Graviera Naxou is Greece’s most famous hard cheese and, according to the current rankings on Taste Atlas, the best cheese in the world.
It is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheese produced exclusively on the island of Naxos in the Cyclades.
A century of tradition
Graviera Naxou has been produced on Naxos for at least a century, making it a key element of the island’s culinary heritage. Its unique flavor is entirely due to the local environment. The milk comes from breeds of cows, sheep, and goats traditionally raised on the island, which graze on wild, local plants and herbs, naturally flavoring the milk.
The cheese is meticulously crafted under PDO guidelines to ensure its quality and authenticity. It is primarily made from pasteurized cow’s milk (minimum 80%), with the option to include up to 20% sheep’s or goat’s milk. This blend gives it a lighter, slightly sweeter taste compared to other graviera varieties.
It is a hard table cheese, characterized by a thin rind and a light yellow, compact interior sprinkled with small, irregular holes. While the production process is carefully controlled, the aging gives it a refreshing, slightly sweet, and mild aroma that deepens as the cheese matures.
How to enjoy Graviera Naxou
Its mild, fresh, and slightly sweet flavor makes it incredibly versatile as:
- An appetizer: It is perfect when sliced and served raw.
- Saganaki: It is famously used for saganaki—pan-fried until golden brown, then often finished with a squeeze of lemon.
- Grating: It can be grated over pasta, adding a gentle richness without overpowering the dish.
In the ever-changing world of culinary rankings, Graviera Naxou’s presence at the top is a testament to the quality and unique terroir of Naxos.
Top 5 cheeses in the world
According to Taste Atlas, the top 5 cheeses in the world are:
- Graviera Naxou
- Parmigiano Reggiano
- Queijo de Azeitão
- Mozzarella di Bufala Campana
- Grana Padano Oltre 16 mesi
Related: Greek Cheese Desserts From Sifnos and Crete Rank Among World’s Top 10
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