Pule Cheese: The World's Most Expensive Cheese and Why It Costs $600 a Pound

Pule cheese, a rare specialty from Serbia, has earned the title of the world’s most expensive cheese, with prices reaching up to $600 per pound. 

This unique cheese is made from donkey milk, which is very unusual for cheese making. It has a rich taste, creamy texture, and impressive nutritional benefits, all adding to its high value.

But what exactly makes Pule cheese so costly? Let us explore the factors that contribute to its high price.

Exclusivity and Location:

Pule cheese is produced only in one place, the Zasavica Special Nature Reserve in Serbia. This nature reserve raises a rare breed of Balkan donkeys, whose milk is essential for making Pule cheese. 

Since only a small number of these donkeys produce milk, Pule cheese is hard to find and highly valued among cheese lovers worldwide.

Limited Milk Supply:

Unlike cows or goats, female donkeys, also known as jennies, produce very little milk. A jenny can produce only about 1.3 to 1.5 liters of milk per day. 

Making just one kilogram (about 2.2 pounds) of Pule cheese requires 25 liters of donkey milk. This need for so much milk, combined with the small supply, raises the cost of Pule cheese significantly.

Labor-Intensive Production Process:

Creating Pule cheese takes a lot of work and care. Each step, from milking the donkeys to processing the milk and aging the cheese, is done by hand. 

The small team that produces Pule works with great patience and attention to detail, which makes the cheese even more exclusive and costly.

Aging and Flavor Development:

Pule cheese has a deep, unique flavor, partly because of the aging process. Unlike some cheeses that can be aged quickly, Pule requires time to develop its rich taste. 

This longer aging period also limits the amount of cheese available, as it must be stored and monitored over time, adding to its value and price.

Unique Nutritional Benefits:

Donkey milk is known for being high in protein, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. 

Pule cheese is considered healthier than many other cheeses and is sometimes marketed as a health food. 

Its nutritional value adds to its appeal and helps justify its high price for consumers who value its health benefits.

High Demand and Low Supply:

With only around 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of Pule cheese produced each year, the supply is extremely limited. 

This low availability, combined with high demand from food enthusiasts and fine dining restaurants, allows the price to remain high. 

Gourmet shops and luxury restaurants around the world pay a premium to serve this rare cheese.

Cultural and Environmental Value:

In Serbia, Pule cheese is more than just food. It is also a cultural symbol, representing the local farming traditions and environmental diversity of the Zasavica Nature Reserve. 

By supporting native donkey breeds and milk production, Pule cheese helps preserve an important part of Serbia’s heritage. This adds meaning to the cheese beyond its taste and nutritional benefits.

The Bottom Line:

The high cost of Pule cheese reflects much more than just its flavor. The limited milk supply, detailed production process, and deep cultural value make it one of the world’s most special cheeses. 

Tasting Pule cheese is not only a unique food experience, it is a connection to Serbia’s tradition, dedication, and passion for quality. For those who get the chance to try it, Pule cheese is truly one of a kind.