Graviera Kritis

Graviera Kritis is a popular cheese from the island of Crete, possessing a PDO status. Made primarily from sheep's milk with some goat's milk, it has a sweet, nutty flavor that becomes more pronounced with age. The texture is semi-hard, making it suitable for a variety of culinary uses, from grating to slicing.

Catlemur, CC BY-SA 4.0

Key Facts

Country of Origin	Greece
Specific Origin	Island of Crete
Protection	PDO (1996)
Milk Type	Sheep's milk, Goat's milk (up to 20%)
Milk Treatment	Raw
Rind	Natural rind
Texture	Hard
Flavor	Nutty, Sweet
Forms	Wheels, Wedges
Age	At least 3 months
Rennet Type	Animal
Also Known As	Γραβιέρα Κρήτης

What is Graviera Kritis Cheese?

Graviera Kritis, awarded PDO status in 1996, is a hard cheese from Crete, predominantly made from sheep's milk or a blend with up to 20% goat's milk. It is crafted by small-scale cheesemakers across the island using milk from free-ranging animals grazing on diverse terrains. Aged for a minimum of three months, Graviera Kritis develops a mellow, nutty, slightly sweet flavor when young, which becomes sharper and slightly peppery as it matures.

This cheese is a staple in Greek cuisine and is available widely across Greece and abroad. It is sold from wheels in local markets to pre-packaged slices in international stores. The unique taste and quality of Graviera Kritis are influenced by the rich local flora consumed by the grazing animals, contributing to its distinctiveness.