Reindeer cheese facts for kids

Reindeer cheese is a special type of cheese made from the milk of reindeer. Historically, this unique cheese was found in Scandinavia, a region in Northern Europe. Even some modern Finnish cheeses, like leipäjuusto, were made with reindeer milk in the past.

Reindeer milk is very rich and full of nutrients. It has about 22% butterfat, which makes it very creamy, and 10% protein, which is good for building muscles. However, reindeer don't produce much milk; a reindeer can only be milked for about 1.5 cups (around 350 ml) per day. This makes reindeer cheese quite rare and special.

What is Reindeer Cheese Like?

In the past, people described reindeer cheese as one of the richest cheeses made from whole milk. It was often called a rich cream cheese because nearly half of its weight was from butterfat.

When first made, reindeer cheese was yellow on the outside. Inside, it was white, but near any small cracks, it would also be yellow. If you cut into the cheese, the white part would quickly turn a golden yellow color.

Taste and Texture

The taste of fresh reindeer cheese was described as very mild and creamy. It would melt easily in your mouth and had a pleasant smell from the reindeer milk. However, it could go bad quickly. If it became old, it would get a strong smell and a sharp, burning taste.

How People Enjoyed It

The Sami people, who are the Indigenous people of Northern Europe, often ate reindeer cheese with their coffee. They would use it instead of cream, adding a unique flavor to their drink.

Gallery

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  A cheese soup prepared with reindeer cheese