Soft-ripened Cheese

What is Soft-ripened cheese?


Soft-ripened cheese: -

Soft-ripened cheese is a type of cheese that is made from the milk by coagulating the milk. this soft-ripened cheese has soft and creamy texture. This type of cheese is very similar to the other cheeses like having same characteristics of pure white color from inside and can have an edible rind. The edible rind of the cheese is formed by mold culture which is typically known as Penicillium camembert or Penicillium Candi mum. The edible rind can help the cheese to be ripens from outside which is soft and creamy from inside. This cheese is very well known and can be liked by numerous of the people for their rich and buttery flavor and have a smooth texture. this cheese of smooth and creamy when it is freshly made but the best thing about this cheese is this cheese become creamier when it became aged or stale for many days.

There are various types of soft-ripened cheese are available to us and the list of these types are given below along with its characteristics.


1. Brie: -

Brie is a type of soft-ripened cheese. Brie is a traditional cheese that is basically or firstly made in French, and it is to be known as the traditional French cheese. Brie is a cheese that is made up of cow's milk. Because it is made up of cow's milk that's why the color of this cheese is pale yellow because the color of cow's milk is pale yellow. Brie cheese has soft and creamy texture on eating and can have all the features of white bloomy rind. The flavor of brie cheese is mild, buttery and slightly nutty. Brie cheese is soft and creamy when it is young means when this cheese is freshly made but it becomes softer and creamier when it became aged means stale from many days. Brie cheese is extremely versatile which commonly served at room temperature on cheese boards and baked in puffy pastry or melted into sandwiches and sauces.


Characteristics: -

  • Brie cheese has pale yellow color and it is white from inside with edible mold rind.
  • Brie has creamy, buttery and slightly earthy flavor.
  • The texture of the cream becomes runny as it gets matures or aged.


2. Camembert: -

Camembert is another type of cheese that also hails from France. In other words, we can say that Cambert cheese is also originated or made in France and this cheese is specially made in the Normandy region of France. The appearance of the Camembert and Brie is very similar but they both are different in the taste and their texture. Camembert is usually small in size, and it has a more intense, earthy and mushroom like flavor. The aroma of this cheese is quite strong especially when it ripens and the texture of this cheese becomes delightfully gooey. Camembert cheese is often baked and served warm, and it can be eaten with rustic bread or are paired with apples and nuts for a savory taste and treat.

Characteristics: -

  • This cheese has a smaller wheel as compared to brie.
  • Camembert cheese has a stronger aroma and flavor due to fermentation.


3. Coulommiers: -

In mid 90's there were 250 cheesemakers that can be made from Coulommiers's cheese. Coulommiers cheese is a soft-ripened cheese which is made from cow's milk. Coulommiers cheese is usually made in the shape of disc which have white, bloomy and can also have edible Penicillium Candi mum rind. Coulommiers is a small and thicker version of brie cheese. The color of this cheese is also a pale yellow because this cheese is also made from the cow's milk. This cheese has dense creamy texture and has a nutty rich flavor. The white rind of this cheese is fully edible and can add a slight earthiness flavor in the cheese. Coulommiers is a gourmet addition to cheese platters, and it pairs well with fruits, baguettes, and light red wines.

Characteristics: -

  • This cheese is smaller and thicker as compared to brie.
  • Coulommiers cheese have rich and nutty flavor which have dense and creamy texture.
  • This cheese has edible white rind.


4. Saint-Andre: -

Saint-Andre is the richest soft-ripened cheese which can made in the shape of triple cream cheese that contains at least 75% of the butterfat. This incredibly decadent chesses have soft, smooth and spreadable with mild tangy flavor. This cheese has thick white rind which encases golden, buttery center that get melt in the mouth. Saint-Andre often spread on crackers and warm bread and can pairs wonderfully with sparkling wines and has a sweet dessert wine.

Characteristics: -

  • Saint-Andre is extremely rich and buttery.
  • This cheese has soft and smooth texture with a thick white rind.
  • This cheese has mild flavor with a slight tang.


5. Chaource: -

Chaource is another exquisite French cheese from the Champagne region, made from cow’s milk. It has a chalky, dense core that becomes creamy as it ripens. The flavor is mild and slightly tangy, with hints of mushrooms and cream. Chaource is best served with Champagne or white wine and pairs beautifully with figs, nuts, or a drizzle of honey.

Characteristics: -

  • This cheese is very similar to brie cheese.
  • This cheese has mild and slightly tangy taste.
  • Chaource cheese has dense and chalky center that softens with the age.


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