέρα [ɣraˈvʝera]) is a cheese from Greece produced in various parts of Greece, the main of which are Crete, Lesbos, Naxos and Amfilochia. It resembles gruyère, a Swiss cheese from whose name "graviera" is derived. [1] Graviera Naxou (of Naxos) cheese is made on the Cycladic island of Naxos. It has a rind, a golden tint, and a compact bulk with little holes. It is made in circular wheels using pasteurized cow milk plus a tiny amount of sheep and goat milk, with a total percentage of no more than 20%. It’s a firm table cheese with a good taste and a faint scent. It has a maximum humidity of 38% and a minimum fat content of 40%. In conclusionGrating Over Dishes: Much like Parmesan, Graviera can be freshly grated over dishes just before serving. It adds a wonderful flavor boost to pasta, soups, and stews. Graviera Kritis PDO is produced from sheep’s milk in the island of Crete. In certain cases, when goat’s milk is added, its percentage cannot exceed 20% of the total weight. It is a milk particularly rich in fat and caseins, ingredients that are maintained almost entirely during the transformation from milk to cheese. Its total maturation time is at least three months. Sandwiches and Burgers: Graviera can be used in sandwiches and burgers, either grated or in slices. Its rich flavor enhances the overall taste of these dishes.

Grilled or Fried Cheese: Graviera is the cheese of choice for making ‘Saganaki’, a popular Greek dish where the cheese is fried until melty and golden. Graviera cheese is made in many places around Greece, most notably on Naxos, Lesbos, Crete, and Amfilochia islands.What sets Graviera apart is its aging process. Aged for a minimum of three months, and up to twelve for a more intense flavor, Graviera develops a pale yellow to golden color that is visually appealing. The longer it ages, the richer the flavor becomes, taking you on a journey through the diverse landscapes of Greek gastronomy. What Does Graviera Taste Like? This Greek cheese may be eaten sliced, fried, shredded over pasta dishes and salads, and baked in casseroles. It is also ideal for creating cheese fritters. Graviera cheese has a lot of saturated fat and salt but is also strong in protein and calcium. Outside of Greece, Graviera cheese is widely available. Graviera Agrafon (made in Western Thessaly and Evritania), Graviera Kritis (manufactured in Crete), and Graviera Naxou are the three PDO Gravieras in Greece (from the island of Naxos in the Cyclades). Although not designated as a PDO, outstanding Graviera cheese is also produced on the islands of Tinos (from cow’s milk), Lesvos, the province of Epirus, and the town of Amfilochia. A brief description of Graviera!

Graviera offers a unique flavor profile that is both complex and delightful. It’s characterized by a sweet and slightly nutty taste that sets it apart from other cheeses. Depending on the region in Greece where it’s made, the flavors can vary subtly. The maturing of the cheese occurs in rooms at 12-15°C temperature and humidity of approximately 85%. During this stage, the surface of the cheese is salted repeatedly for 3 weeks, until it obtains a 2% content in salt. When the salting of the cheese is completed, it is transported in an area at 16-18°C, where it stays for a month and then is placed in booths with a temperature of 12-15°C and 90-95% humidity for the maturing to complete. The total time of maturation is 3-6 months. During the maturing process, a micro-flora develops on the surface, which contributes to the maturing and the development of the organoleptic characteristics of the cheese. The cheese is then covered in natural beeswax. Graviera Agrafon PDO is produced in the mountainous regions of Agrafa (Western Thessaly / Evritania) from sheep’s milk or in combination with goat’s milk. The percentage of goat’s milk must not exceed 30% of the total weight. The addition of goat’s milk makes Graviera Agrafon harder and spicier than other similar cheeses. Graviera Agrafon PDO has a 38% maximum humidity and a 40% fat content. It is a hard, round rind compact cheese, full of small round holes, yellow in color and has a rich aroma.

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Pizza Topping: Graviera can be used as an interesting alternative to mozzarella on pizzas. Its nutty sweetness adds a unique twist to your classic pizza recipe.