Limburger cheese
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| Limburger | |
|---|---|
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| Country of origin | Netherlands & Belgium |
| Region, town | Limburg |
| Source of milk | Cows |
| Pasteurised | Yes |
| Texture | Smooth, Creamy, Semi-Soft, light tasting, and multuous |
| Aging time | 2-3 months |
| Certification | |
Limburger cheese originated in Limburg, which is now divided between modern-day Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Limburger is especially known for its pungent odor. The bacterium used to ferment Limburger cheese and other rind-washed cheeses is Brevibacterium linens; this same bacterium is found on human skin and is partially responsible for human body odor.[1]
The Herve cheese is a particular kind of Limburger cheese produced in the Land of Herve.
Limburger cheese and its characteristic odor are a frequent butt of jokes and gags. In 2006 a study showing that the malaria mosquito (Anopheles gambiae) is attracted equally to the smell of Limburger cheese and to the smell of human feet[2] earned the Ig Nobel Prize in the area of biology. [3]
Despite its birth location, most of the Limburger cheese made today comes from Germany, and has since about the 19th century. It was first produced by Rudolph Benkerts in 1867 in his cellar from pasteurized goat’s milk. [4] A few years later, there were about 25 factories that produced this cheese. Now, the Chalet Cheese Cooperative, located in Monroe, Wisconsin, is the only company which still makes this cheese in the United States.
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[edit] Description
Limburger cheese is most-well known for its very pungent aroma which is caused by bacteria that live in the rind. It has often been described as having the same odor as smelly feet. In its first month, the cheese is more firm and crumbly, similar to the texture of feta cheese. After about six weeks, the cheese becomes softer along the edges but is still firm on the inside and can be described as salty and chalky. After two months of its life, it is mostly creamy and much smoother. Once it reaches three months, the cheese produces its notorious odor. [5]
[edit] Uses
After three months, when the cheese has ripened, it becomes spreadable. In Wisconsin, you can find it on the menu accompanied with raw onions and brown mustard on a sandwich. Some say that it is also good served with tinned fish, onions, crackers, fruits, and vegetables.
[edit] Nutrition Facts
One cup of Limburger cheese, which is about 56 grams, is about 748 calories and has 27 grams of fat, which is about 52% of the daily value of a person eating on a 2,000 calorie per day diet. Although it does provide calcium, protein and Vitamin A, it also makes up for 40% of your daily value of cholesterol and 95% of your daily value of sodium. [6]
[edit] Notes
- ^ McGee, Harold (2004). On Food and Cooking (Revised Edition). Scribner. ISBN 0-684-80001-2. pp 51-63, "Cheese"
- ^ Bart Knols, "On human odour, malaria mosquitoes, and Limburger cheese," The Lancet, vol. 348, issue 9037, p. 1322.
- ^ Ig Nobel Prize list of past winners
- ^ [<http://whatscookingamerica.net/History/LimburgerCheese.htm>]
- ^ Limburger Cheese, History of Limburger Cheese, Limburger Sandwich Recipe
- ^ Nutrition Facts and Information for Cheese, limburger
[edit] See also
[edit] Trivia
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Trivia sections are discouraged under Wikipedia guidelines. The article could be improved by integrating relevant items and removing inappropriate ones. |
- In pop culture, Limburger cheese is the only known weakness of Mighty Mouse.
- The main villain in the animated series Biker Mice from Mars is named Lawrence Limburger.
- In The Beverly Hillbillies, the Clampetts reserve their wall safe for storing Limburger cheese.
- It is illegal to purchase limburger cheese on a Monday in Houston, TX[citation needed]
- To many Wisconsinites of German descent, the only (or at least best) way to enjoy limburger is on (buttered) rye bread with slices of a good strong onion[citation needed]
- Limburger is also available as a spread, which normally is not as pungent (smell or taste) as the actual cheese
- The B-52's reference the cheese in their song 'Dance this Mess Around' with the line "Why don't you dance with me? I'm not no Limburger!"
