What is the most popular cheese in Finland?
The most popular cheese in Finland is Oltermanni. This soft and mild cream cheese has been a favorite of Finns for decades. Oltermanni cheese is produced by Valio, which is one of Finland’s largest and best-known dairy companies. The cheese’s popularity is based on its versatility, pleasant taste and high quality.
History of Oltermanni cheese
Oltermanni cheese was launched for the first time in 1980. The reason behind its development was the need to create a cheese that would suit especially Finnish tastes and food culture. The name of the cheese “Oltermanni” refers to an old Finnish village community leader, which emphasizes the traditional and domestic nature of the cheese.
Properties of Oltermanni cheese
- Taste: Mild and creamy
- Structure: Soft and easy to cut
- Usage: Perfect for bread, cooking and snacking
- Shelf life: Good shelf life in the refrigerator
Production of Oltermanni cheese
The manufacturing process of Oltermanni cheese starts with high-quality Finnish milk. The milk is pasteurized, after which rennet and lactic acid bacteria are added to it. The cheese is allowed to mature in peace, which gives it its characteristic soft and mild taste. Valio invests especially in cheese quality control and sustainable production.
Popularity and usage
Oltermanni cheese is very versatile. It is suitable for both everyday life and celebrations, and is widely used in Finnish cuisine. You can use cheese for example:
- On bread
- In cooking, such as pasta and pizza
- For snacking as is
- In various cheese trays
Sources
You can find more information about Oltermanni cheese and its history on Valio’s official website: Valio Oltermanni< /p>
