Cheese Origins
History of Cheese Making
GREEK MYTHOLOGY DESCRIBES THAT THE GREAT GOD ZEUS, WAS RAISED IN A CAVE DEEP INSIDE THE CRETAN MOUNTAINS HAVING AS COMPANION AND NURSE THE GOAT, AMALTHIA.
The Greek Theogonia describes Amaltheia as the protector and nurse of god Zeus. Her name is an epithet for generosity signifying her presence as a goddess of protection and abundance from the period of the Minoans. According to the legend, Amaltheia nurtured the little god with milk and honey deep inside the caves of Crete in the area of Ideon Antron.
Goat
CAPRA AEGAGRUS HIRCUS
The domestic goat is mammal ruminant herbivores artiodachtyl and like sheep belongs to the bovine family. Most goats naturally have two horns, of various shapes and sizes depending on the breed.
500k
Goats in Crete
100%
Free Range
natural diet includes herbals, bitter plants, dry leaves, tree branches, tender shoots
960kg
Milk Per Year
Sheep
OVIS ARIES
The sheep is a ruminant animal, herbivore, artiodactyl and belongs to the bovine family. Thick white and rarely black fur covers its entire body and mostly the male has horns. The female usually gives birth early winter and make 1-2 lambs.
1,8M
Sheep in Crete
100%
Free Range
natural diet includes herbals, bitter plants, dry leaves, tree branches, tender shoots
100kg
Milk Per Year
Livestock Tradition
Since then livestock farming in Crete has not changed its character. It relies on goat and sheep that freely drift across the mountains or pastures and are fed almost exclusively on wild grasses, with Cretan herbs and shrubs. There are not any livestock farms that keep animals enclosed in this space for long periods. This traditional form of farming based on the experience of many centuries and gives Cretan cheese its unique wild taste.
