Kefalograviera Cheese

About Kefalograviera Cheese

Kefalograviera is an aged Greek cheese made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk. It has a hard texture and a salty, nutty flavor. This cheese is often used in Greek cuisine for grating over dishes, frying as saganaki, or baked in pastries.

Key Facts

Country of Origin	Greece
Specific Origin	Western Macedonia, Epirus, Etoloakarnania, Evrytania
Protection	PDO (1996)
Milk Type	Sheep’s milk or mixtures with up to 10% goat’s milk; sometimes cow's and sheep's milk (60:40)
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized
Fat Content	Minimum 40% in dry matter
Moisture Content	Maximum 40%
Texture	Firm, elastic
Flavor	Pleasant
Age	3 months
Rennet Type	Animal

What is Kefalograviera Cheese?

Kefalograviera is a distinguished Greek hard cheese that marries the qualities of Kefalotyri and Graviera. Recognized as a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) product since 1994, it is crafted in regions like western Macedonia, Epirus, and parts of central Greece. The cheese primarily uses sheep’s milk, or a mix of sheep’s and up to 10 percent goat’s milk, though some variants include cow’s milk.

The production process begins with pasteurized milk mixed with calcium chloride, starters, and rennet, coagulating within 30 to 35 minutes. After cutting and cooking the curd to the desired firmness, it is molded, pressed, and salted both in brine and dry forms before aging for three months at 43°F. This results in a cheese with a maximum 40 percent moisture, at least 40 percent fat in dry matter, and 3.4 percent salt.

Kefalograviera boasts a firm, elastic texture with small, irregular holes and a rich, complex flavor. Since its introduction, it has become highly popular, both for its robust taste and versatile culinary uses. Ideal for frying as saganaki or grating over pasta, its production reached 2,439 tons in 2012, reflecting its widespread appeal. This cheese not only enhances Greek dishes but also competes on the global stage, offering a flavorful alternative to cheeses like Romano or Asiago.