Have you ever wondered what the most expensive cheese in the world is? Forget your fancy French brie or Italian parmesan. The world’s priciest cheese doesn’t come from a cow, goat, or sheep. It’s made from an unexpected source, and its production is as unique as its flavor.
Prepare to be surprised with the Pule cheese, a rare delicacy that commands a hefty price tag and comes with a fascinating story.
What Is Pule Cheese?
Pule cheese, also known as magareći sir, is a rare cheese that holds the title of being the most expensive cheese in the world. Its price stems from its special production process and limited availability.
Originating from Serbia, Pule cheese is primarily made from the milk of Balkan donkeys, with a small percentage of goat’s milk added for texture and flavor. Balkan donkeys produce a significantly smaller amount of milk compared to cows or goats, requiring a substantial number of donkeys to produce just a small quantity of cheese. Additionally, milking these donkeys is done by hand, three times a day, adding to the labor-intensive process.
Flavor & Nutrition
The combination of donkey and goat milk results in a crumbly, white cheese with a flavor profile similar to a mature Manchego cheese. It has a distinct richness and a slightly salty, nutty taste. Due to its rarity and high price, Pule cheese is often considered a delicacy and is sought after by cheese enthusiasts around the world.
In terms of nutritional value, Pule cheese is believed to be rich in vitamins and minerals, and it is also lower in fat compared to many other cheeses. Some even claim that donkey milk possesses immune-boosting properties, although scientific evidence supporting this claim is limited.
What Makes Pule So Expensive?
Several factors contribute to the exorbitant price of Pule cheese:
- Scarcity of Donkey Milk: Balkan donkeys produce a significantly smaller quantity of milk compared to cows or goats. It takes about 25 liters (6.6 gallons) of donkey milk to produce just one kilogram (2.2 pounds) of Pule cheese.
- Labor-Intensive Production: Milking the donkeys is a manual process, done by hand three times a day, making it labor-intensive and time-consuming.
- Limited Production: Pule cheese is primarily produced in one location, the Zasavica Special Nature Reserve in Serbia, further limiting its availability.
- High Demand: The distinct flavor and rarity of Pule cheese have created a high demand among cheese connoisseurs and collectors.
- Novelty and Exclusivity: The novelty of a cheese made from donkey milk, coupled with its exclusivity, adds to its desirability and price.
The cost of Pule cheese can vary, but it typically goes around $599 per pound. The price can even go higher depending on the specific batch and retailer. The farm requires an annual investment of $100,000 for upkeep and operations.(ref)
Where Can You Buy Pule?
Given that Pule cheese is a rare and expensive delicacy, it is not readily available in most stores. However, here are some options for obtaining this unique cheese:
- Directly from the Source: The most reliable way to purchase authentic Pule cheese is to order it directly from Zasavica Special Nature Reserve in Serbia,(ref) where it is produced. They typically take pre-orders due to limited production. You can find their contact information on their website or by reaching out to them through email or phone.
- Specialty Cheese Shops: Some high-end specialty cheese shops in major cities may occasionally carry Pule cheese. It’s worth contacting these shops in advance to inquire about availability and to place an order.
- Online Retailers: A few online retailers specializing in rare and gourmet cheeses might offer Pule cheese for sale. Be sure to research the retailer’s reputation and verify the authenticity of the product before purchasing.
- Gourmet Food Auctions: Occasionally, Pule cheese may appear in gourmet food auctions. This can be an option for those seeking a unique experience and are willing to participate in the bidding process.
Due to its high price and limited availability, it might take time and effort to find Pule cheese for sale. However, for true cheese enthusiasts, the experience of tasting this delicacy is worth the effort.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.