Soft, washed-rind cheeses are usually made from either raw or pasteurized
cow's milk. Rennet and lactic ferments are added to the milk,
curdling it. The curds are cut and stirred to speed the removal of
the whey, then ladled into molds. The cheeses are usually shaped
into flattened rounds or squares, but are sometimes produced in whimsical
shapes such as hearts or fish. After setting, the cheeses are
hand-salted, placed on boards, and often tinted with annatto, a natural
coloring, which gives the rinds a characteristic reddish-orange
hue. The cheeses are then ripened for up to 6 months. During
this time, they are washed with salty brine which sometimes contains
wine, beer, cider, or other alcohol. This process results in
smooth, creamy, highly aromatic cheeses with thick rinds and assertive
flavors — the original "stinky cheeses". Some of the most
well-known soft, washed-rind cheeses include Muenster, Pont-l'Eveque,
Livarot, and the infamous Limburger.
Cistercian and Benedictine monks are responsible for the development of
this type of cheese during the Middle Ages. Pont-l'Eveque and
Muenster were invented around 1000 AD in France and Germany,
respectively. Wood shipping boxes came into use in the 1800s,
finally allowing these cheeses to be shipped for enjoyment throughout the
world.
Soft, washed-rind cheeses are served in a variety of ways. Wine and
herb breads are traditional stand-bys, although beer is also a suitable
accompaniment, its bitterness complementing the strength of the
cheese. Some types are used in cooking as well, over potatoes or in
egg dishes. On a cheese board, they will not go unnoticed.
Gourmands appreciate subtle nuances of flavor beyond the initial powerful
scent; in fact, some of these cheeses taste much milder than their
pungent aroma would suggest.
Washed-rind Cheese Suppliers
Fromagerie E. Graindorge is
a cheesemaker in Normandy, France with the official AOC designation to
produce the famous regional pont l'eveque and livarot cheeses.
(In French).
Isigny Ste. Mere is
an AOC producer and distributor of French cheeses including livarot and
pont l'eveque.