Why are Camembert and Roquefort cheeses flavorful?

Camembert and Roquefort cheeses are flavorful for different reasons, but both involve the magic of bacteria and mold:

Camembert:

* Surface Ripening: Camembert is a surface-ripened cheese. This means that the flavorful bacteria and mold grow on the outside of the cheese. The white fuzz you see is actually a type of Penicillium candidum mold, which breaks down the cheese's proteins and fats, creating a creamy, buttery, and slightly mushroomy flavor.

* High Fat Content: Camembert has a high fat content (around 30%), which contributes to its rich, creamy texture and contributes to the development of complex flavor compounds.

* Washing: During production, Camembert is washed with brine or salt water, which encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria, contributing to the development of its unique flavor profile.

Roquefort:

* Blue Mold: Roquefort is a blue-veined cheese, meaning it is inoculated with Penicillium Roqueforti mold. This mold grows throughout the cheese, creating its signature blue veins. The mold produces enzymes that break down the cheese's fats, giving Roquefort its characteristic sharp, pungent, and salty flavor.

* Caves: Roquefort is aged in special caves in the Roquefort region of France. These caves have unique conditions - high humidity, cool temperatures, and air currents – that are ideal for the growth of the Penicillium Roqueforti mold. The caves contribute to the development of the cheese's distinct, earthy, and slightly spicy flavor.

In short, the flavorful nature of Camembert and Roquefort comes from a combination of:

* Microorganisms: Specifically, the different types of mold (Penicillium candidum for Camembert and Penicillium Roqueforti for Roquefort) that break down the cheese's components and create unique flavor profiles.

* Production Methods: The washing process for Camembert and the aging in caves for Roquefort contribute to the development of their distinct flavors.

* Fat Content: The high fat content in Camembert contributes to its rich, creamy texture and flavor.