What Is Limburger Cheese?
Limburger cheese is a creamy, brick-shaped washed rind cheese with a mild, beefy flavor and strong, pungent aroma.
It is made from raw cow’s milk that is heated, pasteurized, and coagulated into curd with the addition of cultures and rennet.
The curd is drained, shaped into small brick-like blocks, and aged for one to three months while being washed in a salt brine to develop the aroma and rind color.
Limburger cheese originated in the Limburg region of Belgium in the 19th century and was first produced by Trappist monks.
It is now produced in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and North America.
Limburger cheese is a good source of calcium and protein.
It can be stored in the refrigerator for two to three weeks, and the rind should be eaten as it contributes to its aroma.
Limburger cheese can be enjoyed on a cheese board, with bread, pickles, and other accompaniments, and it is often used in sandwiches with dark bread, sliced onions, and spicy brown mustard.
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. Limburger cheese is believed to be one of the oldest types of cheese in the world, dating back to the 19th century. It has a strong odor, which some describe as reminiscent of sweaty socks.
2. Contrary to popular belief, Limburger cheese is not actually made in Limburg, Belgium or Limburg, Germany. Today, it is primarily produced in the United States.
3. The production of Limburger cheese requires a specific microorganism called Brevibacterium linens. This bacterium creates the distinct aroma of the cheese and contributes to its unique flavor profile.
4. In the early 20th century, Limburger cheese was nicknamed the “King of Cheeses” due to its popularity. However, it faced a decline in the United States during World War II due to its association with German immigrants.
5. Limburger cheese was once a favorite of the renowned American author, Mark Twain. Despite its pungent smell, he was quoted as saying, “a discreet lunch can be arranged even in the presence of a Limburger cheese.”
What Is Limburger Cheese?
Limburger cheese is a popular cheese known for its creamy texture, brick shape, and strong, pungent aroma. This semisoft, surface-ripened cow’s milk cheese is characterized by its mild, beefy flavor and its pale pinkish-orange rind. Produced in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and North America, Limburger cheese is a versatile option that can be incorporated into various culinary creations.
A notable feature of Limburger cheese is its nutritional value. It serves as an excellent source of calcium, which contributes to strong bones and teeth. Additionally, it contains protein, an essential macronutrient that plays a vital role in repairing and building tissues within the body. Including Limburger cheese in your diet can be a delicious way to meet your calcium and protein needs.
Origins And Production Of Limburger Cheese
The origins of Limburger cheese can be traced back to the Limburg region of Belgium in the 19th century. It was initially crafted by Trappist monks who perfected the recipe over time. As the popularity of the cheese spread throughout Europe, cheesemakers in Allgäu, Germany, also began producing Limburger cheese.
In the United States, Limburger cheese found its way during the Industrial Revolution in 1867. The production of this cheese has since been limited, with only one American producer, Chalet Cheese Cooperative in Wisconsin, taking up the mantle. Furthermore, Ontario’s Oak Grove Dairy in Canada has also started producing Limburger cheese, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to savor its unique characteristics.
To achieve the distinct taste and appearance of Limburger cheese, a specific aging process is employed. During this process, the cheese is regularly washed in a salt brine. These washings contribute to the characteristic aroma and the development of a pale pinkish-orange rind. Over time, the cheese transforms from a somewhat firm, chalky, and crumbly texture at one month, to a creamy consistency at two months. By three months, it becomes incredibly soft, spreadable, and strikingly pungent.
- Limburger cheese originated in the Limburg region of Belgium in the 19th century.
- Trappist monks perfected the recipe for Limburger cheese.
- Cheesemakers in Germany also started producing Limburger cheese.
- Limburger cheese arrived in the United States during the Industrial Revolution in 1867.
- Only one American producer, Chalet Cheese Cooperative in Wisconsin, currently makes Limburger cheese.
- Oak Grove Dairy in Canada is another producer of Limburger cheese.
- The aging process of Limburger cheese involves regular washing in a salt brine.
- The washings create a characteristic aroma and a pale pinkish-orange rind.
- At one month, Limburger cheese has a somewhat firm, chalky, and crumbly texture.
- At two months, Limburger cheese develops a creamy consistency.
- By three months, Limburger cheese is incredibly soft, spreadable, and pungent.
Limburger Cheese In The United States And Canada
Limburger cheese, known for its strong aroma, is produced in limited quantities in North America. However, it has managed to develop a dedicated following in the region. One prominent producer of Limburger cheese in the United States is the Chalet Cheese Cooperative, based in Monroe, Wisconsin. The cooperative takes great pride in upholding traditional techniques to ensure the highest quality of Limburger cheese.
In Canada, Oak Grove Dairy in Ontario also contributes to the production of Limburger cheese. By offering North American consumers an alternative source of this unique delicacy, Oak Grove Dairy plays a role in increasing the accessibility and availability of Limburger cheese.
To summarize:
- Limburger cheese production is limited in North America but has a niche following.
- Chalet Cheese Cooperative in Monroe, Wisconsin, is a major producer in the United States.
- Oak Grove Dairy in Ontario, Canada, provides an alternative source of Limburger cheese.
Aging Process And Characteristics Of Limburger Cheese
The unique appeal of Limburger cheese lies in its aging process, which gives it its distinctive characteristics. Younger blocks of Limburger cheese may have small holes, adding visual interest. However, it is during the aging process that the cheese truly develops its signature flavors and aromas.
Traditionally, Limburger cheese is made from raw cow’s milk. The milk is heated, pasteurized, and coagulated into curd using cultures and rennet. The curd is then drained and shaped into small brick-like blocks, and aged for a period of one to three months. Throughout this aging period, the cheese is regularly washed in a salt brine, which contributes to its unique aroma and rind color.
Substitutes And Serving Suggestions For Limburger Cheese
If Limburger cheese is not readily available, fear not, as several substitutes can be used to create similar culinary experiences. Liederkranz, Taleggio, Maroilles, and Herve cheese all possess similar characteristics and can be enjoyed as substitutes for Limburger cheese.
In terms of serving suggestions, Limburger cheese complements a variety of accompaniments. It can be enjoyed on a cheese board alongside bread, pickles, and other savory treats. One popular way to savor Limburger cheese is by pairing it with strawberry jam, a perfect balance of creamy and sweet flavors. Additionally, it is frequently used in sandwiches with dark bread, sliced onions, and spicy brown mustard, creating an explosion of taste sensations.
Storage And Handling Tips For Limburger Cheese
When storing Limburger cheese, there are some important considerations to ensure its optimal quality:
- Unopened packages should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain a cool environment that preserves freshness.
- Once opened, it is recommended to tightly wrap the cheese in waxed paper or parchment paper. This helps to further secure it by placing it in an unsealed plastic sandwich bag or storage container.
- By following these storage practices, Limburger cheese can maintain its quality for two to three weeks.
It is important to avoid freezing Limburger cheese as it can cause damage to its texture. However, if mold should grow on the cut surface, it can be remedied by cutting around the affected area with a paring knife to prevent it from spreading.
The rind of Limburger cheese adds to its overall flavor profile. Eating the rind contributes significantly to the overall taste experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Limburger cheese smell like?
Limburger cheese is renowned for its pungent and distinctive aroma. The smell has been described as a combination of ammonia and feet, which is attributed to the bacteria and the smear-ripening process it undergoes. As the cheese ages, the scent intensifies, making it quite unmistakable and almost a trademark characteristic of this cheese. Some may find the smell off-putting, but for others, it is precisely what makes Limburger cheese intriguing and unique.
What does Limburger taste like?
Limburger cheese is a unique and captivating experience for the taste buds. Its reddish-brown washed rind gives it a distinct appearance, while the aromatic and spicy flavors dominate the palate. Although the yellow interior may suggest sweetness, it is the intriguing sweet undertone that truly makes this cheese a culinary treasure, especially once you overcome any initial reservations about its smell. Overall, Limburger offers a complex and unforgettable taste that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
What’s Limburger cheese made from?
Limburger cheese is made from cow’s milk that has undergone a surface-ripening process. The cheese originates from the province of Liège in Belgium, where it was first sold at markets in Limbourg. Despite its Belgian roots, today most Limburger cheese is produced in Germany and the United States. The cheese is known for its pungent odor, creamy texture, and strong flavor, making it a unique and distinctive option for cheese enthusiasts.
What is Limburger cheese used for?
In addition to being a popular choice for sandwiches, Limburger cheese offers versatility in various dishes. Its creamy and strong flavor makes it a great choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, adding a unique twist to the classic comfort food. Moreover, Limburger cheese can be incorporated into dishes like macaroni and cheese or gratins, elevating their taste with its soft and flavorful characteristics. Overall, Limburger cheese is valued for its ability to melt beautifully and bring a rich and distinctive flavor to a variety of recipes.