When it comes to cheesy Valentine’s Day gifts, you can’t beat a heart-shaped cheese. And this traditional French cheese is as good as it gets. Read on to learn why Neufchâtel is shaped like a heart.
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Is Neufchâtel France’s oldest cheese?
Neufchâtel is a heart-shaped soft, white mould cheese from Normandie in the north of France. Actually, it is the oldest known cheese from the region with earliest mentions dating back to the year 1035.
Yes, that’s right! Neufchâtel is older than Camembert, Pont-l’Évêque and Livarot. Interestingly though, it was initially made in a round shape. As a matter of fact, this raw milk beauty draws its name from the small town where it was first made, Neufchâtel-en-Bray.
Why is Neufchâtel shaped like a heart?
During the Hundred Years’ War (late 1300’s), the locals started to fraternise with English soldiers. As the story goes, young Normande girls would offer a heart-shaped Neufchâtel cheese to soldiers they fancied. And, as they say, the rest is history.
Fast forward to present times and Neufchâtel now bears an AOP stamp of protection. Indeed, the AOP restricts its production to a 30km radius around Neufchâtel-en-Bray. Moreover, the milk has to come predominantly from Normande cows that are pasture-fed for a minimum of 6 months per year.
What does Neufchâtel taste like?
A young Neufchâtel is ready to eat at around 2 weeks of maturation. At that age, it has a smooth white mould rind and a firm, but creamy paste. On the palate, its flavour is fresh and creamy, with lasting savoury notes.
Have you eaten Neufchâtel before? Drop me a comment below.
Cheese lover. Scientist. Created a website and a Youtube channel about cheese science because he could not find answers to his questions online.
