About Αρσενικό Νάξου / Arseniko Naxou Cheese
Arseniko Naxou is a traditional hard cheese from Greece, specifically produced on the island of Naxos. It is made from non-pasteurized sheep's and goat's milk. The cheese is known for its intense, spicy, and bittersweet taste, along with a rich aroma. It has a buttery and smooth texture, with a hard but relatively thin rind. The cheese is matured for at least three months to ensure safety and enhance its flavor. Arseniko Naxou is produced from December to May, utilizing local vegetation for animal feed. The cheese is recognized as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product, highlighting its unique qualities linked to its geographical origin.
Key Facts
Country of Origin | Greece |
Specific Origin | Naxos, including communities such as Apeiranthos, Damarionas, Danakos, and others. |
Protection | PDO (2017) |
Milk Type | Sheep's and goat's milk |
Milk Treatment | Non-pasteurized |
Fat Content | Minimum 43% in dry weight |
Moisture Content | Maximum 38% |
Rind | Hard but relatively thin |
Texture | Buttery and smooth |
Flavor | Intense, spicy, pleasant, and bittersweet |
Aroma | Rich |
Colors | Whitish to yellowish |
Forms | Whole wheels |
Age | At least three months |