Cheese story
What is Västerbotten?
A celebrated Swedish hard cheese with deep savoury complexity.
Origin
Västerbotten, Sweden
Milk
cow
Board role
Hard / mature
Cheese profile
Country
Sweden
Region
Västerbotten
Milk type
cow
Texture
hard
Rind
natural
Ageing
14+ months
Vegetarian
Check the rennet / producer
Milk treatment
yes
Flavour profile: sharp, nutty, savoury, crystalline
Origin, protection and character
Västerbotten comes from Sweden, especially Västerbotten. Its character comes from the balance of milk, texture, rind, ageing and local serving traditions.
Protected status
PDO
Typical ageing
14+ months
How to serve Västerbotten
pies, cheese boards, gratins
Good food matches
beer
aquavit
crispbread
Serving tip
Take it out of the fridge before serving so the texture softens and the flavour opens up. Softer cheeses usually need less time than hard aged cheeses.
Buying tip
Look for clean aroma, good texture and a style that matches the board: fresh and bright, soft and creamy, hard and nutty, blue and salty, or bold and washed-rind.
