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Just as there are movies to watch, places to visit, and bucket list experiences to check off, there are cheeses you simply must taste at least once in your lifetime. The world of cheese is a hidden treasure trove, brimming with exotic, unusual, and downright irresistible varieties. Beyond the familiar grocery store shelves stocked with American slices, you'll find cheese made from donkey's milk and boasting mysterious backstories. So, on National Cheese Day, June 4th, embark on a cheesy adventure with these must-try cheeses.
1. Pule: The Donkey Milk Delight from Serbia
Forget your ordinary cow's milk cheese. Pule cheese, made from the milk of endangered Balkan donkeys at the Zasavica Special Nature Reserve in Serbia, is a rare and luxurious treat. It takes around 15 donkeys to produce a gallon of milk, and 3.5 gallons of milk to make just one pound of this crumbly yet soft, intensely salty cheese. Prized for its high vitamin and mineral content, pule cheese has a rich history of boosting immunity and slowing aging. Cleopatra herself famously bathed in donkey milk to preserve her youthful beauty. However, pule's exclusivity comes at a price, with a pound costing around $1,700 in 2016. If you're lucky, you might snag a slice for just under $100.
2. Tete de Moine: Switzerland's Floral Cheese
Tete de Moine, or "monk's head," might look like a standard cheese, but it transforms when shaved with a special tool called a girolle. This Swiss delight has been made in the Jura region for centuries, and it was so valued in the 12th century that it was used as currency. The cheese is aged for at least two and a half months, and when shaved into delicate rosettes, it melts in your mouth, offering a taste that's almost magical.
3. Sakura Cheese: Japan's Blossom-Infused Wonder
Japan, a country known for importing cheese, has made a significant mark on the cheese world with its sakura, or "cherry blossom" cheese. This award-winning cheese from Hokkaido is enveloped in white mold and infused with cherry blossoms and mountain berry leaves, providing a unique flavor profile. It won the gold medal at the 2004 Mountain Cheese Olympics in Switzerland and is typically served on a shiso leaf with a pickled cherry blossom, symbolizing the Japanese flag.
4. Epoisses: The Revived King of Cheese from France
Epoisses cheese has a storied past, originating in the 16th century in the Abbaye de Citeaux. Cistercian monks created this complex cheese by bathing it in brine and brandy during its aging process. Though it nearly disappeared during the early 20th century, local Burgundy farmers revived it in 1956. Known for its potent aroma and rich, creamy texture, Epoisses spreads wonderfully on a baguette and blends sweetness with salt and spice, making it a favorite of cheese connoisseurs worldwide.
5. Moose Cheese: Sweden's Exclusive Delicacy
Second only to pule in rarity and price, moose cheese is produced exclusively at the Elk House (Älgens Hus) in Bjurholm, Sweden. Made from the milk of three moose sisters, this cheese is available in four varieties: white mold, feta, creamy blue, and dried blue cheese. Feta is the best-seller, known for its tangy, creamy, and slightly acidic taste. Packed with nutritional benefits, moose milk strengthens the immune system, reduces inflammation, and aids in muscle development.
6. Parmigiano Reggiano: The Real Deal from Italy
You might think you have Parmigiano Reggiano in your fridge, but chances are, it's not the real thing. Authentic Parmigiano Reggiano contains only salt, rennet, and milk, with strict regulations on its production. The genuine article offers a major umami kick and elevates any dish. Once you taste real Parmigiano Reggiano, you'll never go back to the imitation stuff.
7. Burrata: Italy's Queen of Cheeses
If you love mozzarella, then burrata is a must-try. This cheese-within-a-cheese features a fresh mozzarella shell filled with curd and cream. Best enjoyed within 24 hours of being made, burrata is a delicacy that truly shines with just a bit of salad or bread. For the full experience, a trip to Italy might be in order.
8. Halloumi: Cyprus's Grilling Star
Halloumi, a staple since the Medieval Byzantine era, is made from a mix of goat and sheep's milk. Its high melting point makes it perfect for grilling, providing a savory, creamy treat that transforms when heated. If you haven't tried this delicious cheese yet, it's time to add it to your shopping list.
9. Yak Cheese: A Himalayan Treasure
On the Tibetan Plateau and in the Himalayan valleys, yak cheese has been a staple for centuries. Made to appeal to Western tastes, this cheese is now available in local shops in Leh or trendy restaurants and stores in the U.S. Yak cheese offers a delicate herbal flavor and numerous health benefits, including high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid, which are known for their cancer- and diabetes-fighting properties.
10. Blue Stilton: England's Quintessential Cheese
Blue Stilton has been made according to the same recipe since the 1700s and is an EU Protected Designation of Origin food. This quintessential British cheese, known for its cylindrical shape and blue veins, offers a powerful, creamy, and nutty flavor with a salty finish. Perfect with apple or pear, Blue Stilton is a must-try for any cheese lover.
Celebrate National Cheese Day by embarking on a global cheese-tasting journey. Each of these cheeses offers a unique story and flavor that will leave a lasting impression on your palate.
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