Limburger Cheese
Limburger cheese is a semi-soft, washed-rind cow’s milk cheese famous (or infamous) for its extremely pungent, funky aroma—often compared to unwashed feet, gym socks, or something far more… biological. Don’t let the smell scare you off, though; many people find the actual flavor surprisingly mild to tangy, creamy, and even a bit grassy or savory once you get past the nose.
It originated in the historical Duchy of Limburg (in the region that now spans parts of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany), specifically around the Herve area in what is now Belgium. Belgian Trappist monks are credited with developing it in the 19th century. Today, most commercial Limburger comes from Germany, but it’s also produced in other places. In the United States, there’s only one remaining domestic producer: the Chalet Cheese Cooperative (or similar operations) in Monroe, Wisconsin, which has kept the tradition alive since the late 1800s.
The signature stink comes from the bacterium Brevibacterium linens, which is used in the washing/rinsing process during aging and also naturally occurs on human skin (hence the foot-like comparison). Interestingly, research has shown that this same aroma attracts malaria mosquitoes—leading to a quirky Ig Nobel Prize-related study in the 1990s/2000s linking Limburger scent to mosquito behavior.
Appearance and Texture
It’s typically sold in small brick-shaped blocks with a distinctive orange or reddish washed rind (edible but strong-tasting). Inside, the paste is pale yellow to creamy white, soft, and spreadable when ripe—almost buttery in texture.
How to Eat It
The classic way: Serve it on hearty rye bread or pumpernickel with sliced raw onion (and sometimes mustard). The sharp onion cuts through the richness and pungency beautifully. It’s also great melted, in sandwiches, or even as a spread.
Aged versions get stronger in both smell and taste, while younger ones are milder. If you’re new to it, start with a small amount—the “bark is worse than the bite” is a common saying about Limburger.It’s definitely an adventurous cheese for bold palates. Love it or hate it, it’s one of the most memorable in the world!
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