Wednesday, June 2, 2010

A French Musketer - The Brie Cheese

By Janos Vulman

Like Camembert, Brie is from cow's milk as well. Soft and ammonia hinted. I recommend for daily consumption this healthy cheese? Why? Let's see.

Near to Paris Brie de Meaux is the home of Brie Cheese. The ingredient is unpasteurized whole or semi-skimmed milk. Heat treatment is on 98.6 F. During the production they use "pelle brie" which is a perforated ladle. Then farmers salt it with an especially dry salt. Final product's fat content is about 45% which should be consumed within 8 weeks otherwise cheese lover can be sick.

Be careful when you buy Brie anywhere in the world because only two of them can use officially its name.

Called "King of Cheeses", Brie de Meaux (have been produced more than 1200 years) and Brie de Melun.

Brie de Meaux ("Le Roi des Fromages") has the sweetness one would expect from a top world's cheese. Brie de Meaux delivers a very soft combination of hazelnut and fruit aromas. Small dairies have taken over production Brie de Melun while preserving the old farm traditions of production and ripening.

As I mentioned there are lots of Bries. You can find on the market double and triple Bries too, which ingredients are different milk types. (Brie de Nangis)

Recommended for storing is an aerated, cool and dark place. If you started to consume but not finished then cover it a damp cloth. Anyway your fridge is the best place and a parchment paper.

The older the brie cheese the stronger the richness. Brie has a delicious, creamy center that delights cheese fans around the world. It also has a less tasty but edible rind.

Best to consume on room temperature. Before serving take off your refrigerator. After slicing eat with fruit or put it into a sandwich. Country bread is highly suggested. But in alone is fine as well.

As a part of a simple but demanding dining Brie can be paired with alcoholic beverages. Brie is a perfect match with Champagne. A red Bordeaux (Ch. Coufran Haut-Medoc) or Bourgogne is an excellent choice as well.

Compliment with a very creamy cheese Brie de Nangis with a dry white. Our suggestion: Kiwi Cuvee Sauvignon Blanc

The better your cheese, the better your entertainment. Have some fine moments!

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