Mizithra cheese is a unique and flavorful Greek specialty. There are many varieties of this cheese, making it an excellent addition to any cook's repertoire.
History
Mizithra is a traditional Greek cheese. It is usually unpasteurized. In Cyprus, this type of cheese is known as anari. Dishes made with anari are rare and famous. In Europe, many countries have restrictions on mizithra cheese that strictly regulate the location and processes that must be used in the cheese-making process in order for the result to be considered true mizithra cheese. The popularity of mizithra cheese can be traced back to ancient times.
Function
Mizithra cheese is made from the whey from feta and kefalotiri cheeses, combined with sheep's or goat's milk. Mizithra can be used both fresh and aged. This cheese can be served with honey and fruit as a dessert, or as a dish with olives, basil and tomatoes. Mizithra cheese is also a popular topping on salads and pastas.
Types
Mizithra cheese is unique in that it can be served at a variety of stages in the aging process. Fresh mizithra is soft and creamy, similar to cottage cheese. Aged mizithra is known as anthotyros. This cheese is usually formed into the shape of a ball or truncated cylindar. Sour mizithra is known as xynomizithra. This type of mizithra has a very sour, tangy flavor.
Features
Mizithra cheese is soft and white. Young mizithra has a sweet flavor and is only slightly granulated. Depending on the time of year it is made, fresh mizithra may have a slightly tangy flavor. Aged mizithra becomes hard and crumbly. The goat's milk used in production gives the flavor a bit of a bite. Even aged mizithra is very moist. Sour mizithra is best paired with strong liquors. The often pungent flavor of this type of cheese can make it distasteful to some.
Geography
True mizithra cheese is produced in Greece. This specialty cheese can be purchased online from a few vendors. It can be found in stores throughout Europe but is much more difficult to find in the United States. Specialty cheese shops are the best bet for locating good mizithra cheese.
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