Denmark's Cheese Specialties: A Comprehensive Overview

Denmark is one of the top cheese producers in the world, with a dairy-rich diet and a range of cheeses to offer. Danish cheese-making traditions date back to the Viking era, and the country's fertile pastoral land and temperate climate make it an ideal location for dairy production. Danish cheese production flourished in the 20th century, and Denmark became known for its havarti, fontina, and Danablu (Danish Blue Cheese). In addition to these, Denmark also produces cheeses such as Danbo, which is the most consumed cheese in the country, Esrom, Samsø, and Rygeost, or smoked cheese.

Danish Blue Cheese

Denmark is one of Europe's great cheese-making nations, and Danish cheese-making traditions stretch back to the Viking era. Danish Blue Cheese, also known as Danablu, is a semi-soft, blue-veined cheese originating from Denmark. It is made from full-fat cow's milk and homogenised cream, and has a fat content of 25-30% (50-60% in dry matter). It is aged for eight to twelve weeks, and the mould is distributed evenly throughout the cheese by piercing the formed curds with copper wires or rods before ageing.

Danbo

In 2017, Danbo was awarded Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status under European Union law, meaning it must be produced in Denmark. This status places it in the same group as tomme de Savoie IGP and emmental de Savoie IGP.

Esrom

The first large-scale production of Esrom cheese was established in the early 1940s, and it became one of the most popular Danish cheeses in the 1960s. However, it then almost disappeared, only to be revived by a number of dairy companies in recent years.

Havarti

Denmark is one of the top cheese producers in the world, with Havarti being one of its most famous exports. Havarti is a Danish cheese with a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, meaning it can only be produced in Denmark using Danish milk and specific production guidelines. It is made from pasteurized cow's milk and is known for its creamy texture and mild flavour, although the taste intensifies the longer it is stored. It pairs well with apples, honey, pickled vegetables and red wine.

Tilsit Havarti

Denmark is one of Europe's great cheese-making nations, with a rich history of dairy production stretching back to the Viking era. Danish cheese production flourished in the 20th century, and the country became known for a variety of cheeses, including Havarti, a popular cheese that is similar to cheddar.

The Tilsit Havarti cheese-making tradition originated in East Prussia, where Dutch settlers attempted to recreate their beloved Gouda. However, due to the different ingredients and equipment available, as well as the humid climate, the cheese became infected with moulds, yeasts and bacteria, resulting in a more pungent and intense flavour. The name "Tilsit" comes from the Prussian town where the cheese was first created.

The Danish Tilsiter has been produced for over 120 years and has also inspired many variants abroad, including in Germany, Switzerland, and Australia.

Frequently asked questions