Van herbed cheese facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Van herbed cheese |
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Country of origin | Turkey |
Region | Van Province |
Source of milk | Cows, sheep, goats |
Texture | semi-hard |

Van herbed cheese (Turkish: Van otlu peyniri) is a unique type of cheese. It is made from the milk of sheep or cows. This special cheese comes from Turkey.
People in eastern and southeastern Turkey have made herbed cheeses for over 200 years. These cheeses are a big part of their food traditions. Van herbed cheese is known for its semi-hard texture. It also has a salty taste. The herbs give it a wonderful smell, like garlic or thyme.
Many different herbs can be used in this cheese. About 25 types of herbs are popular. Some common ones include Allium, Thymus, Silene, and Ferula plants. These herbs can be used alone or mixed together.
The most famous herbed cheese is called Otlu. It is mostly made in the Van Province of Turkey. Small dairies and villages produce it. Now, other cities in eastern Turkey also make it. Its popularity keeps growing across all of Turkey.
Herbs That Make Van Herbed Cheese Special
Many different plants give Van herbed cheese its unique flavor. These herbs are carefully chosen. They add a special taste and smell to the cheese.
Common Herbs Used in Van Herbed Cheese
Here are some of the plants often found in this delicious cheese:
- Ranunculus polyanthemos (Buttercup family)
- Nasturtium officinale (Mustard family)
- Gypsophila species (Carnation family)
- Silene vulgaris (Bladder Campion)
- Anthriscus nemorosa (Cow Parsley family)
- Carum carvi (Caraway)
- Anethum graveolens (Dill)
- Prangos pabularia
- Prangos ferulacea
- Ferula species (Giant Fennel family)
- Ferula orientalis
- Ferula rigidula
- Thymus kotschyanus (Thyme family)
- Thymus migricus
- Mentha spicata (Spearmint)
- Ziziphora clinopodioides
- Ocimum basilicum (Basil)
- Eremurus spectabilis (Foxtail Lily)
- Allium schoenoprasum (Chives)
- Allium fuscoviolaceum
- Allium scorodoprasum
- Allium aucheri
- Allium paniculatum
- Allium akaka
- Allium cf. cardiostemon