Handkäse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Handkäse |
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| Other names | Handkäs |
| Country of origin | Germany |
| Region | Hesse |
| Town | Frankfurt-am-Main |
| Source of milk | Cow |
| Texture | Soft but firm |
| Fat content | 1.1% to 2.3% |
| Protein content | 26.6% to 37.7% |
| Certification | PGI (Hessischer Handkäse) |
| Named after | Lua error in Module:Wikidata at line 70: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). |
Handkäse (say "HANT-kay-zuh") is a special type of cheese from Germany. It's a regional favorite, especially in places like Frankfurt am Main and Darmstadt in southern Hesse. The name "Handkäse" literally means "hand cheese." This is because it was traditionally shaped by hand!
This cheese is small and often looks yellow and a bit see-through. It has a very strong smell that some people might find unusual. Handkäse can be round or square in shape.
Contents
What is Handkäse?
Handkäse is a type of sour milk cheese. This means it's made from milk that has been curdled using acid, not rennet. It's similar to another German cheese called Harzer. Even though it smells strong, it's a popular food in its home region.
How to Eat Handkäse: "Handkäs mit Musik"
Handkäse is often eaten as a snack or a starter before a meal. It's usually served with Apfelwein, which is a type of cider popular in Hesse. A very traditional way to eat it is called "Handkäs mit Musik." This means "hand cheese with music."
The "Music" in Handkäse
When you order "Handkäs mit Musik," it comes with chopped or sliced onions on top. You might wonder where the "music" comes from! People often joke that "the music comes later." This is a funny way to talk about the gas that raw onions can cause during digestion.
There are other ideas about the "music" too. Some say it's because the bottles of vinegar and oil, used to dress the cheese, might make a sound when they touch. Another idea is that when the cheese marinates in vinegar and oil, the gases that form can make bubbling noises.
Caraway Seeds
Handkäse is usually eaten with caraway seeds. These seeds have a unique flavor. However, not everyone likes caraway. So, in many places, the caraway seeds are served on the side. This way, you can add them if you want. Some locals believe that if a restaurant offers caraway in a separate pot, it shows they care about quality.
Why Handkäse is Healthy
Handkäse is a great choice for people who are trying to eat healthy. It's very popular with dieters because it has a lot of protein but is very low in fat. Many athletes, like bodybuilders, runners, and weightlifters, also enjoy Handkäse. They like it because the high protein content helps their muscles.
Serving Suggestions
While Apfelwein (cider) is the traditional drink with Handkäse, some people prefer white wine. Often, a dry white wine is chosen, especially in areas like Rheinhessen.
See also
In Spanish: Handkäse para niños
