västerbottensost cheese
Description
Västerbottensost is a famously unique, hard Swedish cheese known for its intense, complex, and somewhat mysterious flavor. Produced exclusively at a single dairy in the village of Burträsk in northern Sweden, it is often called the "king of Swedish cheeses".
Flavor and texture
Västerbottensost is instantly recognizable in a blind taste test because of its distinctive combination of tastes and textures.
Flavor profile: It features a rich, complex flavor with a balance of sweetness, saltiness, and bitterness. It also has hints of truffles, caramel, and umami, which is often described as nutty and fruity.
Texture: It has a firm, granular, and brittle texture, with tiny holes, similar to a mix between Cheddar and Parmesan. As it ages, small crunchy crystals can also be found throughout the cheese.
Appearance: Västerbottensost is a pale yellow, full-fat cow's milk cheese aged for at least 14 months.
History and mystery
The creation of Västerbottensost is steeped in a local legend that adds to its mystique.
Accidental discovery: The cheese was first created in 1872 at the Burträsk dairy by a dairymaid named Ulrika Eleonora Lindström. According to the story, she was distracted by a suitor and let the curdling process get interrupted and reheated several times, resulting in a unique, happy accident.
Secret recipe: The precise recipe has been a closely guarded secret ever since and is only known to a select few cheesemakers.
The Burträsk secret: The cheese's unique taste cannot be replicated anywhere else, even when using the same recipe and equipment. The exact reason remains unknown, but it is believed to be connected to the special flora, or bacteria, present only in the Burträsk dairy.
Uses and traditions
Västerbottensost is a Swedish national treasure and a staple of Swedish cuisine, particularly for special occasions.
Culinary staple: It is a must-have for traditional Swedish holidays, including Christmas, Easter, and Midsummer.
Versatile ingredient: While often enjoyed on its own with crackers or fruit, its strong, characteristic flavor also makes it an ideal ingredient for cooking.
Västerbotten cheese pie: A classic Swedish dish is the västerbottensostpaj, or Västerbotten cheese pie, which is especially popular at crayfish parties.
Fine dining: The cheese has been served at high-profile events, including Nobel Prize dinners and royal weddings.
Type
Cheese
