Caraway cheese blends the savory, anise flavor of the caraway seed with the rich, creamy goodness of cheeses like cheddar, gouda, and swiss. Caraway seeds are actually the dried fruit of the caraway plant, a fragrant, flowering herb in the same family as parsley, celery, fennel, carrots, and parsnips. A staple of baking – and the ingredient that gives rye bread its zesty flavor – caraway seeds elevate the flavor profile of milder-flavored cheeses with a nutty, bittersweet taste and notes of anise, citrus, and fennel. In Germany, caraway can be mixed directly into the cheese, as is the case with Kochkäse, a spreadable cheese, or Handkäse, another soft cheese that is fried and then dipped or rolled in caraway seeds.
Wisconsin cheesemakers spend a lot of time dreaming up new ways to enjoy cheese – which is why we produce so many different types of caraway cheese. From white cheddar, colby, and aged brick to havarti, jack, fontal, and farmer's cheese, you'll find an amazing spread of specialty cheeses infused with the peppery, zesty taste of caraway.
Caraway cheese is one of many specialty cheeses made in Wisconsin. A specialty cheese is usually a high-quality, limited production variety that often includes added ingredients that explore new universes of flavor and texture. These extra ingredients may add nuts, herbs, spices, and bits of peppers, mushrooms, fruits, berries, and even cured meats like bacon and salami.
Caraway seeds are the dried fruit of the caraway plant. The seeds are harvested from the caraway plant and allowed to dry, concentrating their flavor. Caraway seeds can be used whole or ground to a powder.
Caraway cheese can be made by adding caraway seeds or powder to the cheese curd as it's pressed into molds, or it may be rubbed onto the surface of soft cheeses later in the ripening process.
Caraway has a pungent aroma and a sweet, tangy, zesty flavor with hints of citrus, pepper, anise, and fennel.
Cheesemakers love to find new ways to enjoy cheese and to discover new cheese flavors. Wisconsin cheesemakers are constantly experimenting with cheese, improving on Old World recipes and adding extra ingredients to create new flavor profiles.
When pouring wine, caraway cheese goes down beautifully with a riesling, chardonnay, or gewurztraminer. Or for reds, a rioja, zinfandel, or pinot noir will do nicely. If you're in the mood for beer, try a Belgian ale, lager, or a spiced or flavored craft beer.
On a charcuterie board, your caraway cheese will pair nicely with the citrus of black grapes or the crisp tartness of honey crisp or gala apples. Caraway cheese will perk up bits of roasted cauliflower and pair nicely with sausage, Spanish ham, or roast beef with a bit of grainy mustard. And caraway cheese will always feel at home on a slice of rye bread.
A slice of caraway cheese can elevate the flavor of a Reuben sandwich. Enjoy your caraway cheese cubed in potato salad, shredded into casseroles, or baked into an Italian herb and cheese bread.
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Caraway seeds come from the caraway plant and are often used in baking. Caraway has an earthy flavor and is similar to fennel and anise.
A specialty cheese is a limited-production cheese that is made with high-quality ingredients, special techniques, or additions like nuts, spices, herbs, or bits of fruits or vegetables that expand the flavor profile and texture of the cheese. Specialty cheeses include smoked cheese, black truffle cheese, triple cream brie cheese, and herb cheeses like caraway or rosemary cheese.
Craving award-winning aged cheddar, pining for parmesan, or searching for a new cheese to try? The world’s best cheese is just a click away! Explore our directory of Wisconsin cheesemakers and retailers who offer online cheese shopping and get cheese shipped right to your door. What are you waiting for?
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