France’s love affair with cheese dates back centuries, long before the United States even existed. Imagine monks in the 7th century crafting the very first Brie! Today, the array of cheeses available in France is simply astounding, from the intensely nutty and fruity Mimolette to the melty, baked goodness of Mont d’Or.
Stepping Into a Cheese Museum: A Parisian Fromagerie Experience
Walking into a fromagerie in Paris can be a bit overwhelming for even the most seasoned cheese enthusiast. Think of it like entering a cheese museum! The sheer variety of French cheeses, many of which are not found in the United States, can be a sensory overload. However, the friendly shopkeepers are eager to guide you through this cheese wonderland.
French cheese often tastes different than its American counterpart, due to the use of unpasteurized milk. American cheese is typically made with pasteurized milk, which eliminates harmful bacteria but also removes some beneficial bacteria that contribute to flavor. This is why a traditional Brie, made with raw milk in France, has a deeper, more complex flavor, reminiscent of roasted brussels sprouts or broccoli-cheese soup.
Embrace the Unexpected: A Cheese Adventure Awaits
Don’t be afraid to venture beyond your comfort zone when exploring Parisian cheeses. While you might be accustomed to blue cheese only in the form of Roquefort, many French cheeses feature a touch of blue mold. Rochebaron, a creamy round cheese with a light ash crust, is a perfect example. The mold is harmless and adds a peppery kick, similar to arugula.
Raw milk cheeses can have a more pronounced, sometimes “barnyard-like” aroma and taste, compared to their pasteurized counterparts. This is not a flaw; it’s part of the cheese’s unique character! Don’t be afraid to try something new, even if it seems a little different at first. Your palate might surprise you.
Unearthing Hidden Treasures: Unveiling French Cheese Secrets
Cheese enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover unpasteurized versions of Reblochon and Saint-Marcellin in Paris, cheeses not readily available in the United States. However, don’t overlook familiar cheese varieties labeled “lait cru” (raw milk), as they will offer a whole new dimension of flavor.
Look for the word “fermier” on cheese labels, which indicates farmstead cheese. This means the cheese is made exclusively with milk from animals raised on the same farm. Both raw milk and farmstead cheeses tend to have more diverse and expressive flavors, reflecting the unique environment they were created in.
France offers a variety of animal milks, each lending distinct qualities to the cheese. De chevre signifies goat’s milk, resulting in a tangy and mineral-rich flavor. De vache refers to cow’s milk, offering familiar flavors with an added depth and richness. De brebis, made with sheep’s milk, is known for its richness and gamey notes.
Cheese, like produce, has a seasonal rhythm. In the spring, goat cheeses, bursting with fresh flavor, are at their peak. During the winter, cows transition from a grass diet to hay, producing milk with higher fat and protein content, leading to seasonal variations in cheese recipes.
Your Parisian Cheese Journey Begins Here: Top Fromageries
Paris is brimming with exceptional fromageries, each offering a unique selection of cheeses and a welcoming atmosphere. Here are five of the best to begin your cheese exploration:
- Androuet: A pioneer in modern cheese shops, Androuet boasts seven locations throughout Paris. Their vast selection extends beyond cheese, including cornichons, jams, crackers, and wine.
- Barthélémy: Nicole Barthélémy’s shop, renowned for its uncommon cheese offerings, including Cathare, a charcoal-covered goat’s milk cheese, is a favorite among cheese lovers.
- Fromagerie Laurent Dubois: With multiple chic locations, Laurent Dubois offers a diverse cheese selection and a sophisticated ambiance.
- Chez Virginie: Virginie Boularouah’s two shops near Sacre Coeur showcase a staggering 150 varieties of raw milk cheeses.
- Taka & Vermo: Co-owner Laure Takahashi infuses Japanese flavors into her cheese creations, offering unique combinations like goat cheese topped with confit yuzu and Gruyère with cardamom-y woodruff leaves.
Remember the golden rule: Look, don’t touch. Treat the cheese displays as works of art.
The friendly staff at these fromageries are happy to recommend cheeses and help you navigate the options. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, express your preferences, and share your cheese adventures!
From Cheese to Picnics: Completing Your Parisian Cheese Experience
Once you’ve chosen your cheese treasures, pick up some crackers or a baguette from a nearby boulangerie and head to a caviste (wine shop) for a complementary beverage. Many wine shops also offer non-alcoholic options like pressed juices, kombucha, and alcohol-free beer.
Paris offers a multitude of picturesque picnic spots, from the banks of the Seine to the tranquil Canal Saint-Martin and the iconic Champ-de-Mars with its breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower. Enjoy your cheese feast amidst the Parisian charm!
