Bergenost facts for kids
Bergenost is a special kind of cheese that comes from the United States, but it's made in a "Norwegian-style." This means it's inspired by cheeses from Norway. It's known as a "triple-cream" cheese, which means it's extra rich and creamy because it has a lot of milk fat. Bergenost is made by a company called Yancey's Fancy, located in Corfu, New York. They use special ingredients, like tiny good bacteria (called cultures), that are imported from Norway to give the cheese its unique flavor.
In 1999, this cheese was so good that it won a gold medal at the New York State Fair Cheese Contest! You can usually find Bergenost sold in triangle-shaped pieces, and it's easy to spot because it has a bright green wax coating on the outside.
What is Bergenost Cheese?
Bergenost is a semi-soft cheese. This means it's not super hard like Parmesan, but it's not super soft and spreadable like cream cheese either. It has a smooth texture and a mild taste. You might notice a very slight sour hint, but it's mostly creamy and pleasant.
What Does Bergenost Taste Like?
The flavor of Bergenost is mild and smooth. It pairs really well with sweet and tart foods. For example, it's often enjoyed with lingonberry jam. Lingonberries are small, red berries that are popular in Norway, and their sweet-tart taste is a perfect match for the creamy Bergenost cheese.
How is it Made?
Making cheese like Bergenost involves a few steps. First, milk is used, and special "cultures" (good bacteria) are added. These cultures help the milk thicken and develop its unique flavor. Rennet, a natural enzyme, is also added to help the milk separate into solid curds and liquid whey. The curds are then pressed and shaped into wheels or blocks. For Bergenost, extra cream is added to the milk, making it a "triple-cream" cheese, which gives it its rich texture. Finally, the cheese is aged for a short time to let its flavors develop before it's coated in its distinctive green wax.
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