Are you a true cheese lover? Then pack your bags and whet your appetite because you need to try one of the most succulent gastronomic delicacies in the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura’s Majorero cheese.
For some years now, Fuerteventura’s Majorero cheese has become a product with a Denomination of Origin that has made this Canary Island well known worldwide.
Therefore, we advise you that if you visit Majorera Island (as the locals call Fuerteventura), you should not miss the opportunity to taste this succulent native delicacy. If you still have doubts, we will give you some reasons that will convince you.
What is the secret of Fuerteventura’s majorero cheese?
It is said that a chef does not reveal his secrets, but for the inhabitants of the island the reasons for the success of Majorero cheese are widely known and that, all together with the queso flor de Gran Canaria, has left its mark on the international cheese sector.
This is because this indigenous product made with goat’s milk has given the island worldwide recognition. It has participated in the World Championships Cheese Contest, held in 2012 in the USA, obtaining the title of being one of the best goat cheeses in the world.
Its arid and volcanic landscapes are the key habitat for the good development of the Majorera sheep, which has also been taken to other islands of the Canary archipelago in order to exploit the product.
The secret of the unique flavor of Fuerteventura’s Majorero cheese is achieved through the special diet that is administered to this breed. The animals eat endemic plants of the Majorera island , which gives the cheese its creaminess and a touch of acidity and slight spicy tones that fascinate people when they taste it.
Majorero cheese making process
Fuerteventura is much more than its paradisiacal beaches, dreamed views and natural landscapes that tourists enjoy during their vacations. It is also its traditions and typical dishes such as Majorero cheese that make this island an ideal place to visit.
Knowing this, you must be wondering what is the process of making the Fuerteventura Majorero cheese. The production of Majorero cheese dates from pre-Hispanic times when meat and cheese were the staple foods of the Canary Islands.
There are six municipalities in total that are responsible for the artisan production of Fuerteventura cheese. These towns are: Antigua, Betancuria, La Oliva, Pájara, Tuineje and Puerto del Rosario. In all these places they maintain quality standards through the use of traditional artisan techniques of the island.
The process of making Fuerteventura Majorero cheese requires time, but we simplify it in a few steps:
- Extract the milk from the goat and filter: this first step can be done manually or mechanically, always trying to preserve the hygiene and care of the animal.
- Curd: the milk passes to a solid state when a rennet is placed on it, then it is cooked at temperatures of 28º to 30º for an hour.
- Cutting and draining: to achieve the desired cheese size it is necessary to make several cuts, and in this step the first pressing is also carried out to remove excess whey.
- Cheese modeling: The piece is placed in palm-shaped molds, which is the drawing used for a long time.
- Salting and maturing: then wet or dry sea salt is added to mature each of the pieces for several days, depending on the degree of curing that is estimated.
- Spread: parallel to the maturation process, the spreading is carried out in which the cheese is given its very particular flavors. You can add gofio, pepper or oil, among others.
Visit Majorero Cheese museum
The importance of the Majorero Cheese of Fuerteventura is not just the production and export to other places. The island has created a cheese museum that can make people approach and learn about the history of this indigenous product and other traditions of Fuerteventura.
The Majorero Cheese Museum is located in the municipality of Antigua. If you visit it, you can also find information on Fuerteventura’s flora, fauna, orography and the importance of its volcanic origin. In addition, in this enclosure you can also find another indigenous element of the island: a mill that produces gofio that sometimes they still use.
Where can you buy Fuerteventura cheese?
Currently, there are around 20 registered producers who make Fuerteventura majorero cheese, so there are many stores throughout the island that sell this succulent delicacy.
Recipes made with Fuerteventura’s majorero cheese
The relevance of Majorero cheese had its importance on an international level. Several renowned chefs have created unique recipes that include this delicious delicacy.
For example, the Chef Ale de la Nuez, winner of several awards, has created interesting recipes with the variant of Queso Majorero Maxorata, such as gnocchi, timbale, croquettes, salads and prawns among other original dishes. Would you dare to do one?
Where to stay in Fuerteventura?
Surely now you’ll dare to visit the island of Majorera and try this delicious product. You only need to book the plane or ferry ticket and a good hotel.
In order to taste Fuerteventura’s Majorero cheese and swim in one of its beautiful beaches, at Lopesan Group we have a wide range of accommodation. If you want to know more about our hotels and packages, be sure to visit us and organize your dream trip.
