7 Must-Try Norwegian Cheeses You Should Know

Norway is famous for its cheese, with types like Gjetost and Nøkkelost being top picks. These cheeses are known for their quality and unique tastes¹. In Norway, cheese is a big deal, with about 75% of homes eating it often². Premium cheeses can cost between $15 and $30 per kilogram in specialty stores².

Norwegian cheeses stand out for their flavors and the knowledge of cheese-making in different regions. There are about 40 traditional cheeses in Norway, showing the variety in cheese-making². Brown cheese, Jarlsberg, and Norvegia are the favorites, with brown cheese being the most loved by over 70% of people².

Key Takeaways

• Norway has a rich and varied cheese tradition with many unique and delicious cheeses to try, including Norwegian cheese types.
• Norwegian cheese types are known for their high quality and distinct flavors.
• Approximately 75% of Norwegian households consume cheese regularly, highlighting its significance in the Norwegian diet².
• The cost of premium Norwegian cheese varieties can range from $15 to $30 per kilogram in specialty shops².
• The most popular cheese types among Norwegians include brown cheese (Brunost), Jarlsberg, and Norvegia².

The Rich Heritage of Norwegian Cheese Making

Norwegian cheese has a long history, starting in the Viking era³. The country’s cheese-making methods have been passed down for generations. Many cheeses are made using old techniques. Cow’s milk is a key ingredient in Norway’s famous cheeses.

Traditional cheese making in Norway is slow and careful, taking hours or days⁴. This process creates a variety of delicious cheeses. Each cheese has its own flavor and texture. For example, Gjetost is sweet and caramel-like, while Jarlsberg is nutty and slightly sweet⁵.

Over time, cheese making in Norway has changed. Modern farms use old techniques with new technology. Yet, many small producers stick to traditional methods, like heating whey for Brunost³. This mix of old and new keeps Norwegian cheese making alive and competitive worldwide.

Understanding Norwegian Cheese Classifications

Norwegian cheese comes in many types. It’s divided into soft, hard, and blue cheeses⁶. Knowing these categories helps us see the wide range of Norwegian cheeses.

Some cheeses, like Gouda, age from weeks to years. Parmigiano-Reggiano, a type of Parmesan, ages for at least 12 months⁶.

When traveling with cheese, think about its type and how it holds up. Hard cheeses are better for flights than soft ones⁷.

The Dutch love cheese, with an average household having 2.7 cheese planes, says Martijn Bos of Boska⁸.

Here’s a quick look at some Norwegian cheese types:

• Soft cheeses: Brie, Camembert
• Hard cheeses: Gouda, Parmigiano-Reggiano
• Blue cheeses: Gorgonzola, Roquefort

Norwegian cheese classifications and types are key to understanding the country’s cheese-making history⁶. Exploring these categories helps us appreciate the variety and complexity of Norwegian cheeses.

Gjetost: Norway’s Unique Brown Cheese

Gjetost, also known as Norwegian brown cheese, is a unique cheese made from whey. It has a brown color and a sweet flavor⁹. It’s often enjoyed with crackers or bread. The cheese is made by boiling whey to concentrate sugars and proteins, giving it a creamy texture¹⁰.

The cheese tastes sweet and nutty, with a hint of caramel⁹. Its smooth and creamy texture makes it great for snacking and cooking. People often slice it thinly and serve it with crackers or bread, or use it in recipes¹⁰.

Here are some key facts about Gjetost:

• It is made from whey, a by-product of cheesemaking⁹
• It has a distinctive brown color and sweet flavor⁹
• It is often served with crackers or bread⁹
• It is a popular ingredient in various recipes, including desserts and main dishes¹⁰

Gjetost is a unique and delicious Norwegian cheese that’s worth trying⁹. Its sweet and nutty flavor makes it a great addition to any meal or snack¹⁰.

Gjetost is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in various ways⁹. Whether you prefer it on its own or as an ingredient in a recipe, it’s sure to delight your taste buds¹⁰.

Jarlsberg: The Swiss-Inspired Norwegian Classic

Jarlsberg is a well-loved Norwegian cheese, inspired by Swiss traditions¹¹. It has a mild and nutty taste, perfect for any cheese platter. The story of Jarlsberg cheese began when Emmentaler was introduced in Scandinavia around 1830¹¹.

The making of Jarlsberg cheese is a precise process. It includes adding propionibacterium, lost due to pasteurization¹¹. You can find Jarlsberg in light, 1-year aged, and smoked forms¹¹. Today, it’s the top-selling imported cheese in the U.S¹¹..

Some fun facts about Jarlsberg cheese include:

• It makes up 80% of Tine’s exports¹².
• It was first brought to the U.S. in 1964¹².
• U.S. imports of Jarlsberg have been capped at 15 million pounds annually¹².

Jarlsberg cheese comes from Swiss Emmentaler¹¹. Its making involves special steps like acidifying and heating the milk to 98°F (37°C)¹³. The cheese ages for 7-10 days in a controlled environment¹³.

In summary, Jarlsberg is a tasty and versatile cheese with a rich history and unique making process. It’s a favorite among cheese enthusiasts¹¹.

Gamalost: Ancient Viking Cheese Tradition

Gamalost is a traditional Norwegian cheese from the 16th century, with roots over a thousand years old¹⁴. It’s famous for its bold and smelly taste. This comes from a special way of making it. The cheese is made from cow’s milk, with about 1.5 kilos coming from 15 liters of milk¹⁵.

Making Gamalost involves boiling the whey to make a brown cheese. Then, the cheese is aged for about 1-2 months¹⁵. It’s packed with 50% protein, making it a hit among cheese lovers. Gamalost is known for:

• Strong and pungent flavor
• High protein content
• Low fat content
• Unique production process

Gamalost is a big part of Norwegian cheese culture. It’s celebrated at festivals like the Gamalostfestivalen in Vik¹⁴. It’s also one of Europe’s oldest cheeses, with a rich history. Gamalost’s unique taste and health benefits make it a must-try for cheese fans.

Gamalost shows the Viking cheese tradition at its best, with roots in the Viking era¹⁴. Today, it’s made using old methods and loved by cheese lovers in Norway and globally.

7 Norwegian Cheeses You Should Know: A Detailed Guide

Norwegian cheeses come in a wide range of flavors and textures. They are perfect for any cheese lover’s guide. For example, the sweet and nutty Gudbrandsdalsost from the Gudbrand Valley is a must-try¹⁶.

Exploring Norwegian cheeses, you’ll find creamy Snøfrisk and tangy Pultost. These cheeses are found across different regions, like the western coast and eastern valleys¹⁷.

If you want to try these cheeses, they’re available in the U.S. You can find them in specialty stores or online. Some favorites include:

• Gudbrandsdalsost
• Snøfrisk
• Pultost

These cheeses pair well with crackers or bread, bringing out their unique flavors¹⁶.

In conclusion, Norwegian cheeses are a world of flavors and textures. They offer regional variations and are available in the U.S. Whether you’re a cheese lover or just curious, this guide is a great starting point¹⁷.

Nøkkelost: The Spiced Treasure

Nøkkelost is a type of Norwegian hard cheese with 30% moisture, made from raw milk¹⁸. It ages for about 2-3 months, which changes its taste and texture¹⁸. This cheese has a special flavor, with spices like cumin, caraway, and cloves¹⁹.

The cheese-making process adds spices, creating a mix of spicy and sweet tastes¹⁹. It has brown flecks from the spices¹⁹. Nøkkelost is enjoyed with crackers or bread, thanks to its mild, rubbery texture¹⁹.

Some key characteristics of Nøkkelost include:

• Moisture content: 30%¹⁸
• Aging process: 2-3 months¹⁸
• Spices: cumin, caraway, and cloves¹⁹
• Texture: mild, rubbery¹⁹
• Flavor profile: complex blend of spicy and sweet flavors¹⁹

Nøkkelost is a unique Norwegian cheese with a special flavor¹⁹. It shows the variety in Norwegian cheese, with over 200 types¹⁸. If you want to try something new or explore Norwegian food, Nøkkelost is a great choice¹⁸.

Pultost: Traditional Sour Milk Cheese

Pultost is a traditional Norwegian sour milk cheese with a unique flavor. It’s often enjoyed with bread or crackers²⁰. The cheese is made from sour, rennetless, skim milk, setting it apart from other cheeses²¹.

This special process adds to Norway’s rich milk food traditions. It shows a blend of advanced milk chemistry and traditional knowledge²¹.

Pultost is deeply rooted in Norwegian culture. It’s traditionally served with caraway seeds or aniseeds, creating a strong aroma and taste²². The cheese-making process is also influenced by Norway’s geography. Farmers may have to drive animals up to 50 kilometers for pasture²².

This makes producing traditional Norwegian cheeses like Pultost both challenging and rewarding. It requires a deep understanding of the cheese-making process.

For those curious about Norwegian cheese traditions, Scandinavian cheese resources offer valuable insights. They cover the history and production of cheeses like Pultost²¹. Exploring the use of milk components in cheese-making also reveals the complexity and richness of Norwegian cheese traditions²².

Some key characteristics of Pultost include:

• Loose, crumbly texture
• Sour milk flavor
• Flavored with caraway seeds or aniseeds

These traits, along with its cultural importance and traditional production, make Pultost a standout in Norwegian cheese tradition²⁰.

Serving and Pairing Norwegian Cheeses

Norwegian cheeses come in many flavors and textures. They are great for different pairings. For instance, a sweet Gjetost cheese pairs well with a dry Riesling wine. On the other hand, a tangy Pultost cheese goes well with a rich Merlot²³.

Traditional accompaniments are also key in pairing Norwegian cheeses. You can try crackers, bread, fruit, and nuts. Here are some pairing ideas:

• Gjetost: pair with apple slices or crackers²⁴
• Pultost: pair with sourdough bread or nuts²³
• Jarlsberg: pair with grapes or figs²⁴

When serving Norwegian cheeses, think about the cheese type and the pairing you want. For example, a mild cheese like Norvegia can go with many wines. But a stronger cheese like Gamalost is better with sweet or nutty foods²³. Try different pairings to find your favorite²⁴.

Storage and Preservation Tips

Keeping your Norwegian cheese fresh is key. It’s important to store it in a way that lets it breathe. This prevents bad smells and mold. You can find useful tips online to help you store your cheese right.

There are many ways to store cheese, like plastic wrap, aluminum foil, cheese paper, and reusable wax wraps. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks. The right choice depends on the cheese type. For instance, cheese in cheese paper can last 3 to 6 weeks²⁵.

Remember, the storage temperature and humidity matter too. They can affect how long your cheese stays good²⁶.

Here are some tips for storing different cheeses:

• Soft cheeses: Keep them cool and humid, like in a cheese cave or a fridge with humidity control²⁶.
• Hard cheeses: Store them in a cool, dry place, like a pantry or a fridge with low humidity²⁶.
• Blue cheeses: Keep them cool and humid, like in a cheese cave or a fridge with humidity control²⁶.

By following these tips and choosing the right storage, you can enjoy your Norwegian cheese longer. It will stay fresh and flavorful.

Where to Find Norwegian Cheeses in America

Norwegian cheese in America is available in specialty cheese shops and online. These places offer a variety of cheeses, like Gudbrandsdalsost and Fløtemysost. They let customers taste and learn about different cheeses²⁷.

Online, cheesevibes.com has many Norwegian cheeses. They have Tine Brown Cheese and Heidal Brown Cheese, starting at kr 199.90. They also offer discounts up to 14%²⁸. Local cheese shops also carry Norwegian cheeses, where you can taste and buy them.

Specialty Cheese Shops

Specialty cheese shops are perfect for finding Norwegian cheeses in America. They have a wide selection of cheeses, including Norwegian ones. These shops let customers taste and learn about different cheeses²⁷.

Prices for Norwegian cheese vary, from kr 199.90 for Tine Brown Cheese to kr 319.90 for Heidal Brown Cheese²⁸. Online, you can find deals and discounts, making it cheaper to buy.

Online Retailers

Online, you can find many Norwegian cheeses. Stores like cheesevibes.com offer Tine Brown Cheese and Heidal Brown Cheese. They let you buy cheese from home²⁷.

Prices online range from kr 199.90 for Tine Brown Cheese to kr 319.90 for Heidal Brown Cheese²⁸. Online stores often have deals and discounts. They also offer shipping options, including international, which takes 2-7 days²⁸.

Conclusion

The world of Norwegian cheeses is full of variety and taste. From the famous Jarlsberg to the unique Gamalost, each cheese shows Norway’s rich dairy history and creative spirit²⁹.

Try the sweet Geitost or the special Nørkeløst for a taste adventure. These cheeses celebrate Norway’s varied landscapes and traditional making skills²⁹.

When trying Norwegian cheeses, pair them with the right wines, breads, and other foods. This way, you can enjoy their unique tastes and textures fully³⁰.

Whether you love cheese or just want to try something new, explore Norwegian cheeses. They offer a world of flavors and textures that will impress your taste buds²⁹³⁰.