Fuerteventura: Artisan Goats Cheese Making at Local Farm

Fuerteventura, one of the Canary Islands, offers a unique opportunity to learn about the island’s rich culinary heritage. Visitors can experience the art of artisan goats cheese making at a local farm, learning the intricate process firsthand. From milking the Majorera goats to transforming the fresh milk into delectable cheese, this hands-on workshop promises an unforgettable sensory experience. But the journey doesn’t end there – you will also savor an authentic Fuerteventura breakfast, showcasing the island’s local delicacies. Whether you’re a foodie or simply seeking a genuine cultural encounter, this artisanal cheese-making experience is not to be missed.

Key Points

• A 2.5-hour hands-on experience for up to 10 participants to learn the art of artisanal Majorera goat cheese making in Fuerteventura.
• Participants receive instruction on milking Majorera goats and gain insights into the unique characteristics of the breed.
• The activity includes a welcome coffee, an authentic Fuerteventura breakfast featuring the participant-made cheese, and the opportunity to take home the final cheese product.
• The cheese-making process is guided, with participants actively involved in each step, from curdling to pressing and aging the cheese.
• The experience give you participants with the knowledge and skills to replicate the traditional Majorera cheese-making process at home.

Activity Overview

What does this artisan goats cheese making experience in Fuerteventura entail?

This 2.5-hour activity is limited to 10 participants and offered in English and Spanish. It’s wheelchair-accessible, and you can get a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

You’ll start with a welcome coffee, then learn to milk Majorera goats manually and with a machine.

After learning about these goats, you’ll enjoy an authentic Fuerteventura breakfast featuring freshly milked goat’s milk and Gofio.

The highlight is hands-on cheese making, where you’ll create your own cheese from the just-milked goat’s milk.

At the end, you’ll take home your freshly made, vacuum-packed and labeled cheese.

Welcome and Coffee

Upon arrival, participants are welcomed with a warm cup of coffee. This allows them to settle in and prepare for the exciting experience ahead.

The rich, aromatic brew helps energize the group, setting the tone for an immersive and hands-on day of artisan cheesemaking. As they sip their coffee, the participants have a chance to mingle and get to know one another, fostering a sense of camaraderie that will carry through the various activities.

This opening ritual helps everyone feel at ease and ready to dive into the world of Majorera goats and the ancient craft of crafting delectable cheeses.

Milking the Goats

Participants then learn to milk the Majorera goats, both manually and with the aid of a machine.

The guides demonstrate proper milking techniques, allowing the participants to try it themselves. They explain the unique features of the Majorera breed, such as their robust physique and adaptability to the island’s harsh environment.

Hands-on experience helps the participants understand the art of goat milking and the effort required to obtain the fresh, high-quality milk that forms the foundation of the cheese-making process.

The participants gain a newfound appreciation for the work and patience involved in this traditional craft.

Goat Information

After milking the Majorera goats, the guides provide insights on the unique characteristics of this breed.

These hardy, adaptable goats are native to the Canary Islands and thrive in the arid climate of Fuerteventura. Known for their distinctive curved horns and striking facial features, Majorera goats are prized for their high-quality milk, which is the foundation for the island’s artisanal cheese.

Participants learn about the goats’ feeding habits, their robust physical traits, and the specialized care required to maintain the health and welfare of the herd.

Understanding the origins and attributes of these animals is key to appreciating the authenticity of the cheese-making process.

Authentic Breakfast

Freshly prepared Fuerteventura-style breakfasts await participants, featuring an array of local delicacies. The experience culminates with a large, satisfying breakfast that celebrates the island’s culinary heritage. Participants can enjoy a fresh cheese sandwich, a curated cheese board, and traditional Canarian Mojos. To complement the savory offerings, there are also jams, and a variety of beverage options, including coffee, tea, wine, beer, and soft drinks.

Item	Description
Fresh Cheese Sandwich	Made with the cheese participants created
Cheese Board	Featuring different Majorera cheese varieties
Canarian Mojos	Traditional spicy and garlic sauces
Jams	Locally produced fruit preserves
Beverages	Coffee, tea, wine, beer, soft drinks

The hearty breakfast provides a satisfying conclusion to the artisan cheesemaking experience.

Hands-On Cheese Making

The cheesemaking process begins as participants don their provided work attire – covers, tights, gloves, hats, and aprons.

They’re then guided through the hands-on experience of transforming freshly milked goat’s milk into artisanal cheese.

The experience covers:

• Basic information on the milk-to-cheese transformation process
• Differences in traditional Majorera cheese formats
• Opportunities to actively participate in each step

After the cheese is made, participants retrieve it from the press, vacuum pack it, and apply personalized labels.

This immersive, farm-to-table experience allows everyone to savor the satisfaction of crafting their own authentic Fuerteventura goats cheese.

Cheese Elaboration Room

Next, participants move to the cheese elaboration room, where they receive basic information on transforming milk into cheese and the differences in traditional Majorera cheese formats.

The guide explains the specific techniques used to create the distinct varieties of Majorera cheese. Guests learn about the key steps, from curdling the milk to pressing and aging the curds.

They discover how factors like temperature, time, and moisture content impact the final texture and flavor.

With this newfound knowledge, participants feel empowered to replicate the traditional cheesemaking process back home, bringing a taste of Fuerteventura to their own kitchens.

Culinary Experience

After learning the intricacies of the cheese-making process, participants are treated to a large, fulfilling breakfast.

The spread includes:

• Fresh cheese sandwiches
• A selection of Majorera cheeses on a board
• Traditional Canarian Mojos (sauces)
• Homemade jams
• A range of beverages like coffee, tea, wine, beer, and soft drinks.

The final step involves retrieving the cheese from the press, vacuum-sealing it, and labeling it to take home as a memento of the artisanal experience.

This culinary encounter is the perfect way to conclude the immersive goat cheese-making adventure in Fuerteventura.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Purchase Additional Cheese to Take Home?

Yes, participants can purchase additional cheese to take home after the experience. The freshly made cheese from the hands-on activity can be vacuum-packed and labeled for you to enjoy later.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Breakfast?

The experience caters to various dietary requirements. Participants can choose from a selection of options, including vegetarian and gluten-free items, during the large breakfast served after the cheese-making process.

How Do I Clean the Equipment After the Cheese Making?

After the cheese making, participants help clean the equipment. They use hot water and detergent to thoroughly wash all utensils, work surfaces, and containers. The guides supervise to ensure everything is properly sanitized before the next session.

Can I Interact With the Goats Outside of the Milking Session?

Yes, participants can interact with the goats outside of the milking session. The experience includes insights on the Majorera goats, their feeding, morphology, and care, allowing guests to engage with the animals throughout the visit.

Is There an Opportunity to Learn More About the Farm’s Sustainability Practices?

Yes, the experience includes insights on the farm’s sustainability practices. Participants can learn about the Majorera goats’ natural feeding, care, and conservation as part of the rundown of the cheese-making process.

Recap

Fuerteventura’s artisan goats cheese making workshop offers an immersive culinary experience. Participants learn the process from milking goats to transforming the fresh milk into delicious cheese. This hands-on activity celebrates the island’s rich food heritage and allows visitors to take home their handcrafted creations, ensuring lasting memories of their Canary Islands adventure.