Norway might not be the first place you think of when you think of cheese, but it has a rich and diverse cheese culture that’s often overlooked. Many types of cheese from Norway are unique and packed with flavor.
In fact, some Norwegian cheeses have even won prestigious international awards.
So, let’s take a look at some of the key types of cheese Norway has to offer!
Brunost: Norway’s Brown Cheese
Brunost, or “brown cheese,” is a Norwegian cheese unlike any other. With its distinctive caramel color and flavor, it’s a staple in Norwegian cuisine and a source of national pride.
What is Brunost?
Brunost is made primarily from whey, the liquid leftover from cheesemaking. To this, cheesemakers add milk and cream, often a mix of both cow’s milk and goat’s milk. The mixture is then boiled for hours, which gives the cheese its signature brown hue and creates its unique, caramelized taste.
Flavor and Texture
Brunost’s flavor is often described as butterscotch-like, with hints of caramel or fudge. The precise taste can vary depending on the type of milk used, what the animals ate, and the length of the boiling process. The texture is semi-firm, making it easy to slice or spread.
Cultural Significance and Uses
Brunost is more than just a cheese in Norway; it’s a symbol of Norwegian heritage and a vital part of the economy for many local communities. It’s traditionally enjoyed thinly sliced on bread or crispbread, as a simple snack, or as an ingredient in various dishes.
Interestingly, Brunost is also gaining popularity in international cuisine, particularly in South Korea, where its sweet and savory flavor profile is finding new and exciting applications.
Gjetost: A close cousin to Brunost
Gjetost is another type of “brown cheese” from Norway, and it’s very similar to Brunost. However, Gjetost is traditionally made using mostly goat’s milk.
Brunost, on the other hand, can be made using a mixture of cow’s milk, goat’s milk, and cream.
Like Brunost, Gjetost has a distinctive sweet flavor, but it also has a slightly tangy finish.
You can find Gjetost in cheese shops and at specialty grocery stores.
Pultost and Gamalost: Traditional Sour Milk Cheeses
Norway’s cheesemakers also create distinctive sour milk cheeses, including pultost and gamalost.
Pultost
Pultost is a traditional sour milk cheese with a strong, pungent flavor. It’s often seasoned with caraway seeds.
Gamalost
Gamalost, another sour milk cheese, is known for its truly unique and pungent aroma and flavor.
The cheese is so beloved in some parts of the country that a Gamalost Festival is held each year to celebrate it.
Nøkkelost: A Spiced Delight
Nøkkelost is a semi-hard cheese that features a savory, aromatic flavor. What makes it different from other cheeses is the blend of spices added to the curds during the cheesemaking process.
Caraway and cloves are the most common choices, giving Nøkkelost a distinctive and interesting taste.
Award-winning Norwegian cheeses: Kraftkar and Fanaost
Norway has its share of cheeses that have been recognized worldwide. Here are a couple of the most well-known.
Kraftkar
Kraftkar is a blue cheese that’s won a World Cheese Award. It’s known for its intense flavor and creamy texture, which took 13 years to develop into the recipe that’s used today.
Fanaost
Fanaost is a gouda-style cheese that’s also been honored with a World Cheese Award. It’s made with milk from cows who graze on a diet of diverse grasses, which contributes to its unique flavor.
Jarlsberg: The Popular Export
Jarlsberg is probably the most famous cheese to come out of Norway, and it’s definitely the most popular export. You can spot it by its mild, nutty flavor and the big holes all the way through.
Ole Martin Ystgaard developed the recipe for Jarlsberg at the Agricultural University of Norway in the 1950s.
The cheese is typically aged for anywhere between three and fifteen months to develop its signature taste and texture.
Summary
From nutty brown cheese to creamy white cheeses, Norway offers a diverse range of cheeses, each with its own distinct character. If you’re a cheese lover, exploring Norwegian cheese is a must. These cheeses aren’t just delicious; many are deeply rooted in Norwegian culture and traditions.
By seeking out and enjoying these unique cheeses, you’re not only treating your taste buds but also supporting small family farms and local communities that keep these culinary traditions alive. So, next time you’re looking for something new and delicious, consider giving Norwegian cheese a try!