Västerbottensost® is a gritty hard cheese with character and strong aromatic taste, aged for at least 14 months. The cheese has a characteristic ampere flavor, with an undertone of truffles, which appears best when there is a perfect balance between the bitter part of the cheese and the milk sweetness. In addition, Västerbottensost has hints of umami – the fifth basic flavor. The consistency is brittle, crystalline and juicy. Västerbottensost is appreciated both as a spread and dessert cheese, in addition, it is often used as a characterful seasoning in both classic and modern cooking. The mystery of why Västerbottensost can only be made at the dairy in Burträsk continues to puzzle. The recipe came about by chance in 1872 and is still a well-kept secret to this day.