bbc.com
€1200-per-kg Donkey Milk Cheese a Serbian Luxury
A kilogram of Serbian Pule cheese, made from donkey milk, costs €1200 in Zasavica nature reserve, 80km from Belgrade; its high price is due to the limited milk production of donkeys (300ml/day) and complex cheesemaking process, with only 25-30kg produced annually.
- How does the unique production process of Pule cheese, from donkey milk, contribute to its high price and limited availability?
- The high price of Pule cheese reflects its unique production process. Only 300ml of milk is produced per donkey daily, with half consumed by the foal. Zasavica reserve, home to 300 donkeys, holds a unique position as the largest donkey farm in Southeastern Europe, contributing to the cheese's exclusivity.
- What is the significance of Pule cheese's €1200 price tag in the context of Serbian economics and the global luxury food market?
- In Serbia, a kilogram of Pule cheese, made from donkey milk, costs €1200, exceeding the average monthly salary. This exceptionally rare cheese is only sold at the Zasavica nature reserve, 80km from Belgrade, due to the limited milk production of donkeys and complex cheesemaking process. Production is restricted to 25-30kg annually.
- What are the potential future implications for Pule cheese production, considering its current rarity, high demand, and the limited scale of donkey milk production?
- Pule cheese's limited production and high price position it as a luxury item, attracting attention from notable figures like Novak Djokovic. The cheese's unique taste, combined with the low milk yield and complex production, ensures its continued rarity and high value, unlikely to impact the broader Serbian economy significantly.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the story around the extraordinary price and rarity of the cheese, highlighting its luxurious status and appealing to a certain audience. The focus on Novak Djokovic's interest also contributes to this framing. The headline emphasizes the high price, setting the tone for the entire piece. This may lead readers to view the cheese as a status symbol rather than simply discussing it's unique production method.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, but phrases like "a luxury available only to those with money" and "expensive taste" carry a certain connotation of exclusivity and wealth, subtly influencing the reader's perception. More neutral descriptions could be used, such as, "a high-priced product," or "a unique flavor profile.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the high price and rarity of the cheese, and the unique characteristics of the donkey farm. However, it omits discussion of the overall economic impact of donkey farming in Serbia, beyond mentioning that it's not significant. While acknowledging space constraints is valid, this omission might leave readers with an incomplete understanding of the cheese's broader context within the Serbian economy. Further, it lacks information on the environmental impact of the farm or the sustainability of the practice.
Sustainable Development Goals
The high price of Pule cheese, exceeding the average monthly salary in Serbia, contributes to the local economy and provides income for those involved in its production. The development of a unique product generates economic opportunities in a rural area, potentially alleviating poverty.