Harzer

Harzer cheese is a German sour milk cheese made from low fat curd cheese, which contains only about one percent fat and originates in the Harz mountain region south of Braunschweig.

Harzer is often small and round, in which case it is called "Handkäse" or "Taler", or cylindrical, in which case it is called "Stangenkäse". Frequently, the small and round variety is sold in a cylindrical package, which is then called "Harzer Roller".

Harzer cheese is typically flavoured with caraway. Some varieties are white mold cheeses, others red mold cheeses. The latter type generally has a stronger flavour, and both types develop a strong aroma after maturing for a few days or weeks. Harzer has a distinctive strong smell and overpowering flavor to it which is considered repulsive by some.