Geitost Cheese vs Kalathaki Limnou Cheese
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 is the Norwegian brown whey cheese made with goat's milk in the mix. Boiling milk, cream and whey caramelizes the milk sugars, which gives it a deep brown color and a sweet, caramel taste with a tang behind it.
What Is Kalathaki Limnou Cheese?
Kalathaki Limnou is a fresh brined cheese from the Greek island of Lemnos, made from sheep's milk with up to 30 percent goat's milk. Protected as a PDO since 1996, it is named for the small basket molds that leave their pattern on its surface.
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)
- Aging: Geitost Cheese (not aged), Kalathaki Limnou Cheese (Three weeks at 14-18°C, then at least two months at <6°C)
- 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 | Norway | 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 | Not aged | 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. More specifically, Geitost Cheese shows sweet and caramel-like, with a tang that is sharper in the goat's milk versions, while Kalathaki Limnou Cheese leans toward soft, white cheese with a slightly acidic taste and rich aroma. carries marks of the baskets used.. Aging plays into this as well. Geitost Cheese at not aged develops a different profile than Kalathaki Limnou Cheese at three weeks at 14-18°c, then at least two months at <6°c.
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. Aging also differs: Geitost Cheese is typically aged not aged, Kalathaki Limnou Cheese three weeks at 14-18°c, then at least two months at <6°c.
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's typically aged not aged. 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.