“Donkey milk has the taste of love,” says Fatiko Basha, gently stroking her favorite donkey, Liza, before collecting the milk. On a farm in Albania’s southern Gjirokaster region, Fatiko and her husband, Veiz, produce cheese, curd, and whey from this prized milk, celebrated for centuries for its health and beauty benefits.
Donkey milk has a storied history, famously used by Cleopatra for luxurious baths to maintain her beauty and youth. Today, it is praised for its ability to boost immunity, alleviate respiratory conditions, and help with allergies. Milking these affectionate animals requires care and patience, as donkeys respond to touch and attention. Once the foal reaches three months, milking begins, yielding only about half a liter per donkey daily. This rarity makes the milk highly sought after, fetching between €50 and €60 per liter.
Dubbed “white gold,” donkey milk surged in popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic, prompting the Basha family to expand their herd to 30 females and 4 males. Their milk is sold across Albania, Greece, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. Additionally, they produce creamy, homemade cheese, which is even rarer. Creating one kilo of donkey cheese requires at least 25 liters of milk, making it one of the most expensive cheeses in the world at over €1,500 per kilo.
“It’s difficult to prepare but worth every drop,” says their daughter, Xhiko, who supplies local restaurants with the delicacy. Chefs and customers alike value its fresh taste, with many pairing it with fine wine. “Expensive but delicious, it’s the perfect complement to a luxurious meal,” says Elio Troque, a restaurant owner in Tirana.
Beyond food, donkey milk has also become a staple in skincare. Pharmacist Fabjola Meci produces a range of cosmetics, including ultra-soft creams under her Leva Natural brand. “Donkey milk is a beauty secret,” she says, highlighting its popularity during the festive season. Her goal is to bring her products to the global market, emphasizing the cream’s addictive, silky feel.
From gourmet cheese to high-end beauty products, donkey milk represents a unique blend of tradition, luxury, and innovation in Albania. It is more than just a rarity—it’s a symbol of the care, dedication, and history behind every drop.
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