Geitost Cheese vs Kalathaki Limnou Cheese

Q: Is Geitost Cheese the same as Kalathaki Limnou Cheese?

No. Geitost Cheese and Kalathaki Limnou Cheese are distinct cheeses from Norway and Greece respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Is Geitost Cheese similar to Kalathaki Limnou Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Q: Can I substitute Geitost Cheese for Kalathaki Limnou Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Geitost Cheese for Kalathaki Limnou Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Does Geitost Cheese taste like Kalathaki Limnou Cheese?

Geitost Cheese reads as burnt caramel, sweet, while Kalathaki Limnou Cheese is pleasant, slightly acidic.

Q: What is Geitost Cheese made of?

Geitost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk. It originates in Norway.

Q: What is Kalathaki Limnou Cheese made of?

Kalathaki Limnou Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged three weeks at 14-18°c, then at least two months at <6°c. It originates in Greece.

Q: Which should I choose, Geitost Cheese or Kalathaki Limnou Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Geitost Cheese is a semi-hard, whey cow and goat-milk cheese from Norway, while Kalathaki Limnou Cheese is soft and made from goat or sheep milk, originating in Greece.

What Is Geitost Cheese?

Geitost, also known as Gjetost, Mysost, or Fløtemysost, is a traditional Norwegian cheese made from a blend of cow's and goat's milk. This semi-hard cheese is unique for its production process, which involves caramelizing the milk sugars, giving it a distinct brown color. The flavor is predominantly sweet, with a burnt caramel taste that sets it apart from other cheeses. It has a natural rind and an aroma reminiscent of caramel, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy sweet flavors in their cheese. Often used in breakfast dishes, it can be sliced thinly and served on bread or crackers. Geitost is an iconic part of Norwegian cuisine and is enjoyed by cheese enthusiasts around the world.

What Is Kalathaki Limnou Cheese?

Kalathaki Limnou is a PDO-certified cheese from the island of Lemnos in Greece. It is made primarily from sheep's milk, or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk. This cheese has a soft texture and a mild, slightly salty flavor. Its unique basket shape (kalathaki means "small basket") gives it a distinctive appearance, and it is often enjoyed in salads or as a table cheese.

What's the Difference Between Geitost Cheese and Kalathaki Limnou Cheese?

Origin: Geitost Cheese (Norway), Kalathaki Limnou Cheese (Greece)
Milk type: Geitost Cheese (cow's and goat's milk), Kalathaki Limnou Cheese (Pasteurized sheep's milk, Goat’s milk (up to 30%))
Texture: Geitost Cheese (semi-hard, whey), Kalathaki Limnou Cheese (Soft)
Rind: Geitost Cheese (natural), Kalathaki Limnou Cheese (No external rind)
Taste: Geitost Cheese (burnt caramel, sweet), Kalathaki Limnou Cheese (Pleasant, slightly acidic)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Geitost Cheese	Kalathaki Limnou Cheese
Country of Origin	Norway	Greece
Specific Origin	—	Lemnos, Aegean Sea
Milk Type	Cow's and goat's milk	Pasteurized sheep's milk, Goat’s milk (up to 30%)
Milk Treatment	—	Pasteurized
Texture	Semi-hard, whey	Soft
Rind	Natural	No external rind
Aging	—	Three weeks at 14-18°C, then at least two months at <6°C
Taste	Burnt caramel, sweet	Pleasant, slightly acidic

Taste Comparison: Does Geitost Cheese Taste Like Kalathaki Limnou Cheese?

Geitost Cheese reads as burnt caramel, sweet, while Kalathaki Limnou Cheese brings pleasant, slightly acidic character. On the nose, Geitost Cheese offers caramel, contrasted with Kalathaki Limnou Cheese's rich.

Can You Substitute Geitost Cheese for Kalathaki Limnou Cheese?

Geitost Cheese can stand in for Kalathaki Limnou Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-hard, whey bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Geitost Cheese reads as burnt caramel, sweet while Kalathaki Limnou Cheese brings pleasant, slightly acidic notes.

Which Is Better, Geitost Cheese or Kalathaki Limnou Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard, whey cheese, go with Geitost Cheese. For a soft profile, Kalathaki Limnou Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Geitost Cheese suits recipes that want burnt caramel, sweet notes, while Kalathaki Limnou Cheese fits dishes calling for pleasant, slightly acidic.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Geitost Cheese the same as Kalathaki Limnou Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Geitost Cheese originates in Norway, while Kalathaki Limnou Cheese comes from Greece. Geitost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk; Kalathaki Limnou Cheese uses goat or sheep.

Is Geitost Cheese similar to Kalathaki Limnou Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Geitost Cheese for Kalathaki Limnou Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Geitost Cheese taste like Kalathaki Limnou Cheese?

Geitost Cheese reads as burnt caramel, sweet, while Kalathaki Limnou Cheese is pleasant, slightly acidic. Aromas also diverge. Geitost Cheese leans caramel, and Kalathaki Limnou Cheese is closer to rich.

What is Geitost Cheese made of?

Geitost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk. It originates in Norway.

What is Kalathaki Limnou Cheese made of?

Kalathaki Limnou Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged three weeks at 14-18°c, then at least two months at <6°c. It originates in Greece.

Which should I choose, Geitost Cheese or Kalathaki Limnou Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Geitost Cheese is semi-hard, whey, while Kalathaki Limnou Cheese is soft.