Camembert cheese, a French culinary treasure, captivates cheese lovers worldwide with its luscious texture and unique flavor.
Whether it's served on a cheese board or baked into puff pastry, this creamy delight holds a special place in gastronomic history.
Here's everything you need to know about this iconic cheese.
Origins of Camembert
Camembert hails from Normandy, specifically the quaint village of Camembert, where its story began in the 18th century. According to legend, a farmer named Marie Harel created this cheese during the French Revolution. The authentic version, Camembert de Normandie, enjoys a prestigious Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, granted by the European Union in 1983.
This designation ensures that only cheeses produced in certain parts of Normandy using raw milk from at least 50% Normande cows can carry the name Camembert de Normandie. Outside of this region, "camembert" has become a generic term describing similar soft, bloomy-rind cheeses crafted globally, including in the United States.
Crafting Camembert
The art of making Camembert involves several precise steps:
1. Culturing the Milk: French Camembert uses raw milk, while pasteurized milk is common in the United States.
2. Coagulation: Cheesemakers add rennet to the cultured milk, forming soft curds.
3. Molding: These curds are cut into small cubes and transferred into cylindrical molds for draining.
4. Ripening: The cheese is salted and aged for about two weeks, during which it develops its iconic white rind.
This edible rind forms due to microbes like Penicillium candidum, which ripen the cheese from the outside in. Over time, the cheese's creamy interior becomes softer, taking on more complex flavors and aromas.
Camembert vs. Brie
While often compared, Camembert and Brie have distinct characteristics:
Size: Brie wheels are larger and flatter, usually sold in slices, whereas Camembert is a smaller, uncut wheel.
Flavor: Both cheeses share buttery, tangy notes when young, maturing into earthy, mushroomy flavors with time.
Texture: Aging influences texture—when overripe, both can develop an ammonia-like aroma and cracked rind.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
Camembert shines on cheese boards and pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory accompaniments. Here are some ideas:
Sweet Pairings:
- Drizzle of honey
- Fresh berries or fruit preserves
Savory Pairings:
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Roasted garlic
For beverages, Camembert pairs well with light, refreshing options that balance its creamy richness. Try:
- Fruity kombucha
- Elderflower lemonade
- Sparkling water with a hint of citrus
A French Icon Worth Trying
Camembert cheese is more than just a culinary delight; it's a taste of French heritage. Whether enjoyed fresh or aged, its creamy textures and rich flavors offer an unforgettable experience for any cheese enthusiast.
