How many cheeses are made in Germany?

It's impossible to give an exact number of cheeses made in Germany. Here's why:

* No Official Registry: There's no central authority that tracks every cheese made in Germany.

* Variety and Innovation: Cheesemaking is a traditional and evolving craft. New cheeses are constantly being developed, while some older varieties may become less common.

* Regional Differences: Germany has numerous regions with distinct cheesemaking traditions. Each region has its own specialties and variations.

However, you can get an idea of the vastness of German cheesemaking:

* Over 1000 varieties: Germany boasts an incredible diversity of cheeses, with estimates ranging from over 1000 to even more than 1500 varieties.

* Protected Designation of Origin (PDO): Germany has numerous cheeses with PDO status, meaning they are produced according to strict traditional methods in specific geographic areas. These include well-known cheeses like Bergkäse, Allgäuer Emmentaler, and Tilsiter.

* Regional Specialties: Many regions have their own unique cheeses. For example, Bavaria is known for its butterkäse, while the Black Forest region produces the distinctive Schwarzwälder Kümmelkäse.

So, while an exact number isn't available, the sheer variety and regional diversity of German cheesemaking is a testament to its rich culinary heritage.