The Best Polish Cheeses And Where To Find Them

Each European country boasts its distinct methods of preparing, aging, and presenting cheese, and while France may claim the title of the world's cheese capital, it's the lesser-known varieties that often offer the most delightful surprises.

In Poland, several exclusive cheese types can't be found anywhere else, including the unique smoked cheese, OSCYPEK, made solely from salted sheep milk found in the Tatra Mountains region. Another distinctive Polish cheese is TWARÓG, similar to quark or farmer's cheese, but distinct in its own right. Twaróg is popular across the country and made by heating soured milk to the point of curdling, then straining it. The ideal serving comes from local farmers who breed their own cows, and it's best consumed a day after straining.

If you're a cheese lover, then you must add KRÓLEWSKI cheese to your list of must-try cheeses when visiting Poland. Originating from the northwestern Mazovia region and now also popular in Podlasie, this creamy, semi-hard cheese with large holes has a unique flavor profile. It boasts a sweet and nutty taste with a subtle hint of pepper-like aftertaste, making it a delicious addition to any cheese board or dish. Don't miss out on this royal cheese while in Poland!

For those who appreciate organic cheeses, there is no better time to visit Poland than now. Many farmers are returning to traditional methods of breeding animals and crafting high-quality cheeses, resulting in a wide variety of cheeses that boast a delicious, old-fashioned taste.

When visiting the LOWER SILESIA region of Poland, be sure to try organic cheeses from these cheese makers and farmers:

• Sery Łomnickie (located in Wrocław, available in small food stores with local food products such as RegioFood)
• Wańczykówka (available at Wrocławski Bazar Smakoszy)
• Sery Lutomierskie (available on-site, with cheese-making workshops also offered)
• Kozio-lek (located only 40 minutes' drive from Wrocław, their farm offers amazing goat cheese)

These are great options if you're looking for high-quality organic cheeses that have been made using traditional methods.

If you're planning a trip to Poland soon, don't miss out on these fantastic ECO and local FOOD FESTIVALS where you can sample a wide range of delicious cheeses:

1. Lower Silesia - Festival of Regional Food and Specialties (4-6 October 2019)
2. Podkarpacie - Regional Cheese and Bread Making Workshops (9 October 2019)
3. Lower Silesia - Organic Food and Healthy Lifestyle Fair (10 October 2019)
4. Mazovia - BIOEXPO Warsaw, the largest Polish fair of organic food and products (11-13 October 2019)

Consider joining one of our small-group culinary tours with Poland Culinary Vacations to experience local cheese-tastings and cheese-making classes. Our tours offer a variety of culinary and cultural experiences, including delicious cheese workshops in different regions across Poland. Follow this link for culinary tour itineraries and start planning your food vacation to Poland with us. Smacznego! - Enjoy!