Graviera Naxou

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Graviera Naxou is a yellow hard cheese from the Greek island of Naxos, made with pasteurized cow's milk and up to 20 percent sheep's milk. It is known for its delicate, slightly sharp aroma and its PDO status, held since 1996.

Key Facts

Country of Origin Greece
Specific Origin Naxos
Protection PDO (1996)
Milk Type Predominantly cow's milk, sheep’s or goat’s milk (up to 20%)
Milk Treatment Pasteurized
Moisture Content Up to 38%
Rind Smear rind
Texture Elastic
Aroma Delicate, slightly sharp
Colors Yellowish
Forms Cylindrical
Age 3 months
Rennet Type Traditional lamb's stomach
Alternative Spellings Gravièra de Naxos
Also Known As Γραβιέρα Νάξου

What is Graviera Naxou Cheese?

Graviera Naxou is made on Naxos, an island in the Cyclades. The word gravièra comes from the name of the Swiss town of Gruyères, and the cheese belongs to that family. It has carried a PDO since 1996.

Production uses pasteurized cow's milk with a share of sheep's milk that cannot go above 20 percent. That is what separates it from Graviera Kritis, which is made almost entirely from sheep's milk. Moisture reaches 38 percent at most, and 100 grams give more than 400 calories.

It is sold as a wheel with a thin rind, and the paste is pierced with small holes. The category is yellow hard cheese. The aroma is delicate with a slight bite to it.

People eat it plain, and it also goes into many Greek recipes.