NOTICIAS
NUESTRO DÍA A DÍA

In the heart of the Mediterranean, amidst landscapes filled with rustic wild olive wood fences and green fields, one of the gastronomic cornerstones of the Balearic Islands is born: Mahón-Menorca cheese. Its flavour, genuine and full of nuances, is a reflection of a land rich in tradition and a production method passed down from generation to generation. More than just a cheese, it is a symbol of the island, its history and its culture, and forms part of the identity of its inhabitants, who have managed to keep its traditional techniques alive over the centuries.

Mahón-Menorca cheese is no accident. Its uniqueness is due to the combination of a privileged climate, with sea breezes that bring a slight salinity, fertile soils that nourish the pastures, and the know-how of local producers, who have perfected their technique over time. Its production takes place on family-run livestock farms, where cows graze freely on land bordered by the characteristic dry stone walls, an iconic image of the Menorcan landscape. This not only lends beauty to the island but also allows for rational and environmentally friendly grazing. Menorca, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, has managed to conserve its natural environment in balance with livestock farming, which contributes to the exceptional quality of this cheese and the sustainability of its production.

Mahón-Menorca cheese has the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), a seal that certifies its authenticity and its inseparable link with the island. To obtain this distinction, it must meet strict controls at each stage of its production. It is only made with cow’s milk from the Friesian, Menorcan or Alpine Brown breeds, raised on the island and fed largely on the natural resources offered by its land. The milk, always whole and without preservatives, must maintain an optimal balance between fat and protein, which guarantees an unparalleled final product. There are two main production methods: Artisanal Mahón-Menorca cheese, made with raw milk and following traditional techniques, and Mahón-Menorca cheese, produced in industrial cheese dairies with milk that has undergone preservation processes. Both varieties maintain the characteristic flavour of this cheese, although the artisanal process allows for the development of more intense nuances thanks to the natural microbial flora of the raw milk. According to its maturation time, it is classified as semi-cured, with a tender texture and a smoother, more balanced flavour, and cured, which has a firmer texture and a more intense flavour with spicy notes that become more pronounced over time.

Each cheese that receives the PDO certification has undergone rigorous controls to ensure its authenticity. From the origin of the milk to the maturation conditions, the entire process is supervised by the Regulatory Council, which grants a special label to each piece to guarantee its origin and quality. This allows consumers to be certain that they are acquiring a unique product, linked to its territory and made under the highest standards. The presentation of this cheese is unmistakable: its parallelepiped shape with a square base and rounded edges. Its orange rind, the result of the traditional rubbing with oil and paprika in some varieties, as well as its firm-textured, ivory-coloured paste make it an easily recognisable and appreciated cheese in the market.

Mahón-Menorca Protected Designation of Origin cheese is a versatile cheese, perfect for tasting on its own or accompanied. Its slightly salty flavour and unique texture make it a star ingredient in Menorcan gastronomy and on the table of any lover of good cheese. It can be enjoyed with a wide variety of foods and products. Its pairing is ideal for combining with all types of wines depending on the cheese variety and makes it a true delight for the most discerning palates.

More than a product, Mahón-Menorca cheese is an experience, a taste that transports you directly to Menorca. Its legacy remains alive thanks to the cheesemakers who, with effort and dedication, continue to produce it with the same respect for the roots of the past. In each slice of this cheese, there is a piece of the island. Its people, and its recognition with the Protected Designation of Origin is a guarantee that it will continue to be a gastronomic emblem of Menorca for many generations to come.