Danish cheese is famous for its unique taste, flavor, and quality.
Let’s start with two of the classics: Havarti and Danablu.
Havarti is a popular Danish cheese made from pasteurized cow’s milk. It is a hard cheese that matures for at least 3 months, developing small holes throughout its body.
Havarti has a creamy and slightly acidic flavor, making it perfect for sandwiches, snacks, and cooking.
Another well-known Danish cheese is Danablu, also known as Danish Blue. This semi-soft blue cheese is made from full-fat cow’s milk. It has a white interior with fine streaks of blue veins, giving it a visually appealing look.
The taste of Danablu is pungent and sharp, yet it has a creamy and smooth texture. This cheese is perfect for salads, cheese boards, and melted into sauces or pasta dishes.
Here is a table listing a few common Danish cheeses along with their characteristics:
| Cheese | Type | Flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Havarti | Hard | Creamy, slightly acidic |
| Danablu | Semi-soft | Pungent, sharp, with mild bitterness and salt |
When enjoying Danish cheese, remember these tips:
- Choose a cheese based on its type and flavor to suit your tastes and preferences.
- Store cheese properly, wrapped in wax paper or a cheese cloth, and keep it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different pairings, such as fruit, meat, and crackers, to discover new flavor combinations.
Types of Danish Cheese
Havarti
Havarti is a popular Danish cheese made from pasteurized cow’s milk. This semi-hard cheese has a creamy texture and is known for its mild flavor.
You can enjoy Havarti in various stages of aging, from young and mild to mature and strong. The flavors can range from buttery to slightly tangy, depending on how long it has been aged.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, try the ‘Gammel Knas’ variety, which has crispy protein crystals providing a delicious crunch.
Danablu
Danablu, also known as Danish Blue, is a strong and flavorful blue cheese that originated in Denmark. It is a great alternative to other blue cheese varieties such as French Roquefort or Italian Gorgonzola.
Made from cow’s milk, Danablu has a creamy, semi-soft texture with blue veins running throughout the cheese. The taste of Danablu can be described as salty, sharp, and slightly tangy.
This cheese is protected by European law with PDO status, ensuring its authenticity and unique characteristics.
Esrom
Esrom is a Danish cheese named after the Esrum Abbey, where it was first produced.
This semi-soft cheese is made from cow’s milk and has a pale yellow color with tiny holes throughout. Esrom is known for its distinct aroma and a pungent, slightly sour flavor. To enjoy Esrom at its best, look for a cheese that has been aged for at least six weeks. This will give it a rich, savory taste that goes well with crackers or bread.
Fynbo
Fynbo is a Danish cheese originating from the island of Funen. It is a semi-hard cheese made from pasteurized cow’s milk and named after its place of origin.
The texture of Fynbo is supple and elastic, with irregular holes or “eyes” throughout the cheese. Its flavor profile includes a mix of gentle, nutty, sour, and sweet notes. Aged for at least three months, Fynbo is perfect for snacking or slicing to enjoy on sandwiches or as part of a cheese platter.
Tasting Danish Cheese
Texture
When tasting Danish cheese, pay attention to the texture. Each type of cheese has a unique texture that enhances the overall tasting experience.
For example, Havarti is a semi-soft cheese that is creamy, while Danablu is a blue cheese with a crumbly texture. Consider the following textures of some popular Danish cheeses:
- Havarti: Creamy with small holes, ranging from semi-soft to hard depending on aging
- Danablu: Crumbly yet creamy, featuring blue veins throughout
- Danish Feta: Smooth and soft, with a milder texture compared to Greek feta
- Molbo: Firm, semi-hard with a slightly moist surface
- Danbo: Soft yet slightly rubbery, with uniform texture and small holes
Flavor
The flavors of Danish cheeses can vary greatly. When tasting these cheeses, try to identify the unique flavor profiles each one offers.
Here’s a brief overview of the flavors you might experience:
- Havarti: Mild to sharp based on aging, with a slight tanginess; pairs well with apples, honey, pickled vegetables, and red wine
- Danablu: Robust and piquant, with a slightly salty taste; works well with seared beef, veal, pork steak, soups, pastas, or stews
- Danish Feta: Milder and creamier than Greek feta, using cow’s milk for a more subtle flavor
- Molbo: Delicate yet slightly salty and tangy, similar to Edam
- Danbo: Mild, with a slightly sweet taste; considered the national cheese of Denmark
Enjoy your tasting experience by pairing these cheeses with their recommended accompaniments or incorporating them into different dishes to appreciate their unique textures and flavors.
Pairing Danish Cheese With Drinks
When it comes to pairing drinks with Danish cheese, simplicity is key. Opt for classic choices to enhance the flavors of your cheese without overpowering them:
- Havarti: This versatile cheese pairs well with a variety of drinks. For wines, try a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light, fruity red like Pinot Noir. For beers, a refreshing Pilsner or Wheat Beer works well.
- Danablu: Stronger in flavor, Danish Blue (Danablu) benefits from sweeter drink pairings. A glass of Port or a sweet dessert wine can balance its saltiness. A Belgian Dubbel or Tripel will also complement this cheese nicely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Havarti cheese like?
Havarti is a popular Danish cheese made from cow’s milk. It has a semi-soft texture and a mild, buttery flavor that can be slightly tangy. You might also notice small holes throughout the cheese. Havarti is great for slicing, melting, or adding to sandwiches and salads.
How does Danablu taste?
Danablu, also known as Danish Blue, is a semi-soft blue cheese with a distinct flavor profile. It has visible blue veins running through its white interior, giving it a striking appearance. The taste is pungent and sharp with a hint of bitterness and salt, all while maintaining a creamy and smooth texture.
What are some Danish hard cheeses?
Danish hard cheeses include cheeses like Molbo, which is a pale yellow, semi-hard cheese made from cow’s milk. It has a firm texture, fresh aroma, and a slightly salty, tangy taste. Some people compare it to Edam cheese due to its delicate flavor.
Which Danish cheeses have caraway seeds?
A classic example of Danish cheese with caraway seeds is Samsø cheese. This is a semi-hard cheese with a pale yellow color and a distinctive flavor due to the added caraway seeds. The cheese has a somewhat crumbly texture and works well as a table cheese or in sandwiches.
Where can I buy Danbo cheese?
To buy Danbo cheese, you can visit supermarkets or local cheese shops that specialize in international cheeses. Some online retailers also offer Danbo cheese for sale, which can be a convenient option if there are not any local stores carrying it.
What is a recommended Danish stinky cheese?
The Danish cheese known as “Gamle Ole”, is a semi-soft, stinky cheese from Denmark. It has a pungent aroma and a strong, earthy flavor. Despite its stink, it is known for its creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s a unique addition to any cheeseboard or culinary creation.