Alkmaar, Netherlands
Gouda and Edam are the most famous Dutch cheeses, but many more can be found all over the country. The most famous cheese market in the world, the Alkmaar Cheese Market, is held every Friday morning in this small town. The 400-year-old event is a feast for every cheese enthusiast. All kinds of local cheeses can be found here, and the taste won’t leave you disappointed. Also, the sellers are dressed up in traditional clothing, giving this medieval place even more charm.
Emilia-Romagna, Italy
This region is known as the food valley of Italy , because it’s the home of the Parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, Bolognese sauce and Parma ham. This is the birthplace of the authentic Parmesan cheese, the Parmigiano-Regianno, called the king of all cheese. Get a taste of it at one of the local shops and find out why it’s called the world’s favorite grated cheese. Also, don’t miss the chance to watch the cheesemaking process firsthand!
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Normandy, France
Of course, any cheese lover must visit France once in a lifetime. Cheese and France go together like bread and butter. Normandy is one of the country’s most famous cheese-producing regions and birthplace of creamy, delicious Camembert. Visit the Camembert village for a glimpse of rural Normandy and taste the famous cheese at the local fromageries.
Learn everything about this legendary cheese at the Cheese Museum in Vimoutier, from its long history to how it is made. Send your taste buds into meltdown with plenty of fresh products, offered at various shops and markets all around the region. Also, don’t forget that the smellier the Camembert, the better.
Learn everything about this legendary cheese at the Cheese Museum in Vimoutier, from its long history to how it is made. Send your taste buds into meltdown with plenty of fresh products, offered at various shops and markets all around the region. Also, don’t forget that the smellier the Camembert, the better.
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Wisconsin, USA
Wisconsin’s reputation as America’s Cheese State is well deserved. Cheesemakers here have a long tradition of making over 600 varieties of Wisconsin cheese, each delicious in its own way. As wine-lovers head to Napa Valley, cheese lovers flock to Wisconsin, America’s Dairyland.
One of the state’s oldest cheese shops is located in Madison, called the Fromagination. Here you can tuck into some of the Wisconsin born-and-bred cheese like Colby or Cupola. If you’re thinking about turning your cheese passion into a career, here you can also take some of the best certified cheese making class.
One of the state’s oldest cheese shops is located in Madison, called the Fromagination. Here you can tuck into some of the Wisconsin born-and-bred cheese like Colby or Cupola. If you’re thinking about turning your cheese passion into a career, here you can also take some of the best certified cheese making class.
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Island of Pag, Croatia
The most famous Croatian sheep’s milk cheese can be found on the rocky island of Pag. Pag cheese (Paski sir), named by the island, is a hard, aged cheese which has a salty and slightly spicy aroma. It is produced from a unique breed of small sheep, that live on this beautiful island by the sea. Pag cheese tastes best combined with homemade wine and prosciutto, which are also produced on the island.
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Asturias, Spain
True foodies have certainly heard of the famous Asturias, the Spanish land of cheese. This gastronomic paradise is a must-visit for all cheese-addicts. Each valley here makes its own type of cheese, so more than 100 different types of cheese are produced in the region. From blue to smoked, everyone will find something for them here. Cheese production is mainly confined to small, family run operations, so make sure to visit them and discover the traditional process of cheesemaking. The most famous product of the region is the Cabrales cheese, with a strong smell and powerful flavor.
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Bern Canton, Switzerland
The classic Swiss cheese with holes, Emmentaler, comes from this region. The famous cheese takes its name from the valley of the river Emme, where its production first started. Made with raw alpine milk, this distinctive holey cheese is the most exported Swiss cheese.
Ever wondered how this cheese got its holes? That can be thanked to the bacteria which transform the lactose into carbon dioxide and create air pockets. Go on the Emmentaler Cheese Route and discover charming countryside and local cheesemakers along the way.
Ever wondered how this cheese got its holes? That can be thanked to the bacteria which transform the lactose into carbon dioxide and create air pockets. Go on the Emmentaler Cheese Route and discover charming countryside and local cheesemakers along the way.
8/10 SLIDES © ANTONIO BALAGUER SOLER/123RF
Oaxaca, Mexico
When you think of Mexico, you’ll probably think of corn, chili, avocado or burritos before you think of cheese. But Mexico is home to a lot of various tasty cheeses. The most famous one is called Oaxaca, named after the state in Southeastern Mexico. This soft cheese is similar to mozzarella, but it’s a bit more buttery with superior melt. Also sold under the name Quesillo, this cheese is used widely in Mexican cuisine, mostly in quesadillas.
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Setubal, Portugal
Portugal takes cheese production just as seriously as its famous Port wine. Portugal boasts various artisan cheeses, mainly produced from sheep and goat’s milk. Azeitão is the most famous Portuguese cheese originating from the town of the same name, in the municipality of Setubal. This soft, creamy cheese, made from sheep’s milk has a bit of strong flavor, but it will surely satisfy all cheese gourmands!
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Somerset, United Kingdom
The English county of Somerset is home to various famous cheese, but it is mostly famous as the birthplace of Cheddar cheese. Even though a lot of countries today produce Cheddar, England was once the only place where it was made. In this region visit the village of Cheddar, which gave the name to the well-known cheese. The hard cheese’s homeland is an ideal location for a true cheese fest!
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