The Atlas Obscura Podcast The Last Limburger Plant in America
Jul 8, 2025
Discover the fascinating world of Limburger cheese, a uniquely stinky delight that divides opinions. Explore its colorful history, from European roots to its current status in Monroe, Wisconsin. Uncover quirky rivalries sparked by its notorious smell and personal anecdotes from passionate aficionados. Dive into the cheese's cultural impact, from media references to humorous tales, all while celebrating the artisanal legacy of the last American Limburger producer.
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Family Tradition of Limburger
- Johanna Mayer recounts her father's love for Limburger cheese, recalling family traditions involving raw onions and beer.
- The cheese has deep German immigrant roots and was a staple in her grandfather's diet in America.
Limburger Cheese and Mosquitoes
- Limburger cheese's legendary stinky smell is due to bacteria that also attract mosquitoes.
- Researchers used Limburger to bait mosquito traps for fighting malaria, linking cheese odor to scientific study.
The Rise of Wisconsin Limburger
- Chalet Cheese Cooperative started making Limburger in Wisconsin, becoming the largest manufacturer in the 1920s.
- The Limburger Express train shipped the cheese from Wisconsin to cities, symbolizing the cheese's popularity then.