The esteemed title of Normandy’s Most Historic Cheese is held by Neufchâtel, with its eye-catching coronary heart form. This cheese has reportedly been in manufacturing for nearly 1000 years; some say even longer. Up till the Hundred Years’ Warfare (1337-1453) nevertheless, Neufchâtel’s distinctive form was nowhere to be discovered. Pre-14th-century, it was bought both as a small brick, sq. or cylinder, shapes that may nonetheless be discovered right this moment alongside the extra widespread coeur.
Based on legend, the genesis of Neufchâtel’s distinctive form dates to the English invasion of Normandy and the cheese’s hometown of Neufchâtel-en-Bray through the Hundred Years’ Warfare. Besotted younger native girls created the heart-shaped cheeses to provide to the international troopers as a token of their affection.
Neufchâtel’s recognition surged within the nineteenth century, then dipped within the twentieth century earlier than receiving AOC safety to make sure high quality in 1969 and AOP standing in 1996. Guidelines state that at the very least 60 p.c of the milk used to make this cheese should come from la vache Normande, cows identified for producing top-quality milk wealthy in protein and butterfat and prized for cheese making.
Don’t confuse this time-honored French fromage with the low-fat cream cheese discovered at supermarkets all over the world! Neufchâtel is wrapped in a effective velvety rind just like its Normandy cousin, Camembert. It may be loved younger and agency or aged for a number of weeks, at which level it develops a creamline slightly below the rind and has a chalky, crumbly heart. On the nostril, this pleasant cheese has aromas of earthy mushrooms and milk, which turn into extra pronounced because it ages. Its flavors vary from recent cream to crème fraîche, with hints of yeast, salt and nuts.
What’s to not love?
