MENORCA, SPAIN – It’s never too early to start thinking about the holidays and what delicious foods you plan to serve to friends and family. Now, if you really want to impress your friends and family, treat them with the world renowned Mahón-Menorca Cheese from Spain. Mahón-Menorca Cheese is crafted to the highest standards using a unique process handed down by centuries of meticulous care, time and knowledge.
Mahón-Menorca Cheese is produced on the island of Menorca, one of Spain’s Balearic Islands. A paradisiacal Biosphere Reserve island (certified by the UNESCO) located in the Mediterranean Sea. Mahón–Menorca Cheese is a Protected Destination of Origin (P.D.O.) cheese based upon the geographic and distinct climate factors including its temperature, humidity, light, wind and salty pastures, and its ancient farming methods mastered by generations of the Menorca family farms. Made from menorcan cow’s milk (pasteurized or raw), exclusively matured on the island of Menorca.
A very versatile cheese, often grated and used for topping pasta, rice and vegetable dishes or eaten sliced thin and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. A must on the traditional Spanish cheese table. The cheese is also delicious with vegetables (aubergine or tomatoes), or used as a stuffing or filling (cannelloni or peppers). Also, mixed with breadcrumbs in breading and frying. The less matured Mahón-Menorca Cheeses go fantastically well white and young red wines, while the more aged cheeses are better suited for mature wines.
Mahón-Menorca Cheese has three degrees of maturity;
- TENDER- SOFT – 21-60 days – Yellowish-white in color, with very little developed rind, soft and creamy in texture. The flavor, milky with a slight reminiscence of butter and slightly acidulous touch, a lightly sharp flavor which is characteristic of Mahón-Menorca cheese.
- SEMI-CURED 2-5 months – Characteristic and unmistakable. The rind, orange in color. A firm cheese yet easy to cut, showing an ivory yellow-color and a number of holes distributed in an irregular manner, depending on the piece. The milky taste and flavors are more developed, with slight buttery reminiscences of toasted nuts and dried fruit (hazelnut); a moderately persistent aftertaste, having developed the typical bouquet of the Mahón-Menorca cheese.
- CURED – HARD – More than 5 months – A delicacy for cheese lovers. The texture is firmer and hard; less creamy and in advanced stages of maturity, it breaks flaking. It has a very developed flavor and aroma, complex and intense, with a long persistent aftertaste. Brittle and flaks when sliced. The taste and aroma are very developed, complex and intense. Hints of old wood, tanned leather or a wine cellar, usually with a slight spicy nuance.
When purchasing Mahón-Menorca Cheese, consumers are supporting the viable economic livelihood of the Menorca farmers and promoting a sustainable agricultural environment for future generations.
Mahón-Menorca Cheese can be purchased nationwide at Whole Foods, and at other fine retailers such as Fairway Markets, Saveway, Kroger, Murray’s, Central Markets, Costco, Gourmet Garage, West Side Markets, Zabar’s, Central and Town & Country Markets and at the best specialty stores all over the country.
For more information on how your store can sell Mahón–Menorca Cheeses in the United States contact Richard Kessler at 973.417.8890 or email him at r.kessler@specialities.com.
About Mahon-Menorca Cheese
Mahón–Menorca Cheese is one of Spain’s most prized Cheeses. It’s produced on the island of Menorca, one of Spain’s Balearic Islands. A Biosphere Reserve island (certified by the UNESCO) located in the Mediterranean Sea. Mahón–Menorca Cheese is a Protected Destination of Origin (P.D.O.) cheese based upon the geographic and distinct climate factors including its temperature, humidity, light, wind and salty pastures, and its ancient farming methods mastered by generations of the Menorca family farms. Made from menorcan cow’s milk (pasteurized or raw), exclusively matured on the island of Menorca, Mahon-Menorca Cheese has three degrees of maturity; Tender – 21-60 days, Semi-Cured – 2-5 months and Vintage or Matured – more than five months. A very versatile cheese, it is often grated and used for topping pasta, rice and vegetable dishes or eaten sliced thin and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. This is a must on the traditional Spanish cheese table. By purchasing Mahón-Menorca Cheese, you are supporting the viable economic livelihood of our farmers and promoting a sustainable agricultural environment. Mahón-Menorca Cheeses are positioned for retail markets nationwide such as Supermarkets, Independent Supermarkets, Gourmet Food Stores and Club Stores that seek to provide their consumers with a unique cheese experience. For more information regarding Mahón-Menorca Cheese, contact Richard Kessler at 973.417.8890 or email him at r.kessler@specialities.com.
Source: Mahon-Menorca Cheese
