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General InformationIn this article I explain everything you may want to know about visiting artisanal cheese production farms in Menorca. If you are interested in cheese and want to visit a family-run cheese factory in the countryside, see the animals, taste different types of Menorcan cheese or simply buy Mahón-Menorca cheese vacuum packed, this is the article you were looking for. In this article about the most authentic cheese farms on the island, you will find all the information about these traditional farms, where to find them, when it is best to visit them and much more. ![]() Visiting a traditional cheese factory is a great way to do cultural tourism during your holidays in Menorca, and here I explain everything you need to know about it. Sometimes these farmhouses offer guided tours of the cheese factory for families or small groups. On each of the pages dedicated to the best traditional cheese farms in Menorca that you will find above there is one or more means of contact so that you can let them know that you are going to visit them, as well as to book any experiences they may offer, such as:
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Ideal visit for children: Farm AnimalsThese traditional dairies are basically family farms in the Menorcan countryside. ![]() These farms have been purely rural for centuries, although in recent decades some of them have adapted their facilities to receive visits from tourists and customers, so they have a place to park, shop , bathrooms and facilities prepared for visitors. ![]() Despite of this, the selection of traditional dairies listed above on this page have not lost an iota of their traditional charm or of its rural atmosphere. These farmhouses are in the countryside, and normally the cows are just a few steps from the house. Sometimes the cows are in the shed, other times they are eating grass in the fields. When visiting these dairies, children can see chickens, pigs, horses, donkeys, sheep or goats, which is a great experience for children, especially those who live in big cities. ![]() Cheese tastingIn almost all of this type of dairies they offer a tasting of their cheeses and sausages. ![]() You can book a tasting of cheese and other local products for a certain price. The prices of these tastings vary depending on the type and quantity of food that they include. Sometimes they include bread made on the farm, typical sausages, such as sobrasada or carnixua, or even local wine. The main dish of these tastings is cheese, which is usually served on three plates. The semi-cured cheese, cured cheese and Mahón-Menorca aged cheese. It is always the same cheese, but the different curing periods give it a very different flavour, intensity and texture. Sometimes it is even allowed to combine cheese samples with jams or honey. It should also be mentioned that even if a tasting like the one mentioned above is not contracted, it is customary for the master cheesemaker to allow visitors to try samples of various cheeses or sausages before buying them. See how they make Mahón-Menorca cheeseMost of these traditional cheese dairies allow tourists who have decided to visit them on the right day and time to see how Menorca cheese is manufactured in an artisanal way. ![]() This "show" in which you can see how the cheese is produced generally takes place between 10 and 11 in the morning. In any case, it is important to contact with the cheese farm that you have decided to visit to inform you directly about the day and time of making the cheese. Important, contact the cheese factory first to let them know about your visit. Mahon-Menorca cheeseMahon-Menorca cheese is an uncooked cow’s milk cheese produced exclusively in Menorca. This cheese is regulated by a Protected Designation of Origin Council that watches over its manufacturing procedures and its quality. This is a cheese made according to ancient recipes and methods, which have become law. There are historical mentions in which the Greeks, Carthaginians and Arabs appreciated Menorcan cheese. And the fact is that Menorca cheese has been praised throughout its history, especially in times of boom, such as when in the 18th century four ships were dedicated exclusively to transporting cheese from the port of Mahón to important coastal cities of the western Mediterranean. ![]() Factors such as:
... have turned this gastronomic marvel into a Minorcan cultural reference. The price of Mahón-Menorca cheese depends on the curing time of each piece. As a piece of cheese can lose up to 40% of its weight throughout the curing period, the price of a kilogram of Mahón-Menorca cheese increases at the same level as its degree of maturation.
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Mahon-Menorca cheese quality controlsBoth the milk, as well as the facilities and the very cows of each of the farms and dairies that produce Mahón-Menorca cheese with Denomination of Origin are subject to all kinds of regular controls. ![]() To be more specific:
In conclusion, it is important to point out that although all these measures represent a great burden for the owners of these cheese productions and increase the final price of the product, they are clearly and ultimately a guarantee of the very high quality standards of this fabulous cheese. Cooking recipes with cheese from MenorcaCheese as a gastronomic tool has an infinite number of uses. Among those that I, as a Menorcan, know and enjoy, I can recommend the following:
![]() Beyond these exquisite homemade recipes with Mahón-Menorca cheese, there are professional chefs capable of preparing true gastronomic works of art with this product. Many restaurants in Menorca offer the traditional baked stuffed aubergine au gratin with semi-cured cheese, among other specialties of each establishment. As a last note, I invite you to study the list of official Mahón-Menorca cheese recipes and promoted by the Menorca Denomination of Origin Regulatory Council. Click here to see the list of the best dishes with their recipes and method of preparation. Mahon-Menorca cheese pricePlease note that these prices are approximate and that they vary slightly depending on each producer, as well as depending on factors such as inflation. ![]()
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