What are some french cheeses?

French Cheeses: A Diverse and Delicious World

French cheeses are a staple of French cuisine, and there are hundreds of varieties to explore, each with unique characteristics and flavors. Here are some of the most famous and popular types:

Soft & Creamy:

* Brie: Creamy, mild, and buttery, with a bloomy rind.

* Camembert: Similar to Brie but stronger in flavor and with a more pronounced rind.

* Chèvre: Goat cheese, ranging from mild and fresh to tangy and pungent.

* Bûcheron: A type of goat cheese shaped like a log.

* Saint-Marcellin: A small, creamy, and slightly tangy cheese.

Hard & Cheesy:

* Comte: A nutty and fruity cheese with a smooth texture.

* Emmental: Known for its large holes, it has a mild, slightly sweet flavor.

* Gruyère: A slightly sharper and more complex flavor than Emmental, often used in fondue.

* Cantal: A firm, nutty cheese with a slightly fruity aroma.

* Reblochon: A washed-rind cheese with a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor.

Blue & Funky:

* Roquefort: A pungent, blue cheese with a strong flavor.

* Fourme d'Ambert: Another blue cheese, similar to Roquefort but with a milder flavor.

* Bleu d'Auvergne: A creamy blue cheese with a more delicate flavor.

Other Notable Cheeses:

* Mimolette: A hard, orange cheese with a nutty flavor.

* Morbier: A semi-soft cheese with a distinctive black ash layer.

* Munster: A washed-rind cheese with a pungent aroma and a creamy texture.

* Pélardon: A small, goat cheese with a tangy flavor.

* Tomme de Savoie: A semi-hard cheese with a nutty flavor.

This is just a small sample of the vast world of French cheeses. There are countless other varieties to discover, from the classic to the unusual.

Tips for Exploring French Cheeses:

* Visit a fromagerie (cheese shop) for expert recommendations.

* Start with milder cheeses and gradually explore stronger flavors.

* Pair cheeses with wine, bread, and fruit for a complete sensory experience.

* Learn about the different regions of France and their cheese specialties.

Bon appétit!