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What is Mizithra Cheese?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Mizithra cheese is a type of Greek cheese made with leftover whey from the production of other cheeses which is combined with sheep or goat milk. There are a several forms of mizithra, ranging from fresh mizithra, which resembles cottage cheese, to aged mizithra, which is hard, granular, and quite aromatic. These cheeses can sometimes be found at cheese markets and at import stores which specialize in Greek foods. Some producers will also mail cheese directly to consumers.

The fresh form of mizithra cheese is creamy and bright white with a slightly granular texture. It is used in an assortment of both sweet an savory dishes; fresh mizithra with honey and fruit, for example, is a popular dessert. Traditionally the cheese is not pasteurized, and it often has a slightly tangy flavor, depending on the time of year when it is made. If fresh mizithra is not available, ricotta can be used for a similar texture.

Mizithra cheese matches well with pasta dishes that contain basil.
Mizithra cheese matches well with pasta dishes that contain basil.

There is also a sour version of mizithra cheese which is known as xynomizithra. The strong flavor of this sour cheese is certainly an acquired taste. It pairs well with strong liquors like retsina, and it is sometimes used in specific dishes for a desired sour, tangy flavor. This cheese can also smell quite distinctive; for people who find the taste unpleasant, the smell will probably not be very enjoyable either.

Fresh mizithra cheese is sometimes drizzled with honey.
Fresh mizithra cheese is sometimes drizzled with honey.

When mizithra is aged, it turns into anthotyros, a hard crumbly cheese with a creamy white color. Typically the cheese is compressed into a ball for aging, although it can also be found in the form of a tapering cylinder. High quality anthotyros has a floral scent and flavor with a hint of a bite, thanks to the goat or cheese milk used in the production of the cheese. It tends to be moist, and the texture is very fine. This cheese pairs well with pasta dishes, especially those with ingredients like tomato and fresh basil. It can also be crumbled on salads.

Pasta can be tossed with mizithra cheese and fresh tomatoes for a simple summer meal.
Pasta can be tossed with mizithra cheese and fresh tomatoes for a simple summer meal.

In Europe, some types of mizithra cheese are protected, meaning that only cheese produced in a certain way in a certain region can be labeled as mizithra. Cretan mizithra has such a protection, thanks to its fame. In Cyprus, mizithra cheese is known as anari whether it is fresh or dry, and the Cypriot versions of this cheese are also quite famous, as are dishes which are traditionally produced with it.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon169669

It would be nice to know an acceptable substitute for mizithra for those who don't live in an area where products like this are easily found. Any suggestions?

anon139062

The mizithra at The Old Spaghetti Factory is indeed pasteurized.

anon132942

I stopped at the Old Spaghetti Factory in Riverside and ordered the Italian Meatloaf. The meatloaf was OK but the Spaghetti with the browned butter topped with the fresh grated Mizithra cheese was the most tasty pasta dish ever. simple and amazing.

anon109227

From what I understand, The Spaghetti Factory is the largest importer of Mizithra and their most popular dish even now is Mizithra and browned butter over spaghetti. They use the aged hardened Mizithra which is grated daily for their customers.

anon57555

Inadequate description of the cheese since it doesn't even give the basics of what milk is used or how it is made.

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    • Mizithra cheese matches well with pasta dishes that contain basil.
      By: Natika
      Mizithra cheese matches well with pasta dishes that contain basil.
    • Fresh mizithra cheese is sometimes drizzled with honey.
      By: Nitr
      Fresh mizithra cheese is sometimes drizzled with honey.
    • Pasta can be tossed with mizithra cheese and fresh tomatoes for a simple summer meal.
      By: Profotokris
      Pasta can be tossed with mizithra cheese and fresh tomatoes for a simple summer meal.
    • Mizithra cheese is made using the milk of a sheep or goat.
      By: taraki
      Mizithra cheese is made using the milk of a sheep or goat.