Nearly a century ago, the gatherer-ripeners were said to have emerged as a class of island society in Menorca. Their work consisted of trading and distributing farm products, seeds, utensils, foods, etc. In exchange they would receive fresh cheeses that the farmers brought to their houses. In order to store them, the recogedores had caves for the careful and novel aging of the cheeses. They controlled everything in production, from the changing winds and temperature level to the correct handling of the product. In so doing, they obtained the original cheese from Mahón; soft, aired or cured, that they would then sell in diverse markets of the islands and the peninsula. Their careful techniques made famous Mahón cheese, and helped to make it a sought-after export. Menorca's cattle are skillfully bred and have some of the highestmilk production in Spain. All the milk from the 600 or so farms goes into dairy products. In 1985, the cheese from Maó received the Denominación de Origen.
Characteristics
Mahón has some characteristics specific to it, despite aging. In general the cheese is buttery sharp, slightly salty and lightly aromatic in taste. Mahón's sweet and fruity but at times slightly salty taste is due in part to the sea salt content in the grasses the cows eat. The rind is generally an orange color due to the rind being rubbed with butter, or oil, and paprika. As it reaches maturity it tends to have small misshapen holes and has some granularity. In general, all aged Mahón has a proliferation of tiny holes.
Young Maó (artesà)
Maó artesà or Mahón artesano is young, aged no longer than three months, and softer than traditional Maó. It is important to keep young Maó in the vegetable compartment of a refrigerator or cooler. It should be stored in airtight plastic wrapping to preserve its softness.
Aged Maó
Conversely, harder, more aged Maó should be wrapped in foil or waxed paper.
Uses
Maó is considered one of the most versatile cheeses of the Spanish gastronomy.
The creamy texture suggests it be served over pasta, potato, rice and/or vegetable dishes.
The traditional manner of eating Maó consisted of sliced cheese, sprinkled with olive oil, black pepper and tarragon.
Most of the production of this cheese is used to make processed cheese.
