ZASAVICA, Serbia: White, dense and rich in flavor, Serbia’s one-of-a-kind donkey cheese is not only tasty but good for your health, says maker Slobodan Simic.
There’s only one catch — at 1,000 euros ($1,130) a kilogram, it may well be the most expensive cheese in the world.
Since 2012, Simic and his team of farmers have been milking a herd of more than 200 donkeys who live on a nature reserve northern Serbia called Zasavica.
Their milk has similar properties to breastmilk and is touted by Simic as a cure for a range of ailments, including asthma and bronchitis.
“A human baby can take this milk from the first day, without having it diluted,” he says, calling it a “wonder of nature.”
While a lack of scientific studies make it difficult to assess its health properties, the milk is high in protein and has been recognized by the UN as a good alternative for those with allergies to cow’s milk.
But “what no one in the world does, and could never make, is the donkey cheese,” Simic says of his flagship product.
Donkey milk has low levels of casein — a type of protein that acts as a binding agent in cheese-making.
But a staff member at Zasavica discovered that portions of donkey milk could be mixed with some from goats in order to craft the crumbly mounds of cheese.
The mixture also helps make up for the fact that donkeys produce less than a liter of milk a day — a fraction of the 40 liters a cow can provide.
The farm sells between six and 15 kilos of cheese a year, mainly to foreigners and tourists who visit, says Simic.
They also produce donkey milk soap and liquor.
For Simic, the business is also a way to protect the Balkan donkey, an animal that has become less prevalent as machines take their place in agriculture.
“We are maintaining the need for this animal and now there are more and more donkey farms, the demand for donkeys is higher... which is a very good thing for us and the region,” he says.
The unique product made headlines in 2012 after false rumors spread that Serbia’s tennis star Novak Djokovic had bought up an annual supply — which he denied.
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‘Wonder of nature’: Serbia’s ultra-expensive donkey cheese
‘Wonder of nature’: Serbia’s ultra-expensive donkey cheese
- Donkey milk has similar properties to breastmilk and is touted as a cure for a range of ailments, including asthma and bronchitis
- Donkey milk has low levels of casein — a type of protein that acts as a binding agent in cheese-making
Where We Are Going Today: Brown Branch Bakery and Cafe
- New cafe alert in Alkhobar’s Olaya
While leaving my friend a voice note as I exited a popular local cafe across the street, I stumbled upon the building that houses Brown Branch, a newly opened bakery and cafe, and decided to head over and check it out.
I was intrigued enough to step inside after spotting the window lush with fresh flowers.
The well-lit, well-decorated, aesthetically pleasing interior was fragrant and full of life.
Up the flight of stairs, there is ample seating both indoors and outdoors — for those who prefer fresh air or a view of the surroundings.
The cafe is so practical for work or study. Outlets are aplenty so you can charge your device while you recharge.
Having opened just this month, it only had a few customers during my visit, but I am sure the cafe will grow and blossom once more people discover it.
Two customers — who turned out to be nurses — were enthusiastically finishing their order, of which only crumbs remained. We had a pleasant chat and I asked what they had tried.
They had devoured the blueberry cheesecake, priced at SR29 ($7), and highly recommended it. The cheesecake is round and perfect for one or to share. I immediately placed that order.
What made it fun was that the crust encased it, with fresh berries decorating part of the top. For me, the crust is always my favorite part, so having it be where my spoon dug into first was such a pleasant surprise. The creamy interior with some fruit tucked within was really good. I ate it all in one go.
They also raved about their cups of hot chocolate (SR15 each).
Since I was well caffeinated from the neighboring cafe, I opted for an iced hibiscus tea for SR17, which was very refreshing — though the size was small and finished quickly. Wish it was larger.
I also tried a slice of lemon cake for SR13 with icing on top. It was enjoyable but not memorable.
The owner is already established in the local cafe community. She opened the Meow Cafe at Amwaj Mall a few years ago and later expanded to Dammam.
With this new venture, she is showcasing a fresh sensibility.
The name Brown Branch alludes to growth, picking fruit and relaxing together on a branch — a connection with nature that reflects the ambience and overall vibe.
There is a glass display filled with pastries — you would be spoiled for choice — and the drink menu is also extensive.
I am definitely coming back to try even more offerings.
Visit them on Instagram @brownbranch.sa.
