Maó cheese (formatge de Maó in the original Catalan, queso de Mahón in Spanish) is a soft to hard white cheese made from cows' milk, named after the town and natural port of Maó (known as Mahón in Spanish), on the island of Menorca off the Mediterranean coast of Spain. Menorca is known for its cheese production.
Mahón has some characteristics specific to it, despite aging. In general the cheese is buttery sharp, slightly salty and lightly aromatic (sweet and nutty aromas) in taste.
Mahón's sweet and fruity but at times slightly salty taste is due in part to the sea salt content in the grasses the cows eat.
Maó artesà or Mahón artesano (Catalan and Spanish for "artisanal Maó", respectively) is young, aged no longer than three months, and softer than traditional Maó. It is important to keep young Maó in the vegetable compartment of a refrigerator or cooler. It should be stored in airtight plastic wrapping to preserve its softness.