Cheese story
What is Handkäse?
A Hessian sour milk cheese often served with onions and vinegar.
Origin
Hesse, Germany
Milk
cow
Board role
Bold / washed-rind
Cheese profile
Country
Germany
Region
Hesse
Milk type
cow
Texture
sour milk cheese
Rind
none
Ageing
short aged
Vegetarian
Check the rennet / producer
Milk treatment
yes
Flavour profile: tangy, pungent, low-fat
Origin, protection and character
Handkäse comes from Germany, especially Hesse. Its character comes from the balance of milk, texture, rind, ageing and local serving traditions.
Protected status
None
Typical ageing
short aged
How to serve Handkäse
Handkäse mit Musik, snacks
Good food matches
cider
onions
caraway
Serving tip
Take it out of the fridge before serving so the texture softens and the flavour opens up. Softer cheeses usually need less time than hard aged cheeses.
Buying tip
Look for clean aroma, good texture and a style that matches the board: fresh and bright, soft and creamy, hard and nutty, blue and salty, or bold and washed-rind.
