Each European country boasts its distinct methods of preparing, aging, and presenting cheese, and while France may claim the title of the world's cheese capital, it's the lesser-known varieties that often offer the most delightful surprises.
In Poland, several exclusive cheese types can't be found anywhere else, including the unique smoked cheese, OSCYPEK, made solely from salted sheep milk found in the Tatra Mountains region. Another distinctive Polish cheese is TWARÓG, similar to quark or farmer's cheese, but distinct in its own right. Twaróg is popular across the country and made by heating soured milk to the point of curdling, then straining it. The ideal serving comes from local farmers who breed their own cows, and it's best consumed a day after straining.
If you're a cheese lover, then you must add KRÓLEWSKI cheese to your list of must-try cheeses when visiting Poland. Originating from the northwestern Mazovia region and now also popular in Podlasie, this creamy, semi-hard cheese with large holes has a unique flavor profile. It boasts a sweet and nutty taste with a subtle hint of pepper-like aftertaste, making it a delicious addition to any cheese board or dish. Don't miss out on this royal cheese while in Poland!
For those who appreciate organic cheeses, there is no better time to visit Poland than now. Many farmers are returning to traditional methods of breeding animals and crafting high-quality cheeses, resulting in a wide variety of cheeses that boast a delicious, old-fashioned taste.
When visiting the LOWER SILESIA region of Poland, be sure to try organic cheeses from these cheese makers and farmers:
- Sery Łomnickie (located in Wrocław, available in small food stores with local food products such as RegioFood)
- Wańczykówka (available at Wrocławski Bazar Smakoszy)
- Sery Lutomierskie (available on-site, with cheese-making workshops also offered)
- Kozio-lek (located only 40 minutes' drive from Wrocław, their farm offers amazing goat cheese)
These are great options if you're looking for high-quality organic cheeses that have been made using traditional methods.
If you're planning a trip to Poland soon, don't miss out on these fantastic ECO and local FOOD FESTIVALS where you can sample a wide range of delicious cheeses:
- Lower Silesia - Festival of Regional Food and Specialties (4-6 October 2019)
- Podkarpacie - Regional Cheese and Bread Making Workshops (9 October 2019)
- Lower Silesia - Organic Food and Healthy Lifestyle Fair (10 October 2019)
- Mazovia - BIOEXPO Warsaw, the largest Polish fair of organic food and products (11-13 October 2019)
Consider joining one of our small-group culinary tours with Poland Culinary Vacations to experience local cheese-tastings and cheese-making classes. Our tours offer a variety of culinary and cultural experiences, including delicious cheese workshops in different regions across Poland. Follow this link for culinary tour itineraries and start planning your food vacation to Poland with us. Smacznego! - Enjoy!
FAQs
In Poland, several exclusive cheese types can't be found anywhere else, including the unique smoked cheese, OSCYPEK, made solely from salted sheep milk found in the Tatra Mountains region. Another distinctive Polish cheese is TWARÓG, similar to quark or farmer's cheese, but distinct in its own right.
What Polish cheese is similar to Swiss? ›
Originally from Poland, morski is a mild, semi-soft cheese, light orange in color and with mild cheddar-like notes along with a unique hint of Swiss cheese. It makes a good table cheese, and a great cheese for cooking as it is easy to shred and perfect for melting for sauces and toppings.
What is Polish yellow cheese? ›
Mazuria. A yellow cheese made from cow's milk. A semi-hard cheese that is a variety of Tilsiter.
What is the highest quality cheese? ›
10 Best Cheeses of the World
- Buchette with Ash French Goat Cheese. ...
- Brillat Savarin Fresh French Cheese. ...
- French White Winter Truffle Butter Roll. ...
- Parmigiano Reggiano DOP Italian Cheese, Aged 24 Months. ...
- Perlagrigia Italian Truffle Cheese. ...
- Bleu D'Auvergne AOC French Cheese. ...
- Petit Basque French Sheep Cheese.
In 2011, it was discovered in Poland that cheese was already being made there 7,000 years ago. Polish and British scientists in the Polish region of Kuyavia found pieces of pottery with very small food remains. These remains were analysed and found to be cheese. Small holes were also found in the pottery.
What foods are unique in Poland? ›
Among popular Polish national dishes are bigos [ˈbiɡɔs], pierogi [pʲɛˈrɔɡʲi], kiełbasa, kotlet schabowy [ˈkɔtlɛt sxaˈbɔvɨ] (pork loin breaded cutlet), gołąbki [ɡɔˈwɔ̃pkʲi] (stuffed cabbage leaves), zrazy [ˈzrazɨ] (roulade), zupa ogórkowa [ˈzupa ɔɡurˈkɔva] (sour cucumber soup), zupa grzybowa [ˈzupa ɡʐɨˈbɔva] (mushroom ...
What is the name of Polish head cheese? ›
Studzienina - Polish Head Cheese.
What country is known for the best cheese? ›
France is the destination of choice for cheese lovers. With over 400 varieties of cheese, the country is famous worldwide for its cheese-making expertise and cheese diversity.
What Polish cheese is similar to mozzarella? ›
CLAL - Cheese Similar to Mozzarella, Poland.
What is white cheese in Poland? ›
Quite understandably: twaróg – fresh, acid-set, white cheese, translated into English as quark, farmer's cheese or cottage cheese – is so common, we tend to forget it's our national pride.
Alternatives to vacherin
Try brie, reblochon cheese or camembert.
What cheese is made in Poland? ›
Twarog Cheese (Polish Farmer's Cheese)
It is known for its creamy texture and mild flavor, making it a versatile ingredient in various dishes. Made from cow's milk, twaróg has a smooth and spreadable consistency that is perfect for spreading on bread or adding to recipes like cheesecakes or sweet cheese pierogi.
What is Polish cheese called? ›
Oscypek is a hard, smoked sheep's cheese made mainly in Podhale. It is made by hand from sheep's milk from the Polish Mountain Sheep breed, sometimes with a small admixture of milk from the Polish Red Cow.
What is Polish Delight cheese? ›
Save. Share: Meaning "Polish delight" and made using centuries-old Polish cheesemaking traditions, this soft-bodied, mild and creamy table cheese is perfect both on a cheese plate or used in sandwiches and other recipes.
What is the #1 rated cheese? ›
Favorite? Considered to be among the world's top quality cheeses, Parmigiano Reggiano is made with raw, semi-skimmed milk from cows grazing on fresh grass and hay. It has a hard, gritty texture and its flavors range from nutty to robust and slightly piquant, depending on how long the cheese had matured.
What is the most luxurious cheese in the world? ›
1. Pule Cheese - $600 Per Pound. Pule cheese is the most expensive cheese in the world because it is produced exclusively at Serbia's Zasavica Special Nature Reserve. This rare cheese is made from the milk of Balkan donkeys which are endangered and native to Serbia and Montenegro.
What brand of cheese is wrapped in wax? ›
Mini Babybel® is a small, but mighty snack for the whole family! Wrapped in our iconic red Babybel® wax, our little cheese wheels offer 100% real creamy and delicious semi-soft cheese in a palm size snack.
Is tvarog healthy? ›
Tvarog cheese is a natural, healthy and versatile fresh cheese. It can be used in cooking, consumed as is, or enjoyed as an on-the-go snack. Today, it is particularly popular in Eastern Europe – but given its nutritional and tasty qualities, it has all the makings of a worldwide hit.
