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6 Worst Rated German Natural Rind Cheeses

Last update: Sat Apr 19 2025
6 Worst Rated German Natural Rind Cheeses
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01
Hessischer Handkäse
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The name and the size of Hessen Handkäse are both derived from its traditional manufacturing method, in which the cheese was molded by hand. Handkäse is a German regional sour milk cheese produced in Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Rheinhessen.


It has a fat content of less than 1% and an impressive protein content of 25%. Hessen Handkäse is a delicious cheese with quite a pungent aroma, and it is usually served sprinkled with caraway seeds and topped with sliced onions. Traditionally, this cheese is served either plain or as 'Hessen Handkäse mit Musik', seasoned with salt and pepper and marinated with onions in oil and vinegar, occasionally with some water or a dash of cider or wine added to the marinade.

02

Cheese

LOWER SAXONY, Germany
2.9
Harzer
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Harzer is a German cheese made from cow's milk. It hails from the Harz mountain region, hence the name. The cheese ripens for a few days up to a week before it's ready for consumption. It contains only 1% fat, which is why it's often used in the world of sport and fitness.


Harzer has a strong and pungent aroma, it is often flavored with caraway, and it is usually shaped into small or long logs which are typically wrapped in cellophane before being sold. There are two types of Harzer – one is smeared with yellow bacteria, and the other one with red bacteria, in a version that is spicier than the yellow variety.

03

Cheese

SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN, Germany
3.5
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This semi-hard cheese is produced from either raw or pasteurized cow’s milk. It is shaped into a wheel or a loaf with a thin, yellow-brown rind, and it can only be spiced with caraway. The body of the cheese is light-yellow in color, while its texture is supple and springy and features eyes and cracks.


Depending on the aging, the flavor of the cheese ranges from mild and aromatic to sharp and spicy. The production of Holsteiner Tilsiter started in the late 19th century in the Schleswig-Holstein region, and all steps in the production process must take place in the same geographical area. 
04
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Edelpilz is a German blue cheese that's often compared with Danish Blue Cheese (Danablu). The cheese is made from cow's milk and has a fat content of 22%. The rind is soft, and underneath it the texture is semi-soft and creamy.


The aromas and flavors are strong, savory, and slightly spicy. Edelpilz is great for melting over au gratin dishes or as a stuffing for fish, meat, and vegetables, as well as sauces and dressings. It's recommended to pair it with robust red wines such as Dornfelder or white wines with residual sweetness such as Pinot Gris from Alsace.

05
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Butterkäse is a semi-soft German cheese made from cow's milk. Its texture is smooth and creamy, while the flavors are mild and buttery, hence the name. The cheese ripens for one month and develops a natural golden rind. It also melts exceptionally well, which is the reason why it's used in some pretty good stuff such as grilled cheese sandwiches, fondues, omelets, and burgers.


If you can, pair it with a glass of ice cold beer on the side.

06
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Emmentaler cheese originates from the Swiss Emmental Valley in the Bern canton. Originally, this 'King of the Mountain Cheeses' used to be produced as a pure mountain cheese only during the summer months. Today, Allgäu Emmentaler is available year round.


It is made with raw cow's milk, and thanks to the amazing flora of the Allgäu Alps, each cheese wheel develops its own distinctive flavor. Younger Emmentalers are quite mild and have a nutty finish, but as the cheese ages, the flavors and aromas become stronger and more refined.

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

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German Natural Rind Cheeses