The Art of French Cheese: A Delicate Affair for the Palate
Do you ever find yourself mesmerized by the allure of cheese? A staple in various cuisines, cheese is adored by the masses, especially in the United States where it frequently crowns dishes like pizza and creamy mac and cheese. But when it comes to savoring cheese in its pure form, the French truly lead the charge. French cheese, unadorned by crackers or bread, is often enjoyed in its essence, embodying a cultural appreciation that elevates cheese from a mere ingredient to the highlight of the meal.
Embrace Cheese in Its True Glory
To understand the French love affair with cheese, one must embrace cheese as an entity worthy of attention. "In the US, we're still getting over cheese being just an ingredient. So it's still a little bit strange, this idea of having cheese on its own," as John Montez notes, a certified cheese professional from Murray’s Cheese in NYC. The French, however, have long cherished this practice, transforming cheese into an experience of its own. But how does one go about crafting the perfect French cheese plate? Here are a few insights drawn from Montez’s expertise.
Guidelines for an Impeccable French Cheese Selection
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Diversity in Numbers: Start by selecting three to five cheeses, preferably in odd numbers for aesthetic balance. A well-curated board might include a mix from hard to soft textures, such as a Comté for its alpine roots, a creamy Brie, and a robust Roquefort.
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Texture and Flavor Exploration: Mixing textures and flavors enhances the tasting experience. Incorporate hard cheeses like Comté with their nutty nuances and soft ones like Brie for buttery flavors, balanced by blue cheeses like Roquefort.
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Seasonal Selection: Just as seasons influence produce, the type of cheese you select might also reflect nature’s calendar. Opt for light, fresh goat cheeses in spring and more robust cheeses like Brie or Camembert in the colder months.
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Temperature Matters: Allow cheese to rest at room temperature before serving, enhancing its natural flavors and achieving the quintessential creamy texture of soft cheeses. Montez suggests even avoiding refrigeration if you purchase cheese to be consumed the same day.
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Proper Storage: For leftovers, avoid plastic. Instead, wrap cheese in cheese paper or parchment to maintain its character, keeping it close to the cheesemaker’s intended flavor and texture.
French Cheese: A Journey of Varied Aromas
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Hard Cheeses: Relish in the alpine traditions with cheeses like Comté, appreciated for a complexity that includes nuttiness and bold mineral richness.
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Blue Cheeses: Experience the diverse profiles of French blues. Roquefort, with its tangy punch, or the more versatile Bleu D’Auvergne, showcases a myriad of culinary possibilities.
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Soft Cheeses: Dive into the creamy realms of Brie Fermier or Camembert Fermier. The US versions might use pasteurized milk, offering a slightly different flavor profile due to legal restrictions, but still maintaining the creamy delights.
Unlocking the Full Cheese Experience
In France, cheese often stands alone in its luxurious simplicity, but pairing with a regional wine can deepen the enjoyment. Try matching Loire Valley goat cheese with Sancerre, or Epoisses with a red Burgundy, enhancing shared terroir flavors. If seeking versatility, know that cheese can be dynamic with spirits, like the surprising harmony of fresh goat cheese with peated Scotch.
Accoutrements and Accompaniments
While many French savor cheese in its purest form, complementing your plate with a fresh baguette or mild crackers enhances the experience. Sweet jams, preserved fruits, and even a touch of honey can also bring your cheese to life, while a slice of Jambon de Bayonne provides a savory counterpoint.
In closing, whether embarked upon at a Parisian bistro or a local cheese shop, the French cheese experience is an adventure of flavors, textures, and cultural history—a pure journey for the senses, without the need for elaborate garnishes. Indulge without fear in the world of French cheese, and you'll find that at its heart, the flavor has always been the genuine star.