What is Lietuviškas Varškės Sūris? Lithuania’s Authentic Curd Cheese

Welcome to the world of Lithuanian gastronomy, where we invite you to discover Lietuviškas Varškės Sūris – a traditional curd cheese that is truly a gem of Lithuania’s culinary heritage.

Rooted in age-old traditions and crafted with expertise, this authentic curd cheese is a testament to Lithuania’s rich dairy culture. With its distinctive tangy flavor, crumbly texture, and fresh aroma, Lietuviškas Varškės Sūris serves as a versatile ingredient that can elevate any dish or be savored on its own.

Quick Facts About Lietuviškas Varškės Sūris

Country of Origin	Lithuania
IGP	Since 2013
Classification	Fresh cheese
Milk	Pasteurized cow’s milk
Weight	3.15 oz to 11 lb (100 g to 5 kg)
Fat content	7% to 22%
Taste	Tanginess, acidity, milky
Aroma	Hint of spices, notes of smoke (smoke cheese only)
Pairing	Jam, honey, toast, sandwiches, crackers
Beverage pairing	Local beer: Sakiškių, Midus Stakliškės, Sakiškių Chipotle Porter
Texture	Soft, crumbly, firm
Color	Pale white-yellow, light brown or tan (smoke cheese only)

What is Lietuviškas Varškės Sūris?

Lietuviškas Varškės Sūris, a distinct Lithuanian delicacy, is a curd cheese made from cow’s milk. This traditional cheese is a testament to Lithuania’s rich dairy culture and has been crafted throughout the country using time-honored methods. It stands out for its specific characteristics and quality, being produced both industrially and handmade in many homes in the countryside.

What makes Lietuviškas Varškės Sūris unique is its versatility. The slightly sour taste combined with its crumbly texture makes it a perfect ingredient for both sweet and savory dishes. It pairs excellently with honey or black bread. Occasionally, aromatic herbs and salt are added to enhance its flavor.

This cheese has a historical significance as well, with references dating back to 1588 when losses were mentioned due to the theft of food stocks. Today, it is one of the most popular Lithuanian products, maintaining the ancient Lithuanian recipe and production traditions.

Furthermore, there are different variations of this cheese available in the market. For instance, “Senolių Lietuviškas” and “Senolių Šventinis” are traditional curd cheeses made from high-quality pasteurized cow’s milk, without synthetic additives or preservatives. These cheeses form a line of conventional curd cheeses with spices, honoring the timeless tradition of Lithuanian cheesemaking.

Production

Today, Lietuviškas Varškės Sūris is produced both in industrial cheese factories and manually in common homes in the countryside.

Depending on its production, the texture ranges from soft and crumbly to somewhat firm (with an interior that crumbles easily when cut).

Tasting Notes

Appearance: The cheese typically has a pale white color, which can sometimes vary to a yellowish hue depending on the production process. It is traditionally shaped into a round or square form with a slightly crumbly texture.
Texture: Lietuviškas Varškės Sūris has a unique crumbly texture that is simultaneously firm yet soft. The cheese is not too hard or dense, making it easy to crumble or slice. When eaten, it has a pleasant mouthfeel that is neither too creamy nor dry.
Aroma: The cheese has a fresh, dairy scent with a hint of sourness. The aroma is light and not overpowering, often reminiscent of fresh milk or yogurt.
Taste: The primary taste of Lietuviškas Varškės Sūris is slightly sour, similar to the tanginess found in yogurt or cottage cheese. Depending on the specific variety and production method, there may also be subtle notes of sweetness or a mild saltiness. The flavor is generally clean and fresh, with a slightly lactic aftertaste.
Pairings: The cheese pairs well with a variety of foods, both sweet and savory. It is excellent when served with honey or fruit for a sweet dish or combined with herbs and spices for a savory meal. It can also be enjoyed with traditional Lithuanian black bread.
Drink Pairings: Lietuviškas Varškės Sūris pairs well with light white wines that complement its tangy flavor. Alternatively, a crisp apple cider or a light beer can also be a good match. For non-alcoholic options, try it with a tart fruit juice like cranberry or pomegranate.

What Pairs Well With Lietuviškas Varškės Sūris?

Food that goes well with Lietuviškas Varškės Sūris:

Type	Food Pairing
Desserts/Sweets	Honey, Jam
Breads	Toast, Lithuanian Black Bread
Savory Dishes	Fritalja (a dish made with eggs, flour and fresh herbs like spring onions, cilantro, chives, chili, dill), Oil Fried Dumplings
Cheeses	Smoked Cheeses (for a different flavor profile)
Traditional Lithuanian Dishes	Varškės Apkepas (a dish made of Lithuanian curd, eggs, milk or buttermilk, semolina, and sugar)

Beverage that goes well with Lietuviškas Varškės Sūris:

Type	Beverage Pairing
Wines	Light White Wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
Beers	Light Beers, like Pilsners or Wheat Beers
Ciders	Crisp Apple Cider
Non-Alcoholic	Tart Fruit Juices, such as Cranberry or Pomegranate Juice