Talk:Head cheese

Incorrect Headline
The caption of this article must be: Brawn and not: Head Cheese, because Head cheese is only a special type of brawn. I have written the correct german to english/american translation terms known by me in the section about the german terms below. I do not know all correct translation terms. But head cheese is a special type of brawn, made of the ingredients of a cooked pig head. The german term for this is: Presskopf (literally translated: "pressed head"). Another kind of brawn is Schwartenmagen (literally translated: "slabbed maw"), made of the ingredients of a cooked pig maw. I don´t know the exact english translation. Another type of brawn are: Russisches Ei or Russian Egg, which is brawn made from eggs, gherkin and parts of meat. Michael Belzer --MBelzer (talk) 08:15, 1 June 2010 (UTC)
 * Sounds basically like that is all just your personal opinion so who really cares? Also Schwartenmagen isn't literally translated "slabbed maw." Just more unsubstantiated garbage you're spewing here. This is wikipedia and not some random German forum. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2003:EC:DF20:E100:6C2C:1B49:A496:E49B (talk) 19:35, 12 January 2020 (UTC)

image
Image is not very descriptive

German terms
I have lived in Germany since 1979 and have never heard of either of the two German terms mentioned here. It is usually known as Sülze - Schweinesülze being the typical type made form pig's head.

85.22.14.60 23:13, 10 February 2007 (UTC)

I am German and I have heard all three mentioned german terms for brawn. The propper translation is german: Sülze, Sulz = english: brawn = american: sulz, german: Presskopf (literally translated: "pressed head") = american: head cheese, german: Schwartenmagen (literally translated: "slabbed maw")

Michael Belzer --MBelzer (talk) 07:53, 1 June 2010 (UTC)

Packaged "souse" or "sagey souse" is quite common in markets here in the Midwest, though I've never actually seen anyone purchase it. Perhaps the name is a corruption of the German "Sülze." Does it rhyme with "louse"? 38.115.185.13 (talk) 15:04, 30 June 2010 (UTC)LNChicago

Salade de museau
That's appeal an article about "Salade de museau" (I've no idea how to call it in English) wich is the same thing without gelatin.

Pokey
Don't forget Headcheese in Pokey the Penguin comics!

Brawn as Head Cheese?
Is there are reason that Brawn (Transformers) is in the disambig header? The article for the Transformer makes no mention of Head Cheese, and its not a term I'm familiar with in association with Brawn. Pyrogen 01:19, 16 June 2006 (UTC)
 * The article claims head cheese is called brawn in the UK, and brawn is a redirect to this article. J I P  | Talk 06:58, 2 July 2006 (UTC)
 * Correct. I'm English, and only know the expression "head cheese" from Americans. It's always "brawn" here. 86.132.142.77 04:43, 9 July 2006 (UTC)
 * there is no disambig header. where the is the link to the transfomer named Brawn...there should be a disamiguation page.  i typed in Brawn for a search and it came right to the cheese? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Special:Contributions/ (talk)
 * Sounds reasonable. I have added a redirect1 hatnote which should also explain Pyrogen's puzzlement. Henning Makholm 09:45, 28 July 2006 (UTC)

Useless Trivia
I removed this titbit. I think it's beyond trivial. If someone can justify why it should be returned, please go ahead. Clerks 13:59, 27 October 2006 (UTC)
 * This dish may have been the inspiration for William Heath Robinson's macabre drawing Remarkable case of absence of mind in a Dutch restaurant (1912), in which a diner, distracted by his newspaper, mistakes his sleeping neighbour's bald head for an Edam cheese and cuts a slice from it.
 * Perhaps intriguing but nevertheless non-material, I removed the paragraph claiming head cheese to be the favorite dish of Jeffrey Dahmer.

Gelatin
Gelatin is not made from bone marrow, but from connective tissue.

Texas Chainsaw Massacre
The history channel tells me that the working title of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was "Headcheese" Wowlookitsjoe (talk) 01:46, 18 December 2007 (UTC)

Jews?
This article claims that this product is very popular with jews. I would imagine that it would be a non-pork form of the product that they would patronise... Further, is there a restriction on the consumption of gelatin in Kosher? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 125.63.75.210 (talk) 04:34, 19 May 2008 (UTC)

This link shows gelatin that is marked Kosher for passover http://usa.kosher.com/store/kosher-grocery/desserts/jello/759474200354-kolatin-kosher-gelatin-unflavored.htmlBarnaby the Scrivener (talk) 12:46, 10 October 2010 (UTC)

The Jewish version (p'tcha) is made from calves' feet or tendons, rather than pork products. See the section near the bottom of the page "Middle East". As to gelatin, it is possible (though not easy) to make Kosher gelatin, but you don't need it for p'tcha, because there's enough gelatin in the bones that you don't have to add any extra. Shalom S. (talk) 04:08, 16 February 2011 (UTC)

Unencycopedic Content
The following paragraph (from the article) contains unencyclopedic content and should be delt with.

''Head Cheese is also known as the semi-fluid semi-solid substance found particularly on males who are uncircumcised. The build up of the "head cheese" occurs beneath the foreskin. It is usually white in colour and may smell and taste like semen. It is likely seminal discharge trapped in the foreskin. Caused by frequent erections and the presence of "precum". If not cleaned off on a daily bases, it may lead to a fungal infection. Not to mention not being able to get laid.'' —Preceding unsigned comment added by 43.244.33.124 (talk) 10:43, 6 August 2008 (UTC)

"Head Cheese is also known as the semi-fluid semi-solid substance found particularly on males who are uncircumcised. The build up of the "head cheese" occurs beneath the foreskin. It is usually white in colour." I have certainly encountered this usage in the UK, Australia and in the US (Hawaii). . The cause is usually attributed to the accumulation of dead skin cells from the inner surface of the foreskin. Perhaps a disambiguation page would be appropriate?Bebofpenge (talk) 03:40, 13 June 2010 (UTC)


 * The above poster is correct in that "Head Cheese" is certainly used as a slang term for smegma in many English speaking countries. I can understand many people not wanting this information associated with this page (even though that in itself is un-encyclopedic). A note at the top to a disambig page that also links to it is probably the best solution. Also, in reference to the original poster, except for the last sentence there is nothing un-encylopedic about the paragraph (though I doubt it had proper citation but I'm sure you could find some easily enough). I once again think this is just personal distaste and viewing of the information as unworthy of an encyclopedia. 207.237.208.153 (talk) 23:31, 13 October 2011 (UTC)


 * We do not have to clutter every article with a paragraph about some original research obscene slang usage of the term. "Bun" and "wiener" do not have links to "buttocks" or "penis," for instance, nor does "cream" discuss the use of the term for the verb "to ejaculate." Edison (talk) 00:03, 14 October 2011 (UTC)


 * As a Brit I am surprised to find that "head cheese" is not an article about smegma, and does not redirect to it. I had no idea it meant something in the culinary world, and disambiguation is clearly needed.  Wikipedia is not censored, and whether the Smegma article is distasteful is not the issue.  A separate dab page is not warranted if their there is only one other entry - a direct link at the top of this article is most appropriate, unless anyone can cite a policy or precedent otherwise.  To this end I am going to be bold and change this.  If anyone feels strongly that this is wrong, feel free to raise it here.  :)  leevclarke (talk) 09:25, 31 March 2012 (UTC)


 * I take the point about the Bun and Weiner articles, but they are slang for buttocks and penis respectively because they look like those body parts. The etymology of "head cheese" for smegma is different.  It's not related to this meat dish at all, so direct disambiguation is appropriate.  Having a separate dab page requires the user to follow two links if they're looking for Smegma instead of only one.  leevclarke (talk) 09:48, 31 March 2012 (UTC)


 * Thank you. Regardless of the disgust of the topic, some redirect was needed for all the reasons you mentioned. One previously existed on the page but has been repeatedly deleted. As a compromise, I created the disambig page until common sense would prevail to just include a note on the main page. I would keep an eye out as this may be deleted again. I'd also like to comment on the bun and weiner point. For both of these the actual terms (buttocks and penis) are relatively well known and someone looking for the article could easily find them. The medical term of smegma is decidedly less known. Someone could easily have heard of the slang term (head cheese) yet never heard of the medical term (smegma). Without a note directing them, there would be no way for them to find the article they are looking for.207.237.208.153 (talk) 21:34, 19 April 2012 (UTC)


 * It was vandalism from some asshole. Stop trying to dress it up -- call it what it is. --RThompson82 (talk) 22:07, 24 July 2012 (UTC)


 * Yeah, I think a disambiguation page is either needed, or some explanation that its not smegma, its necessary 76.10.128.235 (talk) 14:55, 31 January 2015 (UTC)

Australian "Headcheese"
The section on the variety of brawn made in Dimboola would appear to be based on fallacious material. I say this for various reasons. It cites no sources. The word "alicante" is unused by the Australian wine industry. Wombats are a protected species and the use of their heads in this hideous concoction would be strictly illegal. The Visitors' Centre of the township of Dimboola declare ignorance of it. My friends who live in Victoria have never heard of it, nor have any Australian charcuterers that I have spoken to. I feel therefore that this piece of crap is someone's idea of a joke and I have removed the section. If anyone feels that it should be redone, knock yourselves out. 220.233.178.130 (talk) 13:56, 10 November 2008 (UTC)

Be polite, please.

Warrington (talk) 14:21, 10 November 2008 (UTC)

I'm an Aussie and I've never heard of headcheese (or brawn). I don't think it can be considered "well known". Perhaps I shall have a look next time I'm at the deli... 58.105.116.4 (talk) 07:34, 28 January 2009 (UTC)


 * They do sell a combination raisin pudding/head cheese combination desert. It can be found in the deli section of most markets. It's known by a variety of names, but the official name (and the name usually put on a little sign next to it) is "spotted dick head cheese". It has a sort of fruity/salty flavor to it, quite strong but strangely satisfying once you are used to it. 182.239.147.159 (talk) 14:32, 4 February 2011 (UTC)


 * Hey User 220.233.178.130, just go to Coles or Woolies, go to the deli counter and ask for brawn. I like it. You might not. But it is a traditional Anglo-Celtic Australian dish. 124.168.5.246 (talk) 07:37, 28 February 2011 (UTC)

Newfoundland
Does anyone know why it's called brawn rather than headcheese in Newfoundland? Mwahcysl (talk) 19:11, 19 December 2008 (UTC) -It's called that in British English, and evidently in some other regions as well. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 96.42.76.202 (talk) 00:06, 31 December 2009 (UTC)

Latin America, North America?
Obviously, there is some sort of contradiction in the article. The article can't just single out mexico from north america. It needs to say something like central and south america, and north america. The way its written seems to make a clear difference between white america, and brown speaking America no such thing as Spanish America. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.165.131.183 (talk) 07:09, 20 February 2011 (UTC) 65.131.154.76 (talk) 01:45, 14 February 2014 (UTC)

Ukrainian Terms
My family always called these types of dishes голодец. Perhaps this is a local name or refers to how it was served rather than the actual name. Anyone have any insight? BorisRecycler (talk) 00:48, 25 March 2011 (UTC)

Czech Republic & Slovakia sections
Sections for Czech and Slovak varieties are basically identical. Perhaps they should be grouped together? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 90.179.187.17 (talk) 17:03, 4 June 2011 (UTC)

Ears removed?
Any brawn with which I am familiar, my experience being mostly in England and Poland, includes ears. Is there a source for the claim in the lead section that ears are usually not included? Phil Bridger (talk) 18:31, 22 October 2011 (UTC)

Requested move

 * The following discussion is an archived discussion of a requested move. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made in a new section on the talk page. No further edits should be made to this section. 

The result of the move request was: no move, per consensus. ENeville (talk) 18:17, 21 February 2012 (UTC)

Head cheese → Brawn – Head Cheese is an American English translation of a certain type of Brawn, and is not a generic term whereas Brawn is. Brendandh (talk) 10:04, 15 February 2012 (UTC)


 * Oppose Brawn (disambiguation) should be moved to instead. The generic term is terrine (food), atleast in the supermarkets around my neck of the woods (Central Canada). And here, you do find "head cheese" and not "brawn" in the food section, if it's not pate or terrine or cretons. 65.92.182.149 (talk) 13:27, 15 February 2012 (UTC)
 * Oppose per WP:COMMONNAME and per WP:RETAIN. Edison (talk) 16:32, 15 February 2012 (UTC)
 * Comment This doesn't appear to be anything to do with WP:COMMONNAME, more a case of national varieties of English.  It appears that in North America this (to some) revolting product is known as head cheese (which sounds even more revolting).  In the United Kingdom, that term is practically unheard of, and it is referred to as brawn.  The proposer's argument is that head cheese is one type of brawn, but I think he needs to provide a bit more evidence to justify that claim.  Otherwise, the article should stay where it is under our rules on national varieties of English.  The article was created as head cheese way back in 2002.  Skinsmoke (talk) 20:26, 15 February 2012 (UTC)
 * Oppose per User:Skinsmoke, whose name also makes me think of cheese. :) And agree with 65.92.182.149 that Brawn (disambiguation) should be moved. Callmederek (talk) 21:26, 16 February 2012 (UTC)
 * Oppose. Common names. 67.194.69.67 (talk) 00:15, 17 February 2012 (UTC)
 * Oppose. The article clearly uses both terms in the opening section, avoiding any confusion as to the content. Head cheese seems to also have less possible alternate meanings than brawn, and is in my opinion more precise. --UnQuébécois (talk) 17:20, 21 February 2012 (UTC)
 * The above discussion is preserved as an archive of a requested move. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made in a new section on this talk page. No further edits should be made to this section.

Should be moved to "Brawn"
I'm too late for the above discussion, but it really should be "brawn". It's a dish from Europe and the European name is brawn. Someone from Elbonia could come along and say that the common name for it there is swingdongers, but if we have to choose between European English, American English, and Elbonian English, and it's a European dish, then why should American or Elbonian names be preferred? Using the European name would make sense. Gronky (talk) 22:02, 8 April 2012 (UTC)
 * Not sure what to make of your comment. If we apply WP:COMMONNAME, it has been argued that the American Spelling is more common, and is also part of the North American repertoire of dishes. If we apply Eng Var your suggestion might follow suit, as a historic or origination name, but names change over time. My weighted opinion is that common name (or most used) is the better choice. The consensus at the time was to keep the article title as such. It is clearly stated in the opening that both terms are valid and their usages.--UnQuébécois (talk) 01:31, 9 April 2012 (UTC)
 * WP:COMMONNAME wasn't established. The move was was only opposed by three logged in users, and none of them explained how "Head cheese" could be more WP:COMMONNAME than "Brawn". Gronky (talk) 21:35, 9 April 2012 (UTC)
 * Update. Here's the policy:
 * The title of an article on a topic that has strong ties to a particular English-speaking nation should use the variety of English appropriate for that nation
 * Article_titles
 * Which was my point: It's a European dish, so policy says the European name should be preferred. I won't be around long enough to propose this move, but I hope someone does. Gronky (talk) 14:27, 10 April 2012 (UTC)

Is it kind of strange that this item is listed in American English when most of the English speaking world actually calls it brawn (including almost everyone in Europe with English as a 2nd language!) - however. "brawn" as a culinary term is really not encountered very often in modern culture, I don't think it's particularly well known in the UK. Conversely, and perhaps because of its amusing and provocative name, the term "head cheese" does crop up in modern American culture - particularly in comedy. e.g. I first heard the term used in a culinary sense listening to an American comic speaking to an American audience. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 91.113.114.194 (talk) 20:33, 24 March 2013 (UTC)

Merge discussion
Not sure if a merge of Jellied Veal is appropriate to either Head cheese, or to Aspic.--UnQuébécois (talk) 18:48, 21 February 2012 (UTC)


 * This move request has been standing for a long time now. I would suggest moving the stub to Aspic, because Sülze/Head cheese is made of particular parts of pork, namely the head, while jellied veal is apparently not. Sincerely --Abracus (talk) 20:38, 7 August 2012 (UTC)

Skull?
Isn't the brain cavity (i.e. of a pig, goat, whatever) used as a "jello mold" in some recipes? I remember hearing this years ago. Can anyone verify? --RThompson82 (talk) 22:15, 24 July 2012 (UTC)

Merge from Salceson
Even pl wiki doesn't have separate articles on those, and the stub list that is at salceson could simply be merged to the relevant section here. --Piotr Konieczny aka Prokonsul Piotrus&#124; reply here 06:07, 2 May 2013 (UTC)

Wrong picture!
In the picture that is described as "Rolled head cheese" there is, obviously, rolled bacon. Please, correct this, as it is HUGE mistake. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 178.43.174.211 (talk) 18:27, 3 May 2013 (UTC)


 * It's possible that the picture and description are wrong indeed: the image's name is Rullsylta ( on the Svenska Wikipedia), which is translated to Spiced meat roll in english, and appears to be made using other meat cuts... 76.10.128.192 (talk) 06:58, 11 January 2015 (UTC)

Prions and regulations
Although the lead mentions that head cheese can be substituted for other cuts and gelatin sold under the same name, I seem to rememer that this is more common in some countries today because of possible issues using nervous systems in food and the possible presence of prions involved in the development of diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob's. It's something which given some research for sources would be worthy of mention. 76.10.128.192 (talk) 07:06, 11 January 2015 (UTC)

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Dad's Army
Corporal Jones' brawn was a prize in the Dad's Army episode., "For the Love of 3 Oranges". A reference to it's popularity in times of rationing during and after World War 2. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.27.207.47 (talk) 14:38, 28 December 2017 (UTC)

not made with head meat
My family from eastern Europe (including those born there) made it from pork hock and never from head. I suggest the possibility of non-head meat be mentioned in the lede, in a minimal way. --Richardson mcphillips (talk) 14:35, 13 December 2018 (UTC)

Link to scrapple?
I just heard of scrapple, and my first thought was "that's essentially sylte, but warm". Palnatoke (talk) 06:49, 25 December 2020 (UTC)

Australia / Presswurst
Section says:

"In Australia, it is known as brawn or Presswurst. It is usually seen as something of an old-fashioned dish, although various large firms, such as D'Orsogna, Don Smallgoods and KR Castlemaine produce it."

I'm Australian, and I've never heard brawn called presswurst. Presswurst is a different, but similar, product that is common in delis, usually sold in two variations. &mdash;rjt (talk) 05:58, 3 March 2022 (UTC)