Randy Chandler
Latvia is a country that is known for its cheese. From traditional summer solstice cheese to cream cheese, Latvia has a wide range of cheeses to offer. In this article, we will explore the different types of cheese made in Latvia, including the famous Dzintars, and learn about the customs and traditions surrounding cheese in the country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Place | Latvia |
| Type of cheese | Cream cheese |
| Ingredients | Cottage cheese, milk, cream, butter, dried meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, herbs |
| Flavours | Mushroom, crab stick |
| Popular brand | Dzintars |
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What You'll Learn
- Cream cheese is made of cottage cheese, milk, cream, butter, and additives like dried meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, and herbs
- Latvia uses the European Union's quality schemes for cheese, including Protected Geographical Indication and Protected Designation of Origin
- Jāņu siers (Latvian cheese) is traditionally given to visitors as a sign of hospitality and to ensure the host's cows produce milk abundantly
- Cheese spread is a popular Latvian product, with the brand Dzintars being one of the best-known
- Riga Central Market has a dairy pavilion, but the selection of Latvian cheese may not cater to those who enjoy strong flavours
Cream cheese is made of cottage cheese, milk, cream, butter, and additives like dried meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, and herbs
Latvia uses the European Union quality schemes "Protected Geographical Indication", "Protected Designation of Origin", and "Traditional Specialty Guaranteed". Traditional Summer Solstice cheese is the only Latvian cheese to fit under the latter category. However, there are many other excellent cheeses produced in Latvia.
Latvian cheese is easy to find in supermarkets, and one of the best-known brands is "Dzintars" (amber). This is a Lithuanian Parmesan equivalent, which is great to try with pasta. Another type of cheese to try in Latvia is Jāņu siers, which is either store-bought or homemade. According to Latvian customs, providing this cheese to visitors is said to make the host's cows produce milk in abundance and ward off illness.
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Latvia uses the European Union's quality schemes for cheese, including Protected Geographical Indication and Protected Designation of Origin
Latvia uses the European Union's quality schemes for cheese, including Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), and Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG). These schemes promote and protect the names of agricultural products and foodstuffs, wines and spirits. Products registered under one of the three schemes may be marked with the logo for that scheme to help identify those products. The legislation is designed to protect regional foods and came into force in 1992 and applies in the EU and in Northern Ireland.
Latvia has a rich history of cheese-making, with traditional cheeses like Jāņu siers (Latvian cheese) still being enjoyed by Latvians today. Cream cheese, which has only been manufactured in Latvia for a few years, is also becoming popular. It is made of cottage cheese, milk, cream and butter, as well as additives such as dried meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, and herbs. Latvia also produces a Lithuanian Parmesan equivalent, which can be found in most supermarkets.
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Jāņu siers (Latvian cheese) is traditionally given to visitors as a sign of hospitality and to ensure the host's cows produce milk abundantly
Latvia has a rich history of cheese-making, with cream cheese being the latest group of cheeses to be manufactured in the country. Cream cheese is made from cottage cheese, milk, cream and butter, and can include additives such as dried meat, fish, vegetables, fruit and herbs.
While Latvian cheese can be found in supermarkets, it is also worth visiting the Riga Central Market, which has a dairy pavilion with a wide selection of Latvian cheeses. One of the best-known brands is "Dzintars" (amber), a Lithuanian Parmesan equivalent that can be easily found in most Latvian supermarkets and is great with pasta.
These days, most people in Latvia live in cities, but Jāņu siers remains an important part of Latvian culture and is always on the table, whether store-bought or homemade.
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Cheese spread is a popular Latvian product, with the brand Dzintars being one of the best-known
Latvia has a rich history of cheese-making, with cream cheese being one of the latest additions to the country's cheese repertoire. Cream cheese is made with cottage cheese, milk, cream, butter, and various additives such as dried meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, and herbs.
In Latvian culture, cheese plays an important role in traditional customs. According to one tradition, it is the duty of the hostess to tie the cheese and offer it to visitors, as it is believed to bring abundance and ward off illness.
While exploring the cheese offerings in Latvia, it's worth considering both the local markets and supermarkets. The Riga Central Market, for example, has a dairy pavilion with a variety of Latvian cheeses. However, for those seeking stronger flavours, the local markets may offer a wider range of options.
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Riga Central Market has a dairy pavilion, but the selection of Latvian cheese may not cater to those who enjoy strong flavours
Latvia has a rich tradition of cheese-making, with a variety of cheeses produced in the country. Traditional Summer Solstice cheese is a notable example, recognised under the European Union's "Traditional Specialty Guaranteed" quality scheme. Cream cheese, a more recent addition to Latvia's cheese repertoire, is also gaining popularity. Made from cottage cheese, milk, cream, butter, and various additives, it is commonly used in sandwiches or cakes.
One unique aspect of Latvian cheese culture is the tradition of Jāņu siers, which plays a significant role in Latvian customs. According to tradition, the hostess ties the cheese and offers it to visitors, believing that this practice brings abundance and wards off illness.
While Riga Central Market offers a diverse range of dairy products, those seeking more robust and mature cheese flavours may need to explore other options. The market's selection primarily caters to those who prefer milder cheeses, and strong, mature cheeses may be harder to come by. However, for those willing to venture beyond the market, Latvia offers a variety of cheeses to discover, from traditional specialties to modern innovations.
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Frequently asked questions
Latavia cheese is made in Latvia.
Cream cheese is one of the latest groups of cheeses to be manufactured in Latavia. It is made of cottage cheese, milk, cream and butter, as well as additives such as dried meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, herbs, etc.
Traditional Summer Solstice cheese is the only Latvian cheese to fit under the "Traditional Specialty Guaranteed" category.
